Compilation recordings are usually a mixed blessing. By virtue of their collecting multiple artists on a single disc, they can significantly streamline the tedious task of finding first-rate new music. But, by virtue of that same eclecticism, they usually wind up being highly uneven, mostly hit-and-miss affairs. The fifth installment from 5 Minute Walk Records' Take Time to Listen series bills itself as a study in rock. Not surprisingly, given that the definition of rock music at this date is open to as much interpretation as debate, the collection covers a sweeping cross section of musical styles, all fitting loosely under the rock music banner. But, regardless of whether the collection fits the classic definition of rock & roll or not, it nonetheless sports a remarkably impressive array of well-written songs whose diversity, oddly enough, ends up strengthening rather than weakening the album's cohesiveness. Relient K's delightfully infectious punk-pop ditty "Hello McFly," with tongue-in-cheek statements like "I wish I was Michael J. Fox," is a first cousin to Rivulets & Violets' "I Hate You," which exhibits skillful irony by couching the song's disdainful sentiment inside a '60s-era girl group styled love song. Likewise, the surf-party-meets-'60s-spy-thriller sound of the W's' excellent "Somewhere Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" contributes much the same retro quality as John Reuben's acoustic/hip-hop hybrid "No Regrets" which meshes an old school story-telling rap style with psychedelic trappings on the chorus to fine effect. And, the swooping vocals, humorous chorus and semi-trip-hop vibe of Soul Junk's "Ill-M-I" is the perfect foil to Philmore's "Our Finest Hour," a glorious classic rock anthem whose driving drum lines, blistering dual lead guitar riffs and rousing lyrics (We will fight, we will be strong/ Together, we're marching on/ Our finest hour has just begun) sound as if someone resurrected Bad Company, Night Ranger and Stryper and formed a group with their collective members.
Because of their tendency towards unevenness, choosing best-of-album tracks for most compilations is usually fairly straightforward. But, with the unusually consistent line-up of songs on the Volume 5 release, the task becomes a bit more daunting. Even so, certain tracks still stand out from the rest. "Hang You Upside Down," Model Engine's treatise on the mechanics of salvation (underneath the weight of everything we're turning black coals into diamonds/ sifting through remains and picking out the pearls when we find them) continues the group's tradition for writing engagingly dissonant melodies and semi-oblique, but still thought-provoking, lyrical statements. And "Lifeboat" by the Elms is a solid slice of modern power pop replete with tight harmonies, lilting choruses and an ever-mindful eye to tunefulness, that times in, not surprisingly, at just under three and a half minutes. "Space Robot Five" by Brave Saint Saturn, an offshoot of the group Five Iron Frenzy, weaves an infectious combination of folk, rock and even country into a delightful piece of melancholy science fiction that stands in unexpectedly stark contrast to the light-hearted ska-core of the members' work with Five Iron. And Earthsuit pulls off such a seamless fusion of rapcore, reggae and classic big band on "One Time" that the song's unlikely combination of divergent styles seems oddly matter of fact, almost natural, even at first listen. Not all of the album's tracks are as first-rate as those mentioned above. The protracted intro piece of Luna Halo's "Aliens" adds to its already awkwardly constructed lyrical idea of evil thoughts as extra-terrestrials (Contact in my head/ With these Aliens/ Pursuing my control/ How did I Let in/These poison thoughts again). And Five Iron Frenzy's "Solidarity," another perky, horn-filled slice of the band's now familiar ska-core sound, is pleasant enough but mostly undistinguished. In all fairness, these songs are not necessarily bad, per se. But, when compared to the Volume 5 release as a whole, they lack a certain quality that makes the rest of the songs on the work so memorable. Nonetheless, the quality of the compilation overall is surprisingly high. Indeed, Take Time to Listen Volume 5 is a refreshingly different compilation that seems destined to impart a positive first impression and inspire well-rewarded repeat listens.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksThe Take Time To Listen sampler returns with its fifth installment, and once again manages to venture beyond the stable of 5 Minute Walk recording artists. With 14 diverse alternative songs, a $3.99 sticker price, and the profits going to help children in Mexico, you can't go wrong. The album starts with a quirky little introduction from Dr. Mavin, "the smarty pants squirrel scientist," who is…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerI usually make it a point not to review these sampler CDs, but this one is for a good cause. 5 Minute Walk usually sends the money made on their compilations to some kind of missionary, and Take Time To Listen Volume 5 is no exception. The liner notes claim, "Profits from this sampler will be split between the 5 Minute Walk House (a program feeding 150+ children each day in Valle Verde, Mexico)…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Chelsea Lewis5 Minute Walk's sampler, Take Time to Listen Vol. 5, is unique to the other volumes, because bands from other labels are included. ForeFront Records' Pax 217, Gotee Records' Relient K and John Reuben, Sparrow Records' Earthsuit, The Elms and Luna Halo join 5 Minute Walk's Philmore, Brave Saint Saturn, The W's, Five Iron Frenzy, Justin McRoberts, Model Engine, Rivulets & Violets, and Soul-Junk on…
