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Various
Artists: Sounds Eclectic 3
KCRW is the flagship station of National Public Radio (NPR) in Southern California. It remains a beacon for intelligent music programming, boasting Morning Becomes Eclectic (MBE), a live broadcast that puts every Clear Channel pod to shame, with unmatched influence and credibility. The best live performances and rare outtakes from MBE are then released on the Sounds Eclectic series. This third album gathers the noisemakers and taste sensations of 2004, though some of the performances were recorded well before the artist garnered national attention. Most of the tracks on Sounds Eclectic 3 are compelling acoustic versions of songs we fell in love with last year. The disc opens with the Polyphonic Spree, turning in a loud and direct performance of Its The Sun. MBE is a morning show, so opening with this sunny number seems appropriate, but it should be skipped after a few listens, since the Spree pall very quickly. The Flaming Lips, electronic surrealists par excellence, turn in a beautifully simplified version of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Wayne Coyne seems more in need of Yoshimis rescue than ever. Sadly, Rices voice on The Blowers Daughter is too hushed and lackluster to do justice to his own beautiful work. Jem and Paul Weller both sound perfectly at ease on their respective tracks, and Go to Sleep by Radiohead is a delight. To hear a band so reliant on studio tricks make the same sounds in an acoustic environment lightens the normally mordant tone of their work. My Morning Jacket, a hotly contested band of critics, turns in a performance that this reviewer didnt care for, but on a compilation, its sure to appeal to someone. It is perhaps the loudest track on the record, except for Interpols Untitled, which sounds wonderfully dark. Franz Ferdinands Take Me Out is a great inclusion for those who love the song, but refuse to buy the album and contribute to the perceived Brit-pop revival. Sarah McLachlans hushed and gorgeous Answer seems the most natural acoustic piece on the album, perhaps because she so often works with just her piano. The best tracks of Sounds Eclectic 3 come last. Iron & Wine turns in a breathtaking rendition of the Flaming Lips Waitin for a Superman, and Steve Earles Jerusalem is an optimistic end to the album. For fans of independent radio, any of the included bands, or even fans of the pre-arranged mix tape, this album would be a great addition to a collection.
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