Various Artists - Yes New York
(Vice)
Yes New York compiles two year old songs from 16 New York City bands in celebration of The Strokes' modern rock radio success. So, for those Strokes fans who don't have access to college radio or the internet, this compilation might be a great introduction to a handful of other bands they might also like. However, for people who already know what Calla sounds like, who already know what Interpol sounds like, and who could care less what Longwave sounds like, this compilation is pointless. Fourteen songs you've either heard too many times before ("NYC" by Interpol, "Strangler" by Calla) or don't care to hear in the first place ("Deceptacon" by Le Tigre, "Next Plateau" by Longwave) are bookended by two exclusive recordings. The first is a mediocre live version of "New York City Cops," recorded in Iceland. The song sounds like it was recorded in a festival, as there's no intimacy or power to the delivery; it just sounds rushed. And considering how dependent bands like Interpol and the Strokes are on having the production just so, such a setting is, of course, rather less than ideal. The other exclusive song is an acoustic recording by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs under the name Unitard. While there is something quite enjoyable about Karen O's cocksure delivery and persona, putting the band in an acoustic setting where Karen must come off as sweet and syrupy completely destroys the formula and reveals them as being mediocre musicians. Thus, Yes New York is only slightly more enlightening than MTV's "All Things Rock" countdown. The Rapture and Ted Leo might get a few more hits, but this compilation really is just a rock version of Now That's What I Call Music, which makes the title's reference to the historic No New York compilation borderline offensive. While No New York deconstructed punk music in reaction to the three-chord punk of the UK, Yes New York is mostly a third or fourth generation re-embracing of the three chords. While No New York focused on four important artists so the listener could get a real feel for each band, with Brian Eno producing the entire record, Yes New York is a collection old album tracks from both popular bands and bands who otherwise wouldn't see the light of day. Unless you are insanely interested in current NYC punk and haven't even heard Interpol yet, don't waste your time here. Gets a bonus point for donating some proceeds to charity.
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