Various Artists
"Morning Becomes Eclectic"
(Mammoth)
If you've ever listened to the radio in Los Angeles, you probably know already about a FM station called KCRW. A progressive outfit with all sorts of interesting programming, KCRW has a wonderful show called "Morning Becomes Eclectic" that features live appearances by some of today's most fascinating artists. While KCRW has released three collections of music from these on-air performances under the name "Rare On Air," the newest offering takes its title directly from the program. Hosting everyone from mainstream artists like Lyle Lovett to up-and-coming groups like Semisonic, the KCRW studio consistently showcases great music. Allowing for all sorts of styles, the station usually gets incredibly intimate performances from their guests. On this new collection, we are presented with Joe Henry singing "Monkey," Beth Orton performing a sweet version of "Sugar Boy" and Semisonic doing a great job on "Secret Smile." In many ways, "Morning Becomes Eclectic" mirrors the PBS television show "Sessions at West 54th," which is not surprising because the two shows were created by the same program director. By including the French electronic artists Air, the American psychedelia of Mercury Rev and the modern hip-hop of the Freestylers, KCRW prove they really are eclectic. I mean, where else are you going to hear PJ Harvey, Angelique Kidjo, Morcheeba and John Martyn all on the same album? So, if you are not driving to work in Santa Monica tomorrow and you need a little bit of KCRW, "Morning Becomes Eclectic" will do.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.