Various: Critical Notice

This arrived back in October last year after I renewed my subscription to Unknown Public. They've managed to build the kind of reputation that attracts subsidies to promote new music, a bit like those tedious regional/national promotions you get in Music Week, except that they're half decent. This attempt is much more lavish than their last giveaway extra and features profiles of the performers and composers, as well as a handful of essays on contemporary music practice. There's even a dedicated web site from the British Music Information Centre, including further tracks for download. Don't spend too much on the downloads, though, as the CD appears to be still available for only £2 to cover post and packing.

My favourites so far, I have to confess, are the pieces that sound most like Late Junction-style crossover music, and least like proper classical works. That includes Evelyn Ficarra and the two pieces performed by Apartment House that bookend the CD.

Order online

MusicBrainz entry for this album