
Various Artists: Monkey Magic Vol.II
By Amanda Mills
Monkey Records has been taking musical risks since 2000, and now has a small, intriguing roster of artists that range widely in genre from funk-rock to pop to eastern European klezmer. 'Monkey Magic vol. II' is clearly enough the label's second compilation album, successfully blending the disparate acts while also including four tracks from acts not strictly signed or licensed to the label. The accompanying DVD is not track matching, more a show-reel of music videos made for the label. The two discs are delightfullly packaged in a tourism-friendly native bird decorated pictorial foldout card case. The music on the album is universally sublime. My personal favourites include Tim Guy's stunning Rescuer, Renee Louise Carafice's Jenny Lewis-esque Bodhisattva, An Emerald City's eastern-psychedelic whirlpool A Thousand Stars at Night and the rocking Headlights by The Hot Grits, but choosing favourites is unfair. 'Monkey Magic' is that rare beast of a compilation where every song provides pleasurable listening. Monkey Records definitely have one of the more interesting and distinct local rosters, and this compilation is a superb way to investigate these low profile acts, many of which I look forward to hearing more from.
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