Various Artists - Keep Left Vol. 1
(Ace Fu)
Keep Left is a compilation to help keep Alternative Radio ("A production service
which offers a weekly public affairs program that is available to all public radio
stations...") running smoothly and on the air. Ace Fu has collected an impressive
amount of songs from a lot of impressive bands, including Negativland, Elliot
Sharp, Kronos Quartet, Olivia Tremor Control, Windy & Carl, Loren Mazzacane
Conners, South, Flowchart, Marlanne Nowottny, Friends of Dean Martinez, Physics,
Trieops Treyfid, Built to Spill, and Pere Ubu.
Windy & Carl's "Through the Portal" is an amazing live recording done at Burnt
Hair, Detroit, MI. Anyone who enjoys the beauty of Windy & Carl will love this
track. Carl's swirling cloud of soothing guitar work is grounded by the steady
foundation of Windy's bass playing. This will be a real treat for anyone who
hasn't had the pleasure of seeing Windy & Carl play live.
Loren Mazzacane Conners' "In My Open Door" is a relaxing 4 minute avant garde
piece with one guitar being played slowly with a little delay at times. With his
combination of simple guitar tones and his masterful use of space, Loren creates a
haunting feeling that will make you want to put the song on repeat. I am not that
familiar with most of his releases (I only own 2), but this has inspired me want to
go out and buy more.
Physics' are a great band from San Diego that combine indie rock with
drone/experimental music. Their 2 CD releases are both great. "Comparison of
Valid Options," starts with a really steady and enjoyable drum beat while
pulsating and oscillating tones from either moog-like keyboards or effects
drenched guitars (or both). The drums continue throughout the whole song, and the
keyboard/guitar drones weave in and out of each other.
The songs I highlighted here are my favorites, but a lot of the others included
are also great. So, go out and buy this wonderful record.
It has some great unreleased songs, and supports a good cause.
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