Rock is
sweet. Rock for a cause is sweeter, really. Firetone Records' 21-track
compilation benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is like, the sweetest.
A unique and eclectic combination of indie, emo, pop and punk songs, Indie Rock
Unites sounds like Firetone Records label owner and album producer Matt Friscia made
a mix tape for some of his best friends. In no way is Indie Rock Unites a
cliché'd virtual who's-who of the indie rock genre, although the album's got cuts from
some pretty big names (read: The Waxwings, The Figgs, Poster Children, The Push Stars),
but rather, Friscia has put together a compilation of strong tracks from artists who
deserve more exposure and recognition, and will probably, because of this album, get it.
The slow, prodding "Comikbuchland" by The Negro Problem is a finely-produced
Yellow Submarine-ish ditty. The previously unreleased Poster Children track, "Ferris
Wheel," trips over itself and rocks out like any of their best album material.
"All I Wanted" from the Push Stars rounds out the pensive, melodic ballad side
of the compilation.
A great track on the album from an otherwise background band is "Shine," by
Kitty in the Tree, a previously unreleased track. It's power dork indie, like Weezer, and
a love song that would make any jaded hipster girl's heart melt. Guaranteed, at least one
track on Indie Rock Unites is going to introduce you to a band that will
eventually become a staple in your music collection. The songs are that good.
Indie Rock Unites reminds me of another indie compilation called Gimme Indie
Rock, a sampler from a couple years back that featured bands like Yo La Tengo, The
Flaming Lips, Dinosaur Jr., and The Wipers. Gimme Indie Rock was a wonderfully
diverse mix of music that showcased some of the best tracks from the indie bands of the
moment. The same can be said, it is sure, for Indie Rock Unites. Today, as well
as down the line, you won't be sorry you picked up this compilation. And hey, it's
for a good cause. Which is pretty sweet.
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