Ryko Records presents nine of their artists in this compilation CD. JEB LOY NICHOLS: 1) "Heaven Right Here" The dean of American rock writers Robert Christgau descrbies Nichols: "The Bellamy Brothers thought a reggae-country interface would be cute, and they were right." JOSH ROUSE: (2) "Laughter" Josh Rouses passionate music and lyrics touch your heart. JESS KLEIN: 3) "Cloud Song" Jess Klein appears like a startling lightning bolt. Her voice, her music,her songs all speak to that part of us that craves passion, originality, and soul. WILLARD GRANT CONSPIRACY: 4) "Notes From The Waiting Room" Willard Grant Conspiracy, a deliberately amorphous group evolved into an informal weekly gathering of friends in a rotating series of living rooms. The occasional live shows featured whoever was available at the time. KING COBB STEELIE: 5) "Fast Money Blessing" This wise punk, electro funk band has made some of the most interesting Canadian pseudo-pop music for the past decade. TOM TOM CLUB: 6) "Happiness Can't Buy Money" They have a new label but the same fresh, rhythm-happy outlook. Their high spirits and supreme knowledge of the beat have been put to good use. ANDREW BIRD'S BOWL OF FIRE: 7) How Indiscreet" The Chicago Tribune describes Bird as "Lou Reed meets Edward Gorey," and New City gloriously pronounces, "After hearing Bird playing the violin for just two minutes, you'll realize that the devil went down to Georgia for a fiddling contest because he realized if he'd gone north, Andrew Bird would have left him crying in the gutter. CHUCK E. WEISS: 8) Sweetie-O" Legendary L.A. musician/luminary Chuck E. Weiss honed his craft playing drums with the likes of Lightnin' Hopkins, Tom Waits, and Willie Dixon, and by living the life. He's the real deal. If you're looking for the down and dirty boogie, look no further. MORPHINE: 9) "You Look Like Rain" Morphine's reputation is as one of the most exciting and unique live rock bands of their time.
