We’ve all seen them: Fluorescent bubble letters explode onto our television screen, followed by snippets of videos, catching impassioned artists shooting sultry looks. Brittany, Kylie, Hanson, even K-Ci & JoJo. An announcer shouts that this $20 disc is the key to a sweet party. Call now and receive the Now That’s What I Call Music vol. 73,015! But why spend the money for a compact disc when you can tape TRL and loop it, or even better, why not just turn on that old-fashioned audio receiver, the radio?
There’s a reason you don’t touch a dial, push a button or lend an ear. All of these options, however viable, just stream bland mauve-colored “mega-hits.” Where is the alternative? Olympia, Wash., home of Kill Rock Stars Records, has found it for us. Established in 1991, it was intended to be an independent label for spoken word but evolved quickly into an indie and punk rock outlet. Showcasing essential bands such as riot grrrls Bikini Kill and Huggy Bear, as well as noise rock-a-holic’s Unwound, KRS found itself amidst a growing scene. Slim Moon, KRS’s founder, realized the immense output of such a scene and decided to consolidate its best onto one volume. Thus was born the first of three installations of Kill Rock Stars. Subsequent releases have played with the label’s name, producing Stars Kill Rock and Rock Stars Kill.
Although it’s been almost a decade since the last installment, KRS has not forgotten its past. Fields & Streams is the latest collection, compiling not only up-and-coming artists but also rare tracks from established bands, some claiming Pacific Northwestern roots, others hailing from the Big Apple. From the latter are the garage-stylings of the Mooney Suzuki with their short but sweaty “All the Evils of This World,” as well as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ swaggering “Modern Things.” Riot grrrls Erase Errata swirl and swoon on their track “Leg Night” while Mary Timony’s enchanted “Tiger in the Woods” is a tranquil piece amongst the noisy rock and roll. There is a playful side to this record, as well. Cross-cultural Stereo Total lends the compilation a light- hearted Parisian pop hit on “The Monster” as Nico Case contributes an alt-country flair with “Knock Loud.”
While the more well-known acts inevitably draw the attention, the newer bands are a refreshing taste of what’s to come. Gene Defcon’s “Caesar’s Planes” is a dance party and a half, employing the call- and-echo verse with fast keyboard anthems guiding the cheers. The RockATeens’ slow, strolling “Noon Under the Trees” sounds like Nick Cave on a picnic. Better than emo, Braille Stars employ both male and female vocals over complicated guitar riffs and drum beats, while Beehives and Barracudas bring back the keyboard and probably the Flock of Seagulls hairdo.
All in all, there is an amazing amount of variety on Fields & Streams. It’s chock full of rarities and soon-to-be hits, and that’s more than you can say for any afternoon viewing of TRL.
