I'm not a big fan of compilations but this one made me sit up and take notice. It's a mixture of better known and indie bands. What makes it of interest is that it includes what appear to be the original demos of songs by a number of the better known Christian alternative bands -- Dime Store Prophets, Poor Old Lu, and Squad 5.0. It also includes a new song by Soulfood 76 and the vinyl version of a Fold Zandura song. If this isn't enough for you, it's for a really good cause. The proceeds are going to the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach.
Most songs are in the modern rock vein but you will find several other genres here including ambient dance, emo-pop, and ska. They include:
As with most compilations the production is somewhat uneven in places but this would be a welcome addition to the collections of fans and collectors alike. There are a lot of really good tracks here. Pick it up today.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #20Reviewed by Derek WalkerWorthwhile compilations are an endangered beast these days. The consumer is usually treated to three or four beneficial tracks by well-known bands and bombarded by filler when it comes to the rest of the album. Sparkler Vol. 1 is not one of those albums. It's a great benefit album, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach.…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Joe RockstrohSparkler is an interesting concept, an album of rare and unreleased songs assembled to be sold to benefit the Judeo Christian Outreach Center, a homeless shelter in Virginia Beach. Like most compilation albums, Sparkler has its high points and low points, with a surprisingly greater amount of high points. The third song, by a band called Elysian Skies, sounded exactly like Fold Zandura, right…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerSparkle, sparkle. This is definitely one of the better compilations out there, with a generous 18 tracks by a good mix of known and unknown bands. It's actually a re-release of the indie version from last year, with a couple of tracks changed. Most of the inclusions here are odd men out--either unreleased, from a demo, from vinyl, or live--although some album tracks are included also. It's…
