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Compilations have always had long stays in my CD player. This compilation is no exception. Put out by Home Office Records, it includes five different performers/groups. Home Office Records is an internet-based label, with their homepage at http://www.web-ho.com. "Burner" tries to be a compilation in which good music is gathered from all types of bar environments. You have your 'alternative' tracks, your 'jazz' tracks and some 'postmodern' thrown in for good measure. The variety of the CD is a big bonus for the average consumer, especially considering there are fourteen tracks by five different acts.The first three tracks are my personal favourites on the entire CD. The 'bluecowboys' are amazing. They blend a female vocalist with a voice that crosses between Ani DiFranco and Sarah MacLachlan with an acoustic guitar, electric guitar and some synthesized beats and bass. It was really refreshing hearing these first few songs as soon as I put the disc in. The lyrics are very intelligent and the way Erika Wilson, the vocalist, sings them makes it seem as if they are almost ethereal in nature. The tracks are beautifully arranged and make my little heart flutter when I hear them. The production on the few songs is also very commendable. The thick, heavy bass reminds me almost of a 'jungle, drum and bass' type of sound and the voice and guitars are mixed such that neither are exceptionally loud, in fact they compliment each other. I'd almost be tempted to say that I would buy the CD just for these three tracks!
Rob Schwimmer is also another featured artist on the CD. He adds a jazz song with his Rob Schwimmer Trio, which is very, very good improvisational piano jazz. There is no vocals in either track that he lays down, which is a bonus in my opinion because I really, really enjoy instrumental jazz. The drummer and bassist for the Trio are phenomenal. The jazz track is mixed quite well, and you can hear the crispness of the ride cymbal and the reverberating sounds of a bass string being plucked and bent. Rob Schwimmer's other track is a nifty electronic sounding instrumental. It has an uppity feel that makes me want to dance, as per the name East Village Hoedown. Cheesy? Yes. Fun? Definitely a 'yes'!
Mark Stewart provides another 'electronic' song. The reason why I consider this an 'electronic' song is because the feel as more instruments are layered on top of each other. I was/am very perplexed at how he managed this type of effect. Needless to say, it sounded very good. It's a very ambient track, so it is something to listen to if you are typing or cooking or laying down for quick nap.
The other two acts on the CD are Pawnshop and RAW Kinder. These two acts are alright. I prefer RAW Kinder, for they have almost the same feel as the bluecowboys, however, the mixing job on the songs are very terrible. Renee Annabel Wilson, has a tremendous voice, but it is very difficult to pick out the innuendoes from the recording. Pawnshop I did not like at all. The funny thing is I can not really pinpoint what it was about them that I dislike so much. Perhaps it's because I have heard the same type of music that they play about a million times before, and done better, I might add. (that's funny, isn't it???) Sorry guys, you just should not have been included on the CD.
All in all, this compilation CD is very good and I would only have to talk a few sips from a beer to sit back and enjoy this CD. It would seem bizarre to listen to this CD and not be tempted to get a drink, considering it has tried to mix all types of bar (lounge) music together. Kudos to you, Home Office Records!