Various
Artists
The Mules - Pick Your Own
****
Despite
the title, with this new compilation The Mules haven’t
simply given you a blank CD-R and allowed you to compile your
own album. No, this wonderful little selection is based on their
mammoth weekly summer-residency at the Big Chill House, in which
they were joined by a selection of artists hand-picked by themselves
– and boy do they have good taste.
The Mules are one of the most exciting bands in the UK right
now and Pick Your Own is an introduction to the best
bands that joined them in London at what seems to have been
one hell of a series of gigs.
Featuring exclusives from the likes of Eugene McGuiness, Noah
and the Whale, Lightspeed Champion and Emmy The Great it is
a new music must. The brilliantly eclectic mix also offers tracks
by the superb Napoleon IIIrd, Jonquil, and Son of Dave amongst
many others.
The brand new Mules track ‘This Is Your Life’ is
a popier take on their electro-billy sound, but does not have
the immediacy, inventiveness or bite of anything off mind-blowing
debut Save Your Face, but is a track that points to
possible commercial pop success.
Aside from all the ident-kit pop, indie and RnB acts rammed
down our throats week in, week out Britain has a truly inventive
and eclectic underground of acts – Pick Your Own
is a small but essential snapshot of this and needs to be in
your record collection.
by
Chris Marks
