The Unsound series of compilation albums features home-recorded music, from the kitchens, basements and attics of the world straight to your CD player. On this aptly-named, eclectic pop collection, many of the artists offer several tracks, which is a good way to get to know and love ‘em. Ed James, for instance, is a real find, from the sunny pop sound of “Party At Joe’s” (which he can’t attend ‘cause he’s got too much work to do) to “Turn It Around,” whose richly textured guitars, thick harmonies, and sweet melodies recall the mid-70’s glory days of Boston and REO Speedwagon. Jeremy, on the other hand, goes from the dreamy Anglo acoustics of “The Actor” to the Brill Building pop melody and Byrds-ian guitar strum of “Where Were You.” Meanwhile, The Welcomemats’ “Tattered And Frayed” is like Cheap Trick meeting Dave Edmunds and The Popstars’ “I Still Don’t Know” is a buzzy, guitar-fuelled, percolating shuffle worthy of Elvis Costello at his best. Pop – it’s a many-splendoured thing.
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