at a glance...

Recorded: Santa Monica, CA; 1999

Contributors:
Angelique Kidjo
John Martyn
Cake
Joe Henry
Buffalo Daughter
Beth Orton
Air
Sixpence None The Richer
Freestylers
Semisonic
Ednaswap
Lyle Lovett
Mercury Rev
Brad Mehldau
PJ Harvey
Morcheeba

Notes:
Santa Monica college station KCRW is the home of "Morning Becomes Eclectic," arguably one of the most influential radio programs in America. Begun by then music director Tom Schnabel, MBE made its name mixing world music with more traditional college fare; under Schnabel's successor Chris Douridas, the show came to national prominence as an industry taste-maker, even featuring Beck as a guest before he was signed. Working with Mammoth Records, KCRW began releasing compilations of in-studio performances under the Rare On Air tag. In 1998 Douridas, who had already worked with Geffen as an A&R consultant, left the station for a job in the music industry. He was replaced as music director/MBE host by Nic Harcourt.

"Morning Becomes Eclectic" is slowly becoming one of the most revered radio programs in the entire United States. KCRW's commitment to playing and previewing the best talent in the music biz guarantees them access to the most relevant artists of the day. The fifth edition of this album series is the best produced and most thematically cohesive album yet. Though some of the whimsical tendency of past Rare On Air compilations is sacrificed, in its place are well-executed, passionate performances that bring out the best in virtually every artist present.

The program itself focuses mostly on acoustic performances, so most of the tracks here come without studio accoutrements, save a few upbeat numbers, mostly on Side A. England's Freestylers are a bit out of place with their ragga rap, but on its own, "Dance Hall Vibes" is better than most of hip-hop out there now. Air enliven their hit "All I Need" with a loud, expressive moog, and Japan's Buffalo Daughter bring humor to the proceedings with "Socks, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll."

The rest of this album, however, is a mostly subdued affair. Starting with a haunting a capella performance from Angelique Kidjo, much of the album emphasizes mellow and romantic moods. PJ Harvey once again awes with a version of "Is This Desire?" that should have Beth Gibbons worrying about her reign as trip-hop queen. "Opus 40" by Mercury Rev simply shimmers, while Morcheeba's stripped down "The Sea" becomes ultra sexy via Skye Edwards' breathy vocals. It's a shame that Beth Orton's "Sugar Boy" wasn't placed on the superior Side B; her Trailer Park gem is easily the show-stealer, proving that acoustic is best left to the experts.

This is KCRW's most comfortable compilation yet. The performances are so inspired, you'll feel like the bands are there with you. If Santa Monica's finest station isn't within earshot, you need to buy this record to find out what you're missing.

If you like this album, check out:
Various Artists Rare On Air: Vol. 4
Air Moon Safari
Beth Orton Trailer Park
Morcheeba Big Calm
Mercury Rev Deserter's Songs
PJ Harvey Is This Desire?
Radiohead OK Computer

-- Pierre Stefanos