Eastpak Antidote Tour Compilation 2005, Various Artists
Most compilations have a common thread that connects them - but this is an odd one. Fetauring the bands on this years Eastpak Antidote Tour, this 24 track CD then has a whole stack of random bands tossed on for good measure. That doesn't make this disc any less good - after all there are some real standouts here - but it just ruins the flow a little. I mean any compilation with the likes of Strike Anywhere and No Use For A Name is bound to be a winner. And as the first half of this CD proves, there are plenty of cracking tracks. '100k' by The Loved Ones is a little gem, as is 'Buy American Machines' by the hotly tipped Emanuel. Then we get on to the aforementioned NUFAN and Strike Anywhere, two bands that should be amongst your CD collection.
There are also choice live cuts from Flogging Molly and Randy throw in a pretty good track too. Vanilla Sky and MxPx keep up the pop-punk quota, while Gogol Bordello and Bedouin Soundclash prove the diversity, which is very impressive. My Awesome Compilation also seemingly pop-up out of nowhere with the fantastic 'Put Up A Fight'. But then there are a few dodgier tracks from bands that I hadn't heard of before. If they're on the tour in Europe, then I apologise, but Dead Fish and No Children fail to excite, while Ephen Rian and The Real McKenzies do little to float my boat either. This is by no means bad, just a little bit odd. If you have some pennies spare, then support this release. But I'd hardly classify it as essential listening.
Side One Dummy
Paul
