Homestead Sampler (VA) - Human Music [1988]

This one will transport some of the elderly members of the Forest to back in the day. Homestead Records: circa 1988ish.

I've always marveled at how this compilation attacks from so many different angles but somehow retains an air of curatorial cohesion. Sure, it's as uneven in spots as any comp (that Happy Flowers song is a little rough to endure), but overall this stands on its own more successfully than most.

Check the roster for this talent show, tho. The Forest already features something from at least 7 of these artists, so if you hear something you like, look to the list on the right—more may be right there.

Human Music contains primarily previously unreleased tracks and features extensive non-sequitur liner notes that some kind soul has scanned and posted here. The type is a little small, but as Gene Simmons says—if it's too difficult to read the liner notes, you are too old.

This has to be one of the better label comps of past years; I'm wondering if the denizens can suggest any others of fond remembrance? I have some I can dust off, but I fear the returns diminish after this one.

(Note: this is the 22 track CD version. I'm not cool enough to own the 25 track double LP version, which adds My Dad is Dead - Time Has Come Today, Membranes - Wounded Bull in Victorian England, and last but least, GG Allin - I'm a Gipsy Motherfucker.)


Score your cushion on the moldy porch couch. Grab me a Rhinelander before you sit down. Sure, you can have one.