Exuma

  Exuma is African style Folk music a la Richie Havens, it's raw and pure.  Although it's primary style is set in Africa there is a New Orleans feel to it, like having a full fledged junk band with Caribbean elements and dark Hoodoo style undertones ... almost like the soundtrack of some bizarre ritual that you may not want to know what it's all about.  

Those Shocking Shaking Days

  70's Indonesian compilation, all influenced by Western sounds.  Most of this three record set just sounds like passable variations of Can, and there were a couple real surprises ... otherwise ... let's face it ... the only reason I bought this record was to save on shipping because I was dying to get myself a copy of Trout Mask Replica, which was a complete disappointment.  It sounded like the insane ramblings of a madman, schizophrenia on vinyl, four goddamn sides of bee doo boop boop, rah la la la, bing, bang, skweek bah doo beh deh bah doo beh dah ... you get the point.  How in the f*ck did they rehearse this sh*t twelve hour a day for months?  No wonder Beefheart had to torture and brainwash them to play this crap.  Even the entire next day I was in this Trout Mask fog, not entirely sure what the hell I just put myself through, confused as to why this album is so highly acclaimed and sought after ... all and all I feel cheated -- I want my 32 bux back ... but this comp was pretty good!

Junior Kimbrough -- You Better Run : The Essential ...

  Raw, minimalistic, passionate, "bad mutha ... shut your mouth," Blues.  Junior Kimbrough is the real deal, bringing the Blues, from it's Georges Thoro-Ray Vaughan grave, back to it's natural visceral state.  This comp does not only feature some killer Blues, but also old life friend, Charlie Feathers, in an early recording on the opening track.  With just one look at the cover you know that this is the face of authentic Blues that can't be taught -- only lived!

Suicide

  Synth-a-billy Dadaist weirdos, Suicide.  I could try to explain it, but let's face it, you have to hear it for yourself!

The Replacements -- Tim

  One of the top band solidifying the bridge between Punk and Indie Rock.  What you've got is a mix of Bruce Springsteen, The Clash and stir well with Big Star.

Gandalf

  So ... one of the guys brought this over to my buddy's place, on a lazy afternoon.  I have to say at first I was so impressed with Gandalf's mix of Psychedelic Garage and Sunshine Pop that I wanted a copy of it right away, but now come to think of it, I can't remember the slightest song or tune on the album.  I might still want to pick this one up ... if the price is right, but I ain't breaking the bank like it's Trout Mask or somethin' ...   

Jimmy Cliff -- Unlimited

  The poor man's Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff.  Unlimited feels more like a Soul Pop album with Jamaican undertones, rather than a full on Reggae record, with that being said it was a total unexpected surprise.