Various Artists KCRW: Sounds Eclectic 3

There is a great little public access radio station in Santa Monica, CA. (Call letters: KCRW / 89.9 FM) that hosts a show called Morning Becomes Eclectic and which is part of Santa Monica College circuit. This freeform program plays home to some of the more obscure bands in rockdom allowing for small stage performances from many musical artists. The allure is in their live renditions with familiar songs being recorded to 2-track DAT or ProTools and, in many cases, replayed on the weekly syndicated program of the same name.

What’s great about this album of collected performances is that all proceeds from the sales of this CD flow back into KCRW’s coffers. But even more fantastic is that this collection of performances is unique in that they are recorded output not found elsewhere. Many of the performances on this CD are well carried out. Those that enjoy rare collected output form obscure bands like The Flaming Lips (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots); Paul Weller (ex of The Jam / Style Council); Interpol (Bright Lights and the new Antics); and Radiohead, will be quite happy with the music found on this single disc.

There is a surprisingly well-produced “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt 1” found on the second track; the Beatle-esque “It’s the Sun” by the “some get it, some don’t” group known as Polyphonic Spree, whose top-notch recording here is indicative of a drug addled, psychedelic time passed; “Amongst Butterflies” from a strained-voiced Paul Weller; a perfect play of “Untitled” by Interpol; and an energetic “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand. There are also tracks by Radiohead, Jem, My Morning Jacket (whom I have not heard of until now and will be a band that I seek out) as well as tracks by Sarah McLachlan, Steve Earle, Damien Rice w/ the extraordinary “The Blower’s Daughter”, Iron & Wine, and Kinky.

There are 13 tracks in all, everyone a diamond. Released by Palm Pictures, a label from Chris Blackwell (Island Records), this collection is a testament to the efficacy of great radio, a format that has a thermometer in its ear and a weakening pulse where creativity is concerned. This album comes highly recommended. Fans of the mentioned bands will have to trust us on this one.