"Compilation Reviews"
by Al Slavicsky
Sponsored In Part By
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.