Word changed the name of its cover CDs from Word of Mouth to Now Hear This!. Lord knows why. This one accompanied the October 2006 issue of the magazine.
In line with previous practice, I ripped a few tracks from this onto iTunes and thence my iPod: those by (in alphabetical order) Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dan Arborise, Davy Graham, Mary Gauthier, Micah P Hinson, Yo La Tengo. I would have ripped the M.Ward track too, but Lucy has his new album, so I'll get it in its proper context instead. Arborise and Hinson were at the Green Man Festival, but we missed them. On the strength of the track here, we didn't miss much with Arborise; Hinson is OK. The real stand-out here is the Yo La Tengo track. More than once it started on my iPod and I wasn't sure who it was. Who's that crooning with a bassoon? Sounds good, but I don't remember putting this here. Then I realised who it was. They're so versatile. I've bought their last three albums, and so they're due for a rest, but it looks like I might have to get the new one as well.
I think there's a pattern to these Word compilations. They have a bunch of bases that they have to cover with each one:
- something for the old folks who listen to the Bob Harris show (Mary Gauthier here, and possibly M.Ward);
- something continental to show how sophisticated we are (Gainsbourg);
- something from the Camden-NME-indie axis, for reasons unknown (to impress the children? I don't think it'll work);
- some grown-up pop music à la Magic Numbers (Peter, Björn and John);
- some soft female singer-songwriter stuff to chill out and express our sensitive side (Helene);
- something with a hint of dub or rap (but not too hardcore) to show that we can still shake our ass, or at least recognise the importance of others doing so (Easy Star All-Stars, David Lowe Dreamcatcher);
- fill out with the best of the new releases (M.Ward, Yo La Tengo);
- and an old classic to round things off (Davy Graham's Anji);
I shall check future Word cover CDs against this template.
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