Filmstrip (Frame 1)
Various Artists
Mush/Shadow
Having slowly emerged from minimal distribution and word-of-mouth alone, Mush Records has finally reaped the benefits of its hard work with this compilation released through the incomparable Shadow imprint. An 18-track ode to the best artists on this fledgling label, Filmstrip dares us to quickly categorize such a diverse line-up of talent. Most artists on this record might wallow in obscurity now, but it’s only a matter of time before the spotlight will shine. Alt-rock mixes with electro-jazz like rum and coke, while hip-hop permeates a lounge funk rarely implied in music these days. Downtempo may be the first word to come to mind, but don’t let such a simple classification cheapen the intentions of this record. Through the hazy dub of tracks like Clouddead’s “Bike” lies punk spirit in the analogue menace of Reaching Quiet’s “Broken Crow.” Jumping through styles like a drunk playing hopscotch, Filmstrip won’t necessarily leave an indelible mark on the music spectrum, but hey, it’s only Frame 1. I’m sure there’s plenty picture left to see.
Mush/Shadow Records, 26 West 17th Street, #501, New York, NY 10011; http://www.shadowrecords.com
