Following up two previous releases, Mammoth Records and the Los Angeles radio station KCRW have just released a third compilation of live performances from their morning show. To put it mildly, one listening to this cd might very well be inspired to move to Los Angeles.
The compilation offers up a wide range of performers ranging from classic performers like Patti Smith to newer and upcoming acts such as Fiona Apple, The Wallflowers and Ben Folds Five. The disc starts off with the Cowboy Junkies doing a beautifully smooth rendition of "State Trooper" by Bruce Springsteen and then cuts into a wonderfully raw and acoustic Patti Smith performing "Dancing Barefoot". Fiona Apple does a piano-only version of "Never Is A Promise", one of her more poignant songs (if it's possible for Apple to be more poignant than she already is) from her recent album Tidal. Other more well known artists on this compilation include Stereolab, Luna, Meshell Ndegeocello, Guided By Voices and James Taylor.
Lesser known artists appearing on Rare On Air include Booth & the Bad Angel, Remy Zero, Tindersticks, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The song "Fall In Love With Me" performed by Booth & the Bad Angel sounds eerily similar to the dreamy songs and melodies used on the Twin Peaks soundtrack; the reason for this is that both were composed by Angelo Badalamenti.
The variety of artists and performances on Rare On Air Volume 3 make it a welcome addition to any collection. Fans of the appearing performers will definitely want it for the live performances, and for those who don't know all the artists who appear here, this is an excellent sampler to get you started on some of the best and up-and-coming artists around - especially if you're not up to the task of moving to Los Angeles.
