Compilation Central
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
My favorite type of compilation discs are the ones that contain songs I would have no hope of finding, or even knowing the existence of, without its inclusion. I enjoy, every once in a while, listening to music about which I have little to no knowledge, forcing me to “find my feet” while listening to it–often requiring several relistens to get a reasonable grasp. International comps are often the best way to experience this–here are three great ones.
Welsh Rare Beat (Finders Keepers, 2005) (buy) My complete and utter adoration for Super Furry Animals and my complete and utter lack of comprehension of and fascination with the Welsh language made this disc a no-brainer. Collecting an apparent who’s who of the isle’s most prominent and forward-thinking musicians (the disc was partially compiled by SFA’s Gruff Rhys, so one must imagine a good chunk of political content present in the lyrics), the music is a pastiche of styles, from British psychedelic, pastoral folk, prog, Ziggy Stardust glam and good old-fashioned unclassifiable, well, probably Welsh music.
Sidan “Di Enw” (mp3)
Y Tebot Piws “Godro’r Fuwch” (mp3)
Beretta 70: Roaring Themes from Thrilling Italian Police Films (1971-1980) (Crippled Dick Hot Wax, 1998) (buy) Compilations don’t get much more specific than this one, an excellent entrance into the sub-sub genre sure to be the next grime. The music is what you would expect: a healthy dose of stringy orchestration, wah-wah guitars, and hi-hat heaven from American cop films and sitcoms of the era, with a distinctly Mediterranean feel–in other words, great driving music.
Guido & Maurizio De Angelis “Il Cittadino si Ribella (Driving All Around)” (mp3)
Luis Bacalov “Ricatto alla Malla (Summertime Killer)” (mp3)
Can’t Stop It!: Australian Post Punk 1978-82 (Chapter/Corduroy, 2002) (buy) This one is fantastic. I’ve posted two tracks from the bands generally considered to be the “seminal” ones from this disc, The Moodists, who remind me of Magazine and PiL, and The Apartments, who gloriously channel Television Personalities on this track. Essential.
The Moodists “Gone Dead” (mp3)
The Apartments “Help” (mp3)