Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

  This is an excellent compilation and an introduction to a pile of fine American albums that are worth investigating.  Generally these are up and coming acts with the exception of The Galactic Cowboys and Ty Tabor’s contribution surprisingly poppy number “The Truth” and stylistically, you get all sorts.  A bit of ska from the wonderful Big Dog Small Fence and the more quirky Tasty Snax; some straight ahead rock’n’roll from The Kreepdowns and elsewhere a Beatles pastiche.  Highlights for me were the biting commentary on the rap track “Speak To the Hand” from Lakita.  Just stunning, which makes me want to check out the full album.  I’ve already done that with Chris Taylor’s ‘Down Goes The Day’ album and previously raved about it.  There’s one song here from that stunning debut for you to sample.  The compilation closes with K2S’s plaintive soulful rap “After The Rain” from their brilliant newie reviewed elsewhere and worth getting.  This is an excellent album in its own right and a gateway to plenty of other tasty releases.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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