Rare On Air, Vol. 4 KCRW

No one else gets it, makes you wonder what their thinking of by controlling or manipulating what gets played, another reason that NPR should set the standard that all media should follow.

Face it, buying cds today is less practical than downloading but somethings just aren't available in any other format other than compact disc - like this album.

I came across this series of albums by chance, and decided to start with the 4th installation because it included a live Radiohead cut. Overall, this CD is great, not only for the live performances by well-known acts but also for the surprises from groups like Ozomatli and Cafe Tecuba. The assortment of artists makes for wonderful and varied listening. Plus, it also never hurts to have a live cut from Jeff Buckley either. I will definitely check out the previous CDs in this series, and you should too.

I alternate between thinking this is the best of the series and the worst of the series. There are a few tracks which I have a hard time listening to, and others that I just adore. Highlights for me include Jeff Buckley and Soul Coughing. Ozomatli doesn't do anything for me and the Joan Osborne track is similar to versions I have on other in-studio compilations.