Artist: Various
Album: Songs From the Underground: NYC Subway
Label: Headset Productions
Tracks: 16

Length: 54:38

 

 

 

You know, when you get a CD in the mail and it says “songs from the underground” on the front, you don’t really expect the phrase to be literal, with this album though the bands are quite literally from “the underground”. Specifically they are from the NYC Subway system- street performers of various styles hand picked for this compilation. Much like NYC itself, you will find a completely eclectic mix of artists- from folk to world to hip hop from all over the world (Chile, Austria, Finland, NYC, and Kansas City to name a few). The only thing missing here is rock music but I suppose you don’t often (if ever) hear rock bands jamming in the subway.

 

As with any compilation the album has its ups and downs and has very little consistent flow. Austria’s Theo Eastwind’s “High” is a great moment of singer/songwriter philosophy. Vocally he has a bit of that Dave Matthews style drawl which sucks you into the song out of intrigue initially. NYC’s Spokkin Movement, a hip hop-ish group with a strong sense of melody, does a good job kicking the CD off. Their song “Flows” is an upbeat song that is catchy when you are listening but not overtly memorable the deeper you get into the CD. The closest rock moment is Ohio blues man Jason Green. “Little Blue Cart Blues” is an electric guitar boogie that, much like Kaiku, stands out because it is so different from the rest of the CD. I wouldn’t say he’s the next great bluesman but it’s a fun listen.

 

Finland’s Kaiku (Finnish for “echo”) is probably my favorite track. These fine voiced ladies deliver and acapella track that sounds like it may be a traditional Finnish song. It’s really different from anything else on the album. The song sort of reminds me of Sinead O’Connor and Petra Haden singing together.

 

Overall this album is cool simply because of what it is. It’s always great to see the “little guy” get their moment in the spotlight and that happens fifteen times on this CD. This is definitely an interesting listen and who knows; maybe one of these artists will become the next big thing. Listeners that love exploring music will like this a lot. Those looking for stylistic consistency or some “edgy” music won’t find it here.