The good people at Barsuk Records have kindly put together a fifteen track CD of the best the label has to offer. The recording is packed with leftfield guitar tunes, ranging from pure country to garage rock and power pop.

Because of the diversity of bands showcased, the collection is the hit and miss affair you would perhaps expect. Normally the main drawback with random releases of new and obscure artists is that you may disregard a band after only getting the chance to hear one song. For example, the opening track from The Long Winters, 'Blue Diamonds' nods towards Pavement and Eels, but initially it seems rhythmically repetitive and fails to standout. Luckily, The Long Winters are one of four bands that get two chances to shine on the CD. Their second effort, 'Stupid', is power pop heaven and encouraged me to go back and appreciate the absurd lyricism and subtle guitar interplay of their earlier tune.