Review of new Rhino comp 'Dig That Undergroun Sound'

[chas_kit]

Someone at Sony sent me this set and asked me to review it, so I did. Long and short - Rhino Custom is not the same as Rhino proper:

http://www.garagehangover.com/dig-that-underground-sound/

 

[Heitkotter77]

I have a feeling this is not the review Sony was hoping for, but definitely what we'd want to know.
We're in definite agreement in our sentiments about the mediocrity of Rhino Custom.
I miss the golden days of Rhino Handmade, when they put out daring (for a major label imprint) and relevant releases with a high standard of musical quality. Those two singles comps (as you reference) were superb and highly enjoyable. They adhered to the basic rules of compiling.
A compilation should always have a unifying theme (all the chosen songs being on the same label is a start, but not the main unifier). There should be a musically logical flow from one song to the next; each following song should make sense in relation to the preceding one, whether a similar feel or a deliberate jarring change to keep the listener on his toes (figuratively speaking).
From your review this sounds sorely lacking in the set, whcih would fit with the crank out product attitude sorely lacking in the Handmade series, but seeming to be the raison d'etre for the Custom imprint.

 

[EXPO67]

A good honest review and quite refreshing actually. You hit the nail on the head. I read the reply from the Rhino contact and he made some valid points too.

 

[Outside_Lookin_in]

There should be a musically logical flow from one song to the next; each following song should make sense in relation to the preceding one, whether a similar feel or a deliberate jarring change to keep the listener on his toes (figuratively speaking).

I agree. I always carefully selected the tracks for my listening CD-Rs back in the day when I had my equipment set up (it had been in mothballs for the last 8 years - until 3 weeks ago). I found that you could go from minor key, moody garage to all-out wild punk over the course of a few songs: it was all in the arrangement. That's not so relevant today with random shuffle, and iTunes. Playing tracks sequentially is good for familiarizing yourself with a new (CD) compilation, but most comps are not thought out well or contain few unfamiliar tracks, therefore it rarely applies. Furthermore, I never liked the fact that after a few listens, I knew what was coming next. What I liked about shuffle when it was introduced, and what I like even more about random play on iTunes, is that you're always surprised by the next track.

 

[depravedskippy66]

Given that it's not terribly expensive ($30 for 3 CDs), it might be worth it for those looking to hear the VAMP track in what I am presuming is excellent sound quality.

But, yeah, otherwise, it appears to serve as a sampler of Rhino's other compilations; the Los Angeles and San Francisco box sets in particular.

It's definitely an insightful review and hopefully the folks at Rhino Custom will take it into consideration should they plan another comp along similar lines.

 

[greenfuzz]

I didn't even know of the comp, Chris, until your review but you nailed it. It's too much hit or miss with many of the songs not even fitting the "rare" or "garage" subtitle. Does anybody really consider 'Stay With Me' by Sharon Tandy a "garage rock" track? I do like most of the songs, but most are available on better comps...and the lack of group photos and info (they couldn't even take the time to write a sentence or two on each group/act so only profile 10 of them) make this completely disposable.

 

[Flying Scotsman]

Interesting reply from the Sony rep on the marketing of this release. Reminds me that the Underground Garage channel on SiriusXM unblushingly plays Bruce, Bruce's wife, Aretha, Miami Steve among other luminaries not often mentioned at the country club...

 

[beccabear67]

Sharon Tandy and Bruce as Garage?

I think Sharon Tandy did some very cool stuff but would never think of looking for her there.

Rhino Handmade put out some excellent stuff in the past, it's too bad if the Rhino name has suffered at all.