Various Artists - Fields & Streams / Various (CD)

All Music Guide

This double-CD collection from the Olympia, WA-based Kill Rock Stars label features a song each from 45 bands, 37 of them female-driven acts. As good an indication as any of where the indie and underground scene is at, especially as far as bands made up of women, Fields and Streams is a lengthy, occasionally rocking, but more often slow-moving and not terribly inspiring compilation. It is varied. There are lots of Northwestern girl bands, plenty of groups from England, some noise rock, some solo gal and her guitar or piano-type tunes, and several languid country acts. Among the standout tracks is a fantastic Brit-pop tune from Tender Trap, "That Girl," which sounds '60s London cool. "Noon Under the Trees" by the RockATeens is one of the most impressive songs, not just your thrown-together rock number, but a tune that involves some real songwriting. "Sex Object" from Manda the Marbles sounds like '80s new wave; it could easily pass as a tune by the Motels or Laura Branigan and they are... not at all your usual Kill Rock Stars-type band. Some of the other highlights include the Coolies' "Waste of Time," which sounds pretty riot grrrl with its sexual politics theme (but there really isn't much of that here); the Lost Sounds' keyboard- and guitar-driven "Total Destruction"; Stereo Total's Euro-goof pop "The Monster (Oh Qu'il Est Vilain)"; the Long Goodbye's pop/rock "Dawn of Understanding"; Carla Bozulich's all-electronic "Blue Boys"; and the Process' obnoxious, though engaging pop tune "Poseidon's Kiss." But there's also some bad, yelpy, annoying music from Delta Dart and the Dishes, and so many songs that no one would ever want to listen to twice. Perhaps the main thing missing is the whole riot grrrl thing. While many of those bands had so much pent-up fury and emotions to unleash in their music, the acts on this compilation have contributed songs that often seem to avoid real emotions altogether. Many of the bands here include members from that original movement. Undoubtedly, this comp shows they've mellowed with age. - Adam Bregman, All Music Guide Read more Less