"Compilation Reviews"
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NOTE: Due to space constraints, the following reviews were not included in the
print edition of the RENEGADE. They are only available here in the online edition.
UL IV-UNIAO LISBOA
This Portugese label's sampler is, for the most part, very bland. Of the five bands
included, only one really caught my attention, and that was Ramp. The two tracks
covered here, "Black Tie" and "So You Say," have a very Metallica-like sound, falling somewhere between the modern "mellowed" Metallica and "Ride the Lighting." As for the other bands, Primitive Reason, Flood, Polo Norte, and Capitao Fantasma, if they were American bands, they'd still be searchin' for a label.
- Shane Copher
NUB RECORDS COMPILATION.1
h5>Nub Records, P.O. Box 5086, Norman, OK 73070
As with most compilations, there is a plethora of music on this tape -- too numerous to cover every minute detail.
However, without slighting anyone in particular, some memorable selections for me include Love Button's quirky "Walk Me," 8 Minutes to Earth's funky "Grandpa Dick," and contributions from the bands Hoot Gipson, Alexander Inmate, and R. Michael Thomas.
There are a couple clunkers, but overall a virtual smorgasbord of what's happening on the indie rock scene.
- Eric Harabadian
IDENTITY 3...D!
Century Media Records
The latest showcase from one of metal's busiest labels. 18 tracks from as many bands, all for about the price of a "fanzine," and a lot more informative.
From Gothic/doom to hardcore/death, this covers the heavy spectrum. Includes Nevermore, Iced Earth, Stuck Mojo, and 15 more. A satisfying sampler.
- Shane Copher
IN THE BE-GUINEA, THERE WAS YIKES!... VOL. 6
Yikes! Records
The famed East Lansing record label puts out yet another comp chock full of surprises, variety and, primarily, pure unadulterated Michigan (and other Midwest) talent.
There is quite a cross-section of music represented, including the urgent power pop of the dt's, 19 Wheels, and Powerface; the funky, horn-induced Domestic Problems; the goofy quirkiness of the Grins and Queue-Up; and the strong melodic sense of Dorothy and Storyville.
Sixteen bands in all. Buy this disc and be the first on your block to say you knew them when.
- Eric Harabadian
HOUSE ON FIRE -- AN URBAN FOLK COLLECTION
Red House Records
A great sampler of Red House Records artists doing mainly acoustic folk music. 17 of their best musicians, including Paul Geremia, Greg Brown, Dave Moore, and more. Most of the material takes a while to get into, but it slowly grows on you. Must be a die hard folk fan to really appreciate.
- Al Slavicsky
VIOLENT WORLD -- A TRIBUTE TO THE MISFITS
Caroline Records
Containing 14 never-before-released Misfits cover tunes. The Misfits were the legendary punk rock band fronted by Glenn Danzig during the late '70s/early '80s. This tribute includes covers via Snapcase, Prong, NOFX, 108, Bouncing Souls, Goldfinger, and more. A blending of various metal, hardcore, east coast punk, west coast punk, and straight edge punk paying homage to The Misfits. Violent, in-your-mo'fo-face music devoted to yesterday's misfits.
- Al Slavicsky
SAYIN BYE, BYE TO LABEL SLAVERY
Bite Me Records, 28018 Easton Rd., Suite 16, Willow Grove, PA 19090
Over 74 minutes of underground sounds ranging from hardcore to punk to experimental music. Highlights the modern day streetwise punk where the music is the main source and not the dollar sign. The bands that outshine on the compact disc include Youth Gone Mad, whose guitars remind me of Psychotica's style, Phyber Boys, with a psychedelic dub in the punk mix, Insomnia's aggressive p.o. hardcore sound, and the violent sounds of US Chaos that roars right in your face. 32 tracks, 15 bands -- real punk from punks.
- Al Slavicsky