Sparkle, sparkle. This is definitely one of the better compilations out there, with a generous 18 tracks by a good mix of known and unknown bands. It's actually a re-release of the indie version from last year, with a couple of tracks changed. Most of the inclusions here are odd men out--either unreleased, from a demo, from vinyl, or live--although some album tracks are included also. It's primarily common alternative stuff, with a tiny pinch of ska, punk/alternative, and obnoxious techno. It's all interesting, but best bought in order to hear some of the new bands. The unreleased tracks and demos of established bands are rare for good reason--they're somewhat dull in comparison to the more available material out there. Changes from the indie release: the Soulfood 76 track is unfortunately replaced by a track from August Moon, and the Chris Lizotte song is different.
Not everyone will be attracted to the same songs on Sparkler, Vol. 1, but some interesting ones are by Simple (Tim Taber w/Fold Zandura), Ester Drang (a Starflyer 59 derivative), Bloomsday ("Blush," from their EP), the Israelites (more relaxed, old-school ska), and Champion Birdwatchers. The Birdwatchers' track is the surprise gem on the album, sparkling greater than all the rest with some interesting tones and melodies, understated prog/indie rock(!) musicianship, and original alternative songwriting.
All in all, the fact that this is but Volume 1 should bring smiles to many faces.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #20Reviewed by Derek WalkerWorthwhile compilations are an endangered beast these days. The consumer is usually treated to three or four beneficial tracks by well-known bands and bombarded by filler when it comes to the rest of the album. Sparkler Vol. 1 is not one of those albums. It's a great benefit album, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Shari LloydI'm not a big fan of compilations but this one made me sit up and take notice. It's a mixture of better known and indie bands. What makes it of interest is that it includes what appear to be the original demos of songs by a number of the better known Christian alternative bands -- Dime Store Prophets, Poor Old Lu, and Squad 5.0. It also includes a new song by Soulfood 76 and the vinyl version of…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Joe RockstrohSparkler is an interesting concept, an album of rare and unreleased songs assembled to be sold to benefit the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach. Like most compilation albums, Sparkler has its high points and low points, with a surprisingly greater amount of high points. The third song, by a band called Elysian Skies, sounded exactly like Fold Zandura, right…
