Various Artists
To Spirit Back the Mews: An Asthmatic Kitty Compilation
(2002)
Reviewed by Matthew J. Scott
Out of the community that formed around the members of the now departed Marzuki, something was born, and that something is called Asthmatic Kitty Records. To Spirit Back The Mews' title comes from poet Edward Arlington Robinson's line, "To Spirit back the Muses, long astray," and that is exactly what this compilation does. It brings us into a community of musicians making music for music's sake. The creative energy fostered within gives us a record not unlike sitting around a campfire with your friends -- everyone playing their songs, everyone listening to everyone else's, and everyone just really enjoying music. Who, then, are the artists? Sufjan Stevens, Half-Handed Cloud, Liz Janes, Shannon Stephens, Jason Brouwer, Roman Bolks, Royal City, Con Los Dudes, Matthew Haseltine, Lifestyles & Vistas, Therefore, Birthday Cakes, Lowell Brams, and others.
Editors' ratings - Doug 2.5/5, Jason 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2002Reviewed by Jason MoreheadI hate to admit it, but I was a little overwhelmed when I started looking at this compilation. I mean, we are talking about 80 minutes and 35 songs here. That's enough to give anyone pause. Add to it my natural skepticism of compilations, even when they are from a label whose output has been as novel and interesting as Asthmatic Kitty's. But 35 songs?!? I rarely have high hopes when it comes to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dr. Bruce L. Thiessen"You remember that gum you liked," sung by Jason Brouwer, is the apt introductory line for this creative, if quirky collection. This introductory jingle, proclaiming the glory of gum, was my first exposure to barber shop quartet/electronica fusion. Speaking of gum, I don't remember ever liking it in any shape or form, just the prizes inside--like those Monkees trading cards and the bubble gum…
