Search - Various Artists :: International Pop

Oh K!

Chad Pimentel | Washignton, DC USA | 02/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The International Pop Underground Convention was organized in 1991 by unlikely impresario Calvin Johnson, the founder of Olympia WA's K Records, and member of the seminal low-fi group Beat Happening. The convention featured close to 50 bands, all of which were releasing music outside of the traditional Big Six (which is now down to the Big Four) label system at the time, though several of the bands and muscians involved went on to sign with majors. The convention is often cited as a high-water mark of the early '90's indie scene that would go on to claim its place in pop music history as the "alternative" movement. Anyone looking for a summary of the roots of that movement should look no further than this disc. Fugazi's rendition of 'Reprovisional' stands out, though the Fastbacks and Beat Happening tracks are also outstanding. The disc also captures the live feel of the event, with a correspondingly disjointed track list and low-fi production. Good, dirty fun for all."