author: Rob G
published: 2004-11-09
Recommended if you like: Funky 16 Corners, Nuggets
For those who enjoy checking out Indiana's musical history, 'The Best of
700 West Vol. 1' is probably this year's essential purchase. This
compilation comes from the archives of 700 West Recording which was a
small recording studio in New Palestine, IN that operated from 1971 to
1983. Studio owner Mo Whittemore assembled this compilation
highlighting, in his opinion, the best of the many musicians who recorded
at 700 West over the years.
Because the collection is a comprehensive cross-section of acts that
recorded at 700 West running the gamut from gospel to experimental
electronic music, it's easy to say that there is probably something for
everybody here. It's also fairly safe to say that not everything on this disc
is going to appeal to all listeners. Still, in addition to gems like the funky
Ultimate Force and the proto-metal sludge of Primevil, the main thing
that struck me about this compilation was the high quality throughout all
the tracks. Though I can't say all the artists here appeal to me personally,
the highlights are fantastic and as a whole, 'The Best of 700 West Vol. 1'
once again shows the depth and excellence that Indiana's musical past has
to offer.
