April 19, 2012

For Whom The Cowbell Tolls

ARTIST:  various artists
TITLE:  For Whom The Cowbell Tolls
LABEL:  Electric Cowbell 
Here’s the second commercially released compilation of 45s issued by Brooklyn-based, vinyl-only (except for these compilations, that is) Electric Cowbell Records, run by ex-Richmonder Jim Thomson. Electric Cowbell is focused when it comes to physical product, but it’s musically very eclectic -- the top tracks here include the Malian sounds of long-time VA/DC/MD resident Cheick Hamala Diabate (track 5); midtempo Afro/crime jazz a la Budos Band by Seattle’s Polyrhythmics (6); Richmond’s No BS! Brass’ revision of one of the signposts of big-hair 80’s music, A-ha’s “Take On Me” (7); and Os Magrelos’ (another Richmond band) trippy way with Brazilian samba (17).  I’ve previously reviewed a number of these singles: search for “Electric Cowbell Fall 2011 45 Releases” on my blog or in WRIR’s world music library for more information.  Vinyl is groovy but it’s not for everybody -- if you want to hear what Electric Cowbell is up to (and I recommend that you do) without springing for a new turntable, then this CD or digital download is for you. 
TOP TRACKS:    5    6    7    17
ALSO RECOMMENDED:    1    3    9    10    12    14

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