Trampoline Records: Greatest Hits Vol.2

At first listen, this CD sounds like the same artist, perhaps due to the overall bluesy, indie-rock mood.  More listens make obvious however that this is almost like the soundtrack to a city.  A general feeling prevails amongst all its occupants, yet still with some individual triumphs, losses, dreams, and obstacles.
 
Kip Boardman - "The Bottom Line".  
Perfect way to start the album.  A whimsical, humorous song of love and forgiveness.  Great to sing to.
 
Nadine - "Different Kind of Heartache".  
This heartbreaker song decently captures a rainy day in the city mood.  Good buildup vocally in the chorus.
 
Fleshpot - "God's Country Girl".  
This listful tune has an airy feel to it.  Decent tune for driving...out along the farmlands and mountains...in Pennsylvania...away from the nuts.  I'm sorry, I'm still a little freaked about the incident with the pizza delivery boy up there, especially since I am currently a pizza delivery boy at the time that I write this.
 
The Few - "Blue Eyes".  
A faster and slightly heavier song.  A continuous riff with one of two accompanying riffs leading up to the vocal and emotional peak and then bringing it back down.
 
Liz Phair - "Don't Apologize".  
A raw, hard-edged, mid-tempo rocker with some razor-tipped riffs.  Gutsy femme fatale.
 
Dan Wilson - "All Kinds".
The first song with crisp-clear vocals.  Wall of sound production and even a lyrical tribute (although briefly) to The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses".  Testament to why there was some critical acclaim for his band, Semisonic.
 
Buva - "Daydream".
A great piece of work that perfectly captures suburban boredom and angst.  The opening line of "Jerk offs wanna know" should immediately grab anyone's attention and the snide vocals perfectly capture the mood.
 
Flotilla - "This Year's Clown".
Good wobbly affects and attentive, yet shy guitar solo accompany light-hearted instrumentals with somewhat pessimistic lyrics.
 
Chris Stills - "About a Girl".
Acoustic, mandolin-driven love song.  Backing vocals are lovely and the lyrics at times seem a bit cliché, but the melodies of the vocals and instruments cause Chris to sound so sincere, you don't care if a river of love overflowing isn't the most original imagery.
 
Pete Yorn - "I Feel Good Again"
Classic, groovy-blues rocker.  The kind that makes you wanna "try, ohh gonna try" to sidestep, strum, and twirl around with your guitar in a parking lot for a plethora of kids and homeless people.
 
The Freemasons - "30 Below"
A "what if" type song with a sort of remorse for the past and optimism for the future.  Moving out West and having trouble saying goodbye even as you look towards a new chapter in your life.  Decent song for anyone who's doing the same.  Perhaps 30 Below is in reference to age and seizing the day before it's too late.
 
Minnie Driver - "Everything in my Pocket"
Ethereal love song recalls Sarah McChlaclan mixed with a touch of Bjork maybe. Enchanting piano, violin, and percussion lines perfectly accent Minnie's lush vocals and guitar lines.
 
Michael Miller - "Lover I Know"
Cautiously beginning with a small wobbly riff and Michael's wispy voice, shy lyrics, gaining confidence with each use of the ever-so popular, sing-along of "na, na na na na, na na na na na" into an orchestra with bass, cello, and drums before ending on a solo vocal line before laying down to sleep.
 
The Wallflowers - "Too Late for Goodbyes"
Though no longer as popular as they were, The Wallflowers retain what made them famous to begin with.  Jakob Dylan's soulful vocals are still top-notch and the band's folksy sound gets experimental with organs on this cover of a Julian Lennon song.  
 
Jonny Polanski - "Even the Oxen"
Killer, mid-tempo bass and drum lines with apologetic riffs with Jonny's sad, yet observant voice and lyrics build up into a cathartic electrified chorus and cries of "Here comes the wave of disappointment".  One of the best tracks on the compilation.
 
Morello - "Turnaround"
Morello is really studio whiz, Malcolm Cross.  You wouldn't know it from listening to this track.  Though he doesn't deserve full credit for this track as this folksy-orchestral slice of heaven does have the help of some musicians in the studio.  A sunny track that captures exquisite beauty.
 
Waz - "Wait Another Sunday"
Pleasant, intimate acoustic song with a dose of pop-sensibility.  Some orchestral elements, but the acoustic guitar is always up-front in this gentle love song.
 
Jukebox Junkies - "Raised by Rock and Roll"
Another lush, ethereal love song, albeit with more instruments and sounds used.  However, sometimes the whole overshadows the vocals.  Good effort though.
 

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