Monkey Magic Compilation Review
Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:31 pm

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Compilations have always been a strange concept in my opinion. Taking a song from an album which should mould as a collective and placing it with other songs from other albums makes for a difficult mix. A compilation in this case helps a record label showcase what their musicians are up to, but the construction of the unfolding of the tracks in still important, and often overlooked.

The first two songs were a surprise; an interesting way to start a compilation when there are multiple songs I would have put before them. Karen Hunter & Tim Guy were definitely not my picks and epically failed to intrigue me. This was a shame, because the following four or so tracks were defiantly better songs. ‘Bodhisattva’ from Renee-Louise Carafice speaks of the ridiculous animosity of mainstream lyrics. Luke Hurley, one of the fathers of New Zealand acousticism and one of the few who remain resistant to the welfare of mainstream culture. Luke provides raw guitar mastery supplemented by the organic vocals of a young, wise mind.

An Emerald City are in a class of their own on this compilation. I have plenty of time for this kind of instrumental exploration - http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/2362/readreview/36558.html.

Onelung have also done Sola Rosa justice with their Cinema 90 remix, and ‘Werewolf’ by Haunted Love is a notable mention – reminiscent of Bachleorette with delicate female vocals overlapping electronic components.

Make sure you skip The Mamaku Project & The Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band (although possibly worth a comedic watch on the DVD) to get to ‘Sea Shanty’ by Ragamuffin Children. A floating chantey strangely mixed to give the duet a sound to explore. There are better songs still on the powerful duos ‘Werecat Lullabies’ album.

Other notable mentions include The Hot Grits, Sleepytime & Steve Abel & the Chrysalids. The accompanying DVD also has sweet video clips from Onelung and friends for your enjoyment.

- Review written by Craig

RE: Monkey Magic Compilation Review
Posted: Mon Jun 8, 2009 3:46 pm

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