With Various Artists compilations currently overwhelming record stores, can we really ever consider them to be any more than a poor-man's greatest hits background record. Are we expecting too much?
With Various Artists compilations currently overwhelming record stores, can we really ever consider them to be any more than a poor-man's greatest hits background record. Are we expecting too much? There are exceptions to the rule - rare glimpses of quality and originality. All Tomorrows Parties 2.0 is truly the exception to the rule.
Like its predecessor 'All Tomorrow's Parties 1.1', which was curated by Sonic Youth, 2.0 finds Shellac curating the line-up and, as before, running their stamp of quality and taste throughout the record.
Shellac kick us off with 'Watch Song', one of this seminal Hardcore groups best tracks - heavy, angular, purposeful intent.
Bonny Prince Billy hits a high note of eclecticism with the reggae-tinged Americana of 'Early Morning Melody Following this, Nina Nastasia's 'Stormy Weather' is a very beautiful track, it's mournful narrative pleasantly takes you somewhere by the hand.
The Threnody Ensemble track entitled "Groups" Is highly emotive, dark and lively chamber piece and as much 'rock' in its own respective way, Shipping News carry the more 'Traditional Alternative Guitar music' flag well with 'Quiet Victories', as does High Dependency Unit - although their track 'Concentricity' is a more progressive, psychedelic affair.
For all the quality however, There are some notable omissions, bands that made the All Tomorrow's Parties Weekend so memorable -The explosive Melt Banana? Alternative Legends The Breeders?
If you're a fan of Alternative, introspective music, you won't be disappointed with ATP 2.0, if you're not then a little attention will reap many rewards - 2.0 plays out at just over 71 minutes, the majority of them full of quality and diversity.
7 1/2.
Track Listings
1. Watch Song - Shellac
2. Trem Two - Mission Of Burma
3. Early Morning Melody (Unreleased) - Bonnie Prince Billy
4. Stormy Weather - Nina Nastasia
5. Groups (Unreleased) - Threnody Ensemble
6. Concentricity - High Dependency Unit
7. Do Something Right - Arcwelder
8. Two Librans - The Fall
9. Quiet Victories - Shipping News
10. Classic - Do Make Say Think
11. Falling In With Fire (Unreleased) - Rachels
