"Compilation Reviews"

by Al Slavicsky

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Hound Dog Taylor -- A Tribute

Alligator Records
Few people outside the blues world know the impact that Theodore Roosevelt "Hound Dog" Taylor had on the blues world. This compilation CD highlights some of the best musicians in the world today paying homage to the late, great blues master. Boy, does this release have a who's who of blues! Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Michael Hill's Blues Mob, Elvin Bishop, Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Dave Hole, Gov't Mule, Vernon Reid with Alvin Youngblood Hart, Sonny Landreth, Son Seals, Cub Koda, Magic Slim, Ronnie Earl, Luther Allison, and George Thorogood make contributions to this CD. "Hound Dog" Taylor died of cancer in 1975, left us with four albums and two singles, and his musical legend lives on.


Godmoney Soundtrack Sampler -- 3 For Free

V2 Records
Three songs from the Godmoney soundtrack and not a dud here. The Descendents do "Lucky" in the All-ish type power pop punk way that makes you wanna pogo the night away. MxPx's song "Doing Time" is snotty Northwestern punk with a straight edge positive vibe to it. Moves into the force field of sound in a positive manner. Last but not least is Strife's "Untitled," which shocks the hell out of you, for it is unbelievably aggressive in nature. Could Strife be the bastard spawn of Helmet and Pantera while remaining straight edge? If the other 19 tracks are this good, you will definitely get more bang for your buck.


NOTE: Due to space constraints, the following reviews were not included in the print edition of GEOFF WILBUR'S RENEGADE NEWSLETTER. These reviews are only available here in the online edition.

Big Dirty Beats

Moonshine Music
The cream of the crop of new electronica is digitially enhanced on this new, groovy 5-inch platter. In what is becoming tradition Moonshine Music fashion, the label spawned another blockbuster compilation full of all kinds of trip-hop, hip-hop, house, jungle, trance, and techno sounds flowing at your brain in millions of directions. Eleven phat tracks to smack your head to, including Fatboy Slim's mix of Christopher Just's "I'm a Disco Dancer (and a Sweet Romancer)" which smokes the original away. Add this to music by Dylan Rhymes, Bassbin Twins, The Blood Suckas, Uberzone, Wreckage Inc., Keoki, Bnobo, Dirty Beatniks, Monkey Mafia, and Big Johnson -- you got a party in your pants, so dance, dance, dance.


Skunk Records Sampler * Spring 1998

Skunk Records
If you must buy one compilation this year, make sure it is this one. A great sampling of what is happening within the Skunk Records camp. Contains such vital tracks as "Raw Footage" by Marshall Arts Music featuring Sin & Greedy -- excellent neo-hip-hop, the '60s influenced garage-surf of Del Noah & the Mt. Ararat Finks on "Theme From `The Big Payroll Caper'" and "Hole Shot," the funky ska beats of Fillibuster on "Seems Like..." and "Blunt," the late 1980s vintage classic punk of the Falling Idols on "Rising" and "Trouble at the Cup," the rasta metallic punk dub for stoners of Slightly Stoopid on "Mr. Music" and "Johnny Law," Corndoggie Dog and the 1/2 Lb. covering the Falling Idols' "War on the Blvd." and a parody of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" called "Dan T. Man," and two new tracks from The Ziggens. Add two unlisted track by the Long Beach Dub All-Star and The Lords of Brooklyn; you've got an instant party classic.


Basslines

Moonshine Music
Dubbed "Speed Garage," this release presents some of the most thumping housebeats and bass riffs in the world today. With 125 beats per minute plus hitting your eardrums -- makes you wanna dance. The selection of tracks are awesome and fresh; includes a hot remix of CJ Bolland's "Sugar Is Sweeter (Armand Van Helden Mix)," a dope remix of Lisa Stansfield's "The Line (Loop Da Loop Gangster House Mix)," a faster mix of Boston DJs' "Move Your Body (DJ Jean & Peran Speed Garage Mix)," plus other upcoming bass artists De'Lacy, Wildcat, Double 99, Urban Funk, Gisele Jackson, Ruff Da Menace, Mr. Nice Guy, and The Dance Federation featuring Ruff Da Menace. Turn up the bass and go bombastic.


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