Various Artists

Editor's Review:

Sounds Eclectic 3 is a compilation of exclusive live performances, produced solely to benefit the not-for-profit Santa Monica radio station KCRW (89.9 FM). According to the album’s back cover, “All of the performances were recorded live to two-track digital audio tape and / or ProTools sessions. None of the songs included on this compilation have been re-recorded, remixed or overdubbed.” But beside the exclusivity factor, the collection offers even further reason to believe that KCRW is a rare exception in the public radio world (After all, where else can one find a Sarah McLachlan track bookended by Franz Ferdinand and Iron & Wine?). The curious assortment of genres and artists is drastic, with 13 songs unabashedly spanning the lines of indie rock, pop and even techno.
The Polyphonic Spree kicks things off with “It’s the Sun” — an upbeat song with trumpets blaring and celebratory singing; things mellow out considerably for the remaining 12 tracks. The Flaming Lips execute a ballad of poignant melody, set to quirky and peculiar poetry (“Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots”). Other high-profile acts include Radiohead and the aforementioned Sarah McLachlan and Franz Ferdinand; however, the superior efforts arguably come from the sweet pipes of Damien Rice (“The Blower’s Daughter”); the acoustic folk of Jem (“Flying High”); and Iron & Wine with his simplistic indie-folk-rock thing (“Waitin’ for a Superman”). Interpol’s “Untitled” is an insult to my boombox, but at least it, like every other track, was recorded for the specific purpose of keeping an apparently kick-ass radio station in business.
– David P. Brown
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Record Label Palm Pictures Released February 2005

Tracks The Polyphonic Spree – It’s the Sun The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Damien Rice – The Blower’s Daughter Jem – Flying High Paul Weller – Amongst Butterflies Radiohead – Go to Sleep My Morning Jacket – One Big Holiday Kinky – Mirando de Lado Interpol – untitled Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out Sarah McLachlan – Answer Iron & Wine – Watin’ for a Superman Steve Earle – Jerusalem

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