Numero Group is establishing itself as the most interesting and thorough compilation label in the United States, slowly releasing top quality music from genres that are more or less completely untouched by the other heavies in the game. Sure, they have their series microcosm funk label compilations, but they've also brought us such diverse (and delicious) pieces as the Antenna album, Yellow Pills, and funk from Belize. This one starts their journey into the vast land of private press folk albums (read: ultra raer and so in demand right now), spearheaded by the hippie goddess women that we shall heretofore refer to as Ladies From The Canyon. Playing this cd is a lot like putting on a new and kinda wild jacket that you aren't sure you can pull off. Maybe a little self-conscious at first, but once you've decided you can pull it off and you've stopped giving a shit, the thing feels perfect. Check out selections like Shira Small's "Eternal Life(1)," Caroline Peyton's absorbing vocals on "Engram(2)," Marj Snyder's "Rain(3)," the windsong of Collie Ryan's "Cricket(4)" and Barbara Sipple's "Song For Life(5)." All 14 selections come from records that were pressed in absolutely miniscule numbers, and Numero does us the favor of including a great booklet with a double page spread on each artist (original album scans included). If you've got a soft spot for softies and sweet music, you should check this out.

reviewed by the mgmnt