Charlotte Pop Fest 2008 Price: $15.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Self-Released Description: Congrats to festival organizer/artist James Deem!  July 4 & 5, 2008 marked the first Charlotte Pop Fest!  Early reports are that it was a rousing success - enough so that looks like it will happen again in 2009!  The festival featured many artists... ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Friends With Benefits: A Compilation Fighting Cystic Fibrosis Price: $11.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: self-released Description: 16 bands from the Twin Cities area coming together for a good cause (and delivering some fine music in the process)! In the early months of 2005, after Minor 7 recording studio opened its downtown Minneapolis doors, its founders realized the best way to show off their new studio toys was to pimp some product. Problem was, they hadn't recorded anyone yet. The genius of their solution - to offer free recording time to any band willing to devote one unreleased track to this CD - is twofold. First, no group in their right mind will turn down free studio time, a fact that rewarded the producers the pick of the Twin Cities crop. Second, because the same engineers recorded each of the album's tracks in the same studio, the disc has a consistency of sound and flow all too rare in compilations. And, while the music on this disc demonstrates a wide array of styles and provides a musical "snapshot" of bands currently treading the boards, it does feature tracks from artists certainly familiar to pop fans - Heavy Sleeper, The Idle Hands, The Hang Ups, Autumn Leaves and Romantica. All proceeds from the sale of this nicely-priced CD go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! EXCELLENT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down: A Tribute To Kris Kristofferson Price: $12.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Jackpine Social Club Records Description: Kris Kristofferson's musical legacy is a writer whose songs were recorded by dozens of artists, but as a performer, was something of an acquired taste with his gruff, semi-spoken singing style. But none of that changes the fact that at his peak, he was one of the very finest songwriters to ever emerge from Nashville, possessing a literate intelligence that never slipped into pretension and a masterful feel for character and detail. While his songbook would seem perfectly suited for a tribute from a roster of alt-country all-stars, this very cool tribute from 2002 takes a more ambitious approach, mixing electronic and indie rock artists in with a bunch of top-shelf roots rockers. Many of the tracks that appear here were originally recorded when the songwriter was young and hungry, but their melodies and ideas easily accept and absorb the contemporary treatments they receive. "While Polara and Oranger hardly offer a purist's approach to the songs, their contributions prove how malleable the material really is (and that his melodies are just as strong as his lyrics). In short, hipsters who don't know Kristofferson's work as a songwriter (or longtime fans keen on hearing new interpretations) are advised to check this out pronto." - All Music Guide "Oranger’s 'Casey’s Last Ride' blends surf guitar licks, sitar riffs and shimmering keyboards to create the same sort of swirling sound Brit-pop bands like Kula Shaker and Cornershop popularized in the ‘90s. Tom Heyman’s jazz-stoked cover of 'Sugar Man' snaps back and forth on the same acoustic guitar part Kristofferson built into the original. Paul Burch’s 'The Pilgrim (Chapter 33)' retains the earlier version’s rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Chuck Prophet’s 'Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)' sounds just as simple and fragile and clean as its model. The most successful tracks are the ones that sound darkest. John Doe’s take on 'Me and Bobby McGee' resembles a dirge. He allows his voice to float above the thick, melancholy rhythms of guitar and the drip-drop beats of drums. Keeping the pace slow and the arrangement simple, he creates an intensely stark sound. Remaking masterpieces always entails risk. More often than not, though, the songs collected here reveal an understanding of and reverence for the traits that made the songs so strong in the first place. Because of this, the album succeeds as both a tribute and a work of art." - PopMatters.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Trampoline Records Greatest Hits Vol. 1 Price: $9.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Trampoline Records Description: This Pete Yorn-owned (along with Rami Jaffee of The Wallflowers and Marc Dauer of Jukebox Junkies) label sampler from 2002 is chock full of roots and pop performances (mostly exclusives) led by the likes of Peter Himmelman, Pete Droge, Ethan Johns, Gingersol, Minibar, The Minus 5, Jakob Dylan + many more! There are some real gems here by some of the best new artists on the scene at that time! "Peter Himmelman, the Minus 5, Pete Droge, and Pete Yorn are the names you're probably familiar with, but the other 14 artists on this inaugural compilation from Yorn's custom label sound very familiar. Maybe because Yorn and his co-owners (including one of the Wallflowers) fill their roster with bands and singer/songwriters that frolic in the same song-driven fields. Which means it's all very pleasant. Acoustic guitars, alt-country leanings, and overly earnest sentiments are the main ingredients." - All Music Guide "In a world where corporate conglomerates pollute our airwaves with mind numbing noise I wouldn't even call music, Trampoline Records is a breath of fresh air. The label is clearly a labor of love for founders Yorn, Jaffe and Dauer. It's all very, very good. An eclectic collection, so incredibly well produced it's a cohesive whole. " - Clever Girl "There's an impressive, quality flow to the songs here. Nary a bad tune on it. It is eminently listenable, front to back, and highly recomended." - FuelFriendsblog EXCELLENT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Divided By A Common Language: A Collection of UK Americana Price: $9.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Clubhouse Records Description: This nicely priced collection from Clubhouse Records features 15 of the best UK based Americana acts on the UK circuit today including Alan Tyler (of the Rockingbirds), Redlands Palomino Company, Two Finders of Firewater, The Cedars, The Hi and Lo, Southern Tennant Folk Union and The Dreaming Spires looks set to do for British Americana what C86 did for indiepop. "Well worth checking out for fans of homegrown country and roots music or people just starting to dip their toe in. Highlights include Southern Tenant Folk Union and Mat Gibson but there's not a weak track on this excellent collection." - The Sentinel "A nice snapshot of the UK's thriving Americana scene that offers proof that Americana is a state of mind more than a geographical concern comes with this mighty fine compilation ****" - The Sun "On this showing, UK Americana is mostly a big country-rock band; with The Snakes, Two Fingers of Firewater, Mat Gibson and the Fallen Hearts and The Redlands Palomino Company do little more than re-tread the paths taken years ago by The Rockingbirds, but without the warm kindness of Alan Tyler’s voice. Tyler’s track (and it is very right that there is one) here is nice enough, and the vocal enthusiasm of Sparkwood & 21 is a grand reminder of why country rock ain't a bad thing." - Americana-UK.co EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Close To The Hedge Price: $14.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Pink Hedgehog Records Description: LIMITED STOCK!! A collection of new and/or previously unreleased songs donated by the artists and friends of Pink Hedgehog Records. Present here is a wealth of poptastic treats to savour and enjoy like a delicious summer pudding; some by artists you already know and love, plus some that may be new to your discerning ears. Long-time supporters of the label will be excited to hear brand new songs from Peter Lacey and Garfields Birthday, a new recording of an Anton Barbeau classic featuring Robbie McIntosh (The Pretenders) on guitar, alongside unreleased gems from Cheese, The Lucky Bishops, Hamfatter, Eye and Electrasy, plus songs by artists that you wish you had discovered a long time ago, just so you could have been enjoying their music that much longer! The complete list of artists appearing: Anton Barbeau • The Bitter Little Cider Apples • the black watch • Cheese • Des'n'Al • Electrasy • Eye • Freak Circus • Chandler Fredrick • Garfields Birthday • Hallelujah Bay • Hamfatter • Stephen John Kalinich • Peter Lacey • The Lucky Bishops • Mondo Jet Set • Schnauser • Triops • Steve Wilson • YO MA MA If you're not already familiar with this very cool label outta England, then 1) you should be and, 2) this makes for a terrific introduction! GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Record Cellar Town And Country 1989-2006 Price: $20.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Record Cellar Records Description: LIMITED STOCK!! A very cool, specially-priced, three disc, 50-song, 2006 retrospective of this long-running, now defunct, roots-leaning label outta Philly. Features 10 previously unreleased tracks, including some from Buzz Zeemer, Napalm Sunday, Chet Delcampo, Frog Holler, Gas Money, and Steve Yutzy-Burkey of One Star Hotel! Lovingly assembled by head honcho (and friend) Neil Drucker! "I started the label in order to support a band called Flight Of Mavis. I believed in the artist and the songs. There was no formal plan, just a passion to champion something that was becoming too difficult to ignore. It was always triggered by great songs from talented Philadelphia-area artists" - Neil recalls. And a great job you did! Artists like Frank Brown (of Buzz Zeemer, Solid For Sixty and Flight Of Mavis), Emily Valentine, John Train, Frog Holler, Chet Delcampo, and Richard Kauffman have combined to release 21 titles for the label prior to this one! This collection serves as both a comprehensive overview and a fond farewell to one of Philly's coolest indies! EXCELLENT!!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Reds Strike The Blues: A Tribute To The Redskins Price: $18.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Red Star Recordings Description: The Redskins combined punk anger and soulful class. They wanted to “sound like the Supremes and walk like The Clash”.  And they made a shedload of great records. "The Yell Leaders' driving delivery of 'It Can Be Done', and again with The Grooveblaster offering a soulful rendition of 'The Power Is Yours'.  Ned Ludd‘s traditional approach to 'Names Were Named', the Basque country‘s Negu Gorriak's dynamic horn-driven version of 'Sindikatua (Unionise)', The Old Bailey with a hard edged acoustic and fiddle attack on 'You Want it? They've Got It!'. Maninblack with a Hammond-driven version of 'Take No Heroes' and their distinctive style on 'Bring It Down', Red Square and Andre Schlesinger delivering a hard guitar version of 'Lev Bronstein', an approach also adopted by The Smashcasters on 'The Crack', and a thundering mix with Redskins meet The Groove blaster and 'A Plateful of Hatful'" - SohoStrut.com  "If one band deserves a tribute it´s the Redskins as they were a wicked band in the 80´s. There´s some wicked tributes on here by the likes of Rinaldi Sings (covering 'Hold On'), Peasant Army, and The Three Johns.  18 tracks in all with ace songs like ´Red Strikes The Blues´, ´Keep On Keepin´ On´ and ´Unionize´ covered.  Production and packaging is second to none.  Some great sleeve notes on here too!" - PunkGlobe.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Canine Classics Volume 1 (book + CD) Price: $18.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Caninica Productions Description: RUBINOOS ALERT!!! The music was produced by noted San Francisco band leader Dick Bright along with Tommy Dunbar of power pop legends The Rubinoos. They recruited some of the Bay Area's top vocal talent (including Jon Rubin of The Riubinoos) to create a sound that will make it a favorite of dog lovers everywhere! Three time Grammy® Award winning Art Director Hugh Brown has created a unique package that includes an “album cover” photo for each song. The 28 page, full color casebound book and CD, contains 11 time tested hit songs with new, humorous doggie lyrics. “SPCA” (to the tune of “YMCA”), “Walk Like A Dalmatian,” “Labradoodle Dandy,” plus 8 more, are sure to get your tail wagging! Put these photogenic pooch pictures alongside the lyrics and you've got a grrrrrr-eat Book/CD combo! "Remember those songs that once you hear them you simply cannot get them out of your head? Well they're back, but this time the catchy tunes all feature wonderful doggy Lyrics. Great pictures that will make you smile are also included in the beautifully bound book that comes with the CD. Something to enjoy and get the 'doggy party' going!" - SimplyDogsandCats.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Baypop 2002 Price: $6.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Footsie Records Description: A very cool 17 track collection, including a live Chris von Sneidern exclusive, that features a whole host of poppers who graced the Baypop Festival stage in 2002. Artists present here include The Happy Regrets, The Orange Peels, The Maydays, John Moreman, Brad Brooks, Chocolate Watchband, Baby Grand, The Sleaves, The Vaticans, Sonic Love Affair, The Cuts, The Ghosts, The Spinning Jennies, and lmore! "Dyed-in-the-wool melody makers such as Chris Von Sneidern and Allen Clapp of the Orange Peels represent '90s power pop; Oakland's Cuts flaunt their arch glam roots; and the Spinning Jennies happily wallow in a punchy, candy-coated world of '60s-style psych. Count on Sacramento's Baby Grand and San Francisco's Junior Panthers to bring the wistful harmonies and Rickenbacker jangle. And don't forget to get menaced by the latest masked garage rockers, the Ghosts – death is a laughing matter for these S.F. ghouls, and lead singer Grim Horror-Again and company have even less concern for your sanity once Heat Deader's screaming Farfisa is done with you." - SFBG.com Think IPO, only San Francisco-centric! Great music! Great price too! Too great to pass up! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none