SITTING TARGET MUSIC

The first review of The Germinal Disc compilation,

from the superb Leonard's Lair

http://leonardslair.wordpress.com/

Review: Various Artists - The Germinal Disc (An Introduction To Sitting Target Music)

Published December 27, 2008

Of all the records I’ve reviewed this year, one of the most endearing of releases was by Dave Milligan AKA Penguin Party. On his debut album, Milligan recalled a classic style of songwriting from the era of Squeeze and Elvis Costello. Until now, that record has been the sole offering from Sitting Target Music but now comes the introduction to the rest of the roster courtesy of ‘The Germinal Disc’. With each of the five artists (including Penguin Party) providing a couple of new songs each, it’s an excellent way of finding out about the other talents on the Sitting Target imprint.
If it’s one thing these artists have in common it’s that they each aim their targets for the heart.  Whilst John Aldington and Nicola Harrison opt for acoustic laments and dreamy folk respectively, Penguin Party’s Dave Milligan creates a very British style of power pop nostalgia as the titles ‘Song For My Old Lady’ and ‘Whatever Happened To Tomorrow’s World?’ suggest.   There is a marked contrast between the two contributions from Urko Daniels though. Whilst ‘Sarah/34′ is a real weepie of a ballad, the guttural ‘F**k Off And Leave Me Alone’ (complete with barber shop vocals) recalls none other than Shaun Ryder. That just leaves Superchap’s articulate take on lo-fi indie.
In its compact thirty-five minutes, ‘The Germinal Disc’ provides a great showcase for some otherwise unknown talents. Daniels and Harrison, in particular, stand out from the pack with their more adventurous approach but overall it’s a victory for high quality songwriting over low budgets.

Various Artists

The Germinal Disc

Sitting Target Records

2008

Compilation time again, this time from London based label Sitting Target who aim to bring you "quality alternative pop / rock / folk by wilfully obscure acts". Not lacking in courage, then.

Actually, there is nothing obscure here. Nothing even vaguely art house either. Nothing particularly quirky or oddball either. Time for a quick sprint through the tracks now. John Aldington can hold his head high with two classy songs that echo Michael Legrand and John Martyn - a good trick if you can do it (and he can!). Nicola Harrison's songs have a vaguely psychedelic/folk feel to them but manage not to sound dated. Superchap turn out to be purveyors of classy and catchy indie pop songs that hark back to the days when Britpop wasn't a dirty word. Penguin Party likewise do a nice line in a similar vein but Urko Daniels seems a little outclassed in this company as he doesn't really stray far from bedsit land.

Definetly a cut above the average, there is much to enjoy here. Like all compilations, you won't like everything but you will like something. The best track, in our humble opinion, was John Aldington's elegant "Tomorrow's Saturday".

Available from Sitting Target Records.

Review by:   Bluesbunny

http://www.bluesbunny.com/tabid/122/xmmid/474/xmid/1509/xmview/2/default.aspx

The Germinal Disc' is a sampler from Sitting Target Music; featuring Urko Daniels, Penguin Party, Superchap, Nicola Harrison and John Aldington - two tracks from each, ten tracks of musical excellence! And, Sitting Target have made it easy for me with their succinct intro's to the artists so I'm just gonna plagiarise from the press pack as follows; Urko Daniels - 'Tense, sometimes shocking songs with uncompromising character', Penguin Party - 'Spangly powerpop song-stories for grown-ups', Superchap - 'Quirky indiepop gems obsessed with junk culture, film and sci-fi', Nicola Harrison - 'An extraordinary English Rose: A voice like red petals, lyrics full of thorns', John Aldington - 'A breathtaking voice, and emotive flat-picking acoustic guitar style'.

Like any compilation, 'The Germinal Disc' is a double edged sword initially showcasing the individual acts therein but also, of course, bringing the label to the public's attention. 'The Germinal Disc' does both very well but bonus points must go to the five artists cuz the tracks here are wonderful in their own individual rights but they're also great choices in the way they tease, tantalise and whet the appetite leaving you wanting more of the same. I don't know whether its the artists or the label that selects the songs for inclusion - whichever, the choice was inspired!! The sleeve notes give loads of information about all the artists included here so there's no excuses for not looking further!!

Although the music included here is pretty varied, there is a generalised theme running through the album and that's one of loosely acoustic music with a cutting-edge, nu-wave bent. But, more than that, Sitting Target are making a very hard-hitting statement here; they're showing off a bit, really telling the public and potential new clients where they stand on the scene, what they're aiming for and what they're trying to do. So, from Sitting Target's point of view it's definitely thumbs-up and 'well done guys'. As far as the artists are concerned, Sitting Target are obviously doing everything they can to get names and music out there and established - and you can't ask for too much more from a relatively small label can you?

So, 'The Germinal Disc' is a real worker - the artists are represented wonderfully with each song completely on-the-money as far promotion is concerned; it must work cuz I'd not heard anything from Urko, Superchap or Harrison before but now I've been given the opportunity to 'taste the pudding' and I like it!! Ok, let's be realistic, 'The Germinal Disc' aint gonna be a best seller and Sitting Target obviously know that as well as we do. But, Sitting Target show that they are willing to go to some lengths to get introductions made and get their artist's names and music out there. So, top marks for the crew at Sitting Target but, massive credit to Urko Daniels, Penguin Party, Superchap, Nicola Harrison and John Aldington.

www.toxicpete.co.uk