VARIOUS ARTISTS
Exposed Roots (K-Tel)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

---

Having been weaned on the K-Tel assembly line of condensed hit wax (22 Hit Explosions anyone?), I have to admit my apprehension in allowing the masters of flat dynamics, and curt edits back into my life. Squeezing two dozen tracks on to vinyl meant more hits for yer buck, along with a depreciable loss of audio quality (not a concern when playing AM staples on the Close 'n' Play). The advent of CD technology means folks like K-Tel can squeeze almost eighty minutes on a single disc; a scary proposition considering their past endeavours. Fear not good people, for this is the new K-Tel, a label taking a new stand best demonstrated by exhibit A: Exposed Roots. This "best of alt.country" compilation hits all the right twangy spots. Excellent material from Lucinda Williams, Whiskeytown and Freakwater, stand well next to a couple of surprise inclusions (Vic Chesnutt, Lambchop). Digging back to Johnny Cash and Gram Parsons is a nice touch, for what is a well rounded collection. And best of all, instead of cutting corners K-Tel decided to expand this project over two discs. No choppy edits, no fade outs and plenty of dynamics. Hooray!

© 2000 - John Sekerka