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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Punk-Funk, Noise & No Wave, 9 Aug 2003
Working as a companion compilation to, Soul Jazz Records equally great UK focused, In The Beginning There Was Rhythm this disc brings together a collection of hard to find gems from New York based post-punk bands.The compilation covers sounds which range from the nihilistic chaos of original No-Wave bands such as Mars and DNA, through the detuned sonic symphonies of Theoretical Girls and Glenn Branca and onto the Punk - Funk sound of bands like the Bloods and The Bush Tetras. On the way the disc features many standout tracks. These include the stripped down minimal bass heavy sound of ESG, on the track You Make No Sense At All, and the turbulent saxophone spasms of James Chance and the Contortions Contort Yourself. While presenting an impressive cross-section of the groups which were around at this particular point in time the compilation does omit some important acts from the story. Notable omissions include Lydia Lunch's group Teenage Jesus and The Jerks, James 'Blood' Ulmer, Y Pants and Ut. However what is here provides an impressive overview of the Lower Eastside sound in the early eighties and late seventies. Highlighting the convergence and cross-pollination of a myriad of musical genres that took place at this particular point in time.
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