Various Artists
RIM v. beta
Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovern
This big & varied compilation is just plum full of cool bands doing cool songs. The Every Day Life song "Time to Change" has much more melody than we're used to from this band, but still reigns with Cookerley's ragin' rapcore vocal. Other high points of the disc are songs by highly respected indie artist Jeff Elbel, in addition his bands Farewell to Juliet and Sunny Day Roses (who does Stryper's "You Know What to Do"). Kevin Clay also contributes "Coffee with Caffeine," and then there's "Dog Heaven," which the track listing says is Moby performing as Voodoo Child. Goth makes an appearance in the form of the ethereal Evanesce, utilizing old organs, piano, etc., and Enya-like vocals. Huntingtons also pop up, doing "Dokken Roll," and Michael Knott does a dreamy "Miss Understanding." As if all this weren't enough variety, the RIM comp also has tracks by Vigilantes of Love and Bon Voyage, rounding out the CD very nicely.