LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ KCRW) - The latest compilation CD from
Santa Monica-based public radio station KCRW (heard throughout Southern California and accessed globally at KCRW.com),
Sounds Eclectic: The Next One is a tribute to the bands that have caught our ear and the DIY ethos fueling their artistry. It will be available to the public exclusively on Amazon.com starting
September 2 and through KCRW as a membership premium.
Bands like The Shins and Spoon were indies when they had their first KCRW airplay and have graduated to mainstream status. The Swell Season swept up an Oscar against all odds. UK duo the Tings Tings are on the verge of becoming stars stateside. All of these bands represent what the station is all about - giving talented artists a place to have their music heard and offering listeners music that can't be found anywhere else. Produced by KCRW Music Director Nic Harcourt and Morning Becomes Eclectic producer Ariana Morgenstern, Sounds Eclectic: The Next One is by far the most upbeat and rockin' collection of songs the station has put together. The compilation features12 tracks performed during the acclaimed show Morning Becomes Eclectic.
"This CD captures artists we have championed early on in their careers who have seen great success, as well as bands we think are poised to break in a big way. KCRW is in a unique position to spotlight these artists, starting with their first, often homemade, demos and throughout their career," said Harcourt.
The album begins with one of the unquestionable breakout artists of 2007 - The Swell Season. Their song "Falling Slowly," from the movie "Once," earned them an Academy Award and their live set at KCRW was such a success, they ended up using material from it on their bonus CD and DVD. Next, Australian collective Architecture in Helsinki creates a circus of musical activity in the best kind of way with "Heart it Races." The Shins headlined last year's KCRW benefit concert A Sounds Eclectic Evening and here, they are at their high-energy best with "Australia."
The rollicking rock of UK artist Stoney follows, with a track from his session taped during the SXSW Music Conference. Local L.A. artists Sea Wolf, Great Northern, and Oliver Future now have national recognition and here are tracks from their Morning Becomes Eclectic debuts. Spoon's live version of one of their standout songs, "I Summon You," tugs on the heart strings with simple guitars, a steady beat, and a twinkle of keys. Two female-led bands who have been making waves are next with the hauntingly beautiful "What's a Girl to Do" by Bat for Lashes and the Ting Tings "Fruit Machine."
Goldspot's sparkling melodic pop is displayed here in "Time Bomb" and the Orange Lights close the album with a reaffirming message - "Life is Still Beautiful."
KCRW plays host to some of the best artists in the world, and the intimate yet informal setting of Morning Becomes Eclectic is where music legends and talented newcomers alike premiere new songs and play forgotten favorites. The KCRW.com archives house one of the most amazing online collections of live performances by indie artists in existence. Hear complete sets from all the artists you hear on this CD, as well as hundreds of other amazing live shows, online on demand.
Sounds Eclectic: The Next One is being manufactured on-demand with CreateSpace, part of the Amazon.com group of companies. It will be available on September 2.
