June 24, 2011

101 Things To Do In Bongolia

ARTIST:  various artists 
TITLE:  101 Things To Do In Bongolia 
LABEL:  Electric Cowbell 

REVIEW:  If you know the Richmond music scene, you probably know Jim Thomson.  He’s drummed for some of the most original bands this city has produced -- GWAR, Alter-Natives, Tulsa Drone, Bio Ritmo and many more.  Now based in Brooklyn, Jim added record-label-owner to his resume when he started Electric Cowbell Records a year ago.  So far, EC has specialized in 7-inch 45 RPM vinyl, although they’ll be branching out by releasing Bio Ritmo’s new long-player in September.  This CD/digital release summarizes the label’s first year’s work -- they’re off to a hell of a good start.  As you’d expect from Thomson, much of the music here has a global outlook.  Superhuman Happiness (tracks 1, 5, 8, 14 and 17) is led by Stuart Bogie; they sound a little like two projects on which Bogie is a key player: Antibalas and the Sway Machinery.  Debo Band, who wowed Richmond audiences in September with their vintage Ethiopian sound, contributes track 2 and its remix (12).  Spanglish Fly, featuring Bio Ritmo conguero Gabo Tomasini, rocks some vintage boogaloo (3), Bio Ritmo’s latest single is here (4, 13), and there’s a great chicha remix as well (7).  Something for everyone here. 
TOP TRACKS:    1    2    3    4    7 
ALSO RECOMMENDED:    12    13

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