Review of Pitchfork Music Festival Sampler Album by

Various Artists
Pitchfork Music Festival Sampler
Album Review

Pitchfork Music Festival Sampler Album

Pitchfork is an American online music site that is regarded as so critical to an indie band's success that a good or bad rating can kill or elevate sales. So, when they put together a music festival, all of a sudden they're in the firing line themselves.

Fortunately, their collective taste hasn't let them down so far - bands seem happy to turn up for this event, after all... With the selections aiming at up-and-comers rather than old stagers, the festival is a great way to discover the next big band. And it is all made somewhat easier for us on this side of the Atlantic by emusic.com making this sampler album available for free (and legal) download. With new artists as amazing as Battles, Voxtrot and Professor Murder, and tracks from Grizzly Bear, Sonic Youth, Of Montreal and Menomena, there is a wonderful sweep of new indie, and with the occasional electronica or hip hop insert, these are 17 tracks of the highest quality. Pitchfork can hold its head up high - these mp3s are a great way to discover the next big wave.

4/5

Mike Rea
Contactmusic