The Wake

This compilation from the University of Minnesota’s very own radio station, Radio K, is all across the board. It’s a fine indication of just how lucky we are here in the blessed cities of twin, as it features many hometown favorites. We’ve got it all and we’ve got it in quality proportions. Every genre is represented here, even those you’d least suspect. There are a couple of really cool electronica-type songs on the album. The first being by Digitata, called “Digitata 4 Ever.” Though I prefer one of their other songs, “Bangin’ Jessica Alba,” a bit more, it’s tough to argue with either. Another danceable track by a female fronted outfit is “Dead Disco” by Metric. Front woman of Metric, Emily Haines, is not the only Canadian on the disc as The Most Serene Republic contribute their beautifully sung, grunted, and clapped song, “Proposition 61.” “Incontestable” and “completely genuine” are the best words to describe Minneapolis’s Hip Hop status. Kanser and Sims do an adequate job of holdin’ it down for their hometown with quality performances on “Travlin” and “15 Blocks.” Duluth bluegrass crew Trampled by Turtles speed things up on “Codeine,” which they tend to do when playing the usually slower song live. The angelic beauty of Haley Bonar’s voice is ever apparent on “Captain, Captain” from her newest album. And Spaghetti Western String Co. keep things interesting with “Ernestine’s Waltz,” which made me feel like I was in turn of the century Paris. I highly recommend everyone check out this compilation CD; you might find yourself a new favorite band.