Well, eclectic music fans, if it is close to winter, it is time again for the next (and this year, the 21st annual) music edition from our friends at the Oxford American magazine, out of Little Rock Arkansas and in alliance with the University of Central Arkansas.
This year’s compilation – as is their recent practice – focuses on music, musicians and stories from one particular state (South Carolina) in the southern USA. This year’s CD (and download card) compilation maintains the OA tradition of presenting you with a collection of music that defies all attempts at categorization.
As an OA fan for a number of years, I now look on each year’s new music issue as a carefully curated musical expedition that will consistently deliver memorable songs, and artists, that I did not know I did not know. This is what I get from the best record stores and my most valued musical friends.
In specific this year’s issue – in part – gives an answer to the question, what do the artists Iron and Wine, Ranky Tanky, Shovels and Rope, Reverend Gary Davis, soul legend Anne Sexton, hip hop’s Toro Y Moi, traditional Gullah music, and the history of the classic civil rights song “Eyes on the Prize” have in common? As is usually the case with OA, this year the mix covers so many different musical directions, and intelligent well written stories, that any quick written review is bound to miss some key component.
Just let it be said that this issue is again the perfect gift idea for that person in your life who loves listening to and reading about interesting music, and is a challenge to surprise. We remain very proud to be one of the few places in Vancouver where you can find this sadly still far “under the radar” musical treasure. Get your copy before they sell out!
