Various Artists - Doghouse 100 (CD)

All Music Guide

Dirk Hemsath's 100th release represents fifteen years of hard work under the guise of Doghouse Records. Collecting previously released and unreleased rock, punk and emo beuts, the lowpriced Doghouse 100 sampler is a fine modern portrayal of the Toledobased record company. Major label converts The All American Rejects provide the forceful acoustic rarity "The Cigarette Song," but more unplugged material comes in the form of Limbeck's stellar "Don't Turn Around, She's Not Worth It." The Honorary Title's "Snow Day" is a somber prayer for the white stuff, that counts frontman Jarrod Gorbel as a singer/songwriter with remarkable ability. More forceful and upbeat is The Break's potent donation "We Live Without Sleep," but pound for pound, the highlight here is Feable Weiner's "San Deem Us Ready," a majestic piece of power pop. Although River City High's midtempo “Down On Myself," produced by Our Lady Peace coconspirator Arnold Lanni, is a bit overproduced and underwhelming, the disc largely ...affirms that Doghouse has an exceptional lineup. - John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide Read more Less