Steady Sounds From the Underground
Various Artists
Side 1
Ho hum, another ska comp largely made up of previously released material. While I certainly understand the significance of having big draws like the Pietasters, Hepcat, the Supertones, Kemuri, and Bim Skala Bim on your comp, some of this stuff is starting to get seriously overexposed. Case in point: the Dance Hall Crashers’ “Othello,” which makes its umpteenth appearance on a record here. I’m not saying there isn’t some great stuff here (the Independents, the Smooths, Mustard Plug, the Pilfers, and Less Than Jake are but a few of the highlights), but the chances are, you already own a lot of this stuff. Steady Sounds From the Underground would make a great sampler for a new listener, but the serious fan can probably give it a pass. It’s the CD equivalent of a well-selected mix tape – definitely not a bad record, just a bit redundant. Side 1, 6201 Sunset Blvd., Suite 211, Hollywood, CA 90028
