22 Songs from 11 different artists. Each artist contribution is one song previously released and another song not released elsewhere.

As a whole, this album is a good introduction to the bands that Saddle Creek has in the stable. More amazing, Saddle Creek is based out of Omaha, Nebraska. Before getting the Bright Eyes CD, the only thing I knew that came out of Omaha were the steaks my boss gives as Christmas presents.

Two songs apiece is a hard thing to hang a review on.

Nothing on this compilation sucks. Most of it is honestly stuff I have never heard before. Which, I guess is kind of the point. Saddle Creek is not only celebrating its 50th release, but giving the rest of us a chance to play catch up. Chances are, with 22 songs, there is something on here for every taste. If you don't like something, just skip ahead.

More than anything, Saddle Creek deserves some recognition. It takes a lot of faith, guts and grit to start your own record company in the middle of the U.S. Even more, Saddle Creek so far has managed to tap into talent. Guts and Vision.

The Faint: trip hop/rock/house music/Casio keyboard in the bedroom. Like the old commercial says, "Turn it Up, Dude."

Now It's Overhead: Didn't grab me, but maybe it will you.

Rilo Kiley: Crunchy Alternative Pop Music. Think Lisa Loeb standing too close to the amps, minus the corrupting influence of being included on the Reality Bites soundtrack. I really dug this.

Cursive: Their first song is standard stare at the floor stuff, the second one sounds like an electronic sandbox.

Son, Ambulance: Somewhat sprawling, messy songs. I get what they are going for here, but can't quite go all the way. Maybe next time.

Article Author: Chris Cotner

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