Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  The Germinal Disc by Various Artists


The Germinal Disc cover art

Artist: Various Artists
Title: The Germinal Disc
Catalogue Number: Sitting Target Records
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2008



Compilation time again, this time from London based label Sitting Target who aim to bring you "quality alternative pop / rock / folk by wilfully obscure acts". Not lacking in courage, then.

Actually, there is nothing obscure here. Nothing even vaguely art house either. Nothing particularly quirky or oddball either. Time for a quick sprint through the tracks now. John Aldington can hold his head high with two classy songs that echo Michael Legrand and John Martyn - a good trick if you can do it (and he can!). Nicola Harrison's songs have a vaguely psychedelic/folk feel to them but manage not to sound dated. Superchap turn out to be purveyors of classy and catchy indie pop songs that hark back to the days when Britpop wasn't a dirty word. Penguin Party likewise do a nice line in a similar vein but Urko Daniels seems a little outclassed in this company as he doesn't really stray far from bedsit land.

Definetly a cut above the average, there is much to enjoy here. Like all compilations, you won't like everything but you will like something. The best track, in our humble opinion, was John Aldington's elegant "Tomorrow's Saturday".

Available from Sitting Target Records.


www.sittingtarget.net
Reviewer:
Review Date: January 11 2009