This is a sampler CD presenting the wide-ranging musical productions of the Czech independent label Black Point for the year 2001. Even more diversified than its counterpart, Indies, Black Point releases albums in styles as wide-ranging as traditional
hebrew song and
hardcore punk. Going through the sampler without skipping a track or two requires a very open-minded attitude. Despite the variety, a serious and fruitful effort has been made to keep the track list as listener-friendly and enjoyable as humanly possible. The CD begins in alternative rock with J.J. Nehuda's version of the band
Extempore and
new wave group
Dvouletá Fáma. Then there is a turn toward harder music, including one of the best
punk tracks by
Michael's Uncle and a sampling of the
heavy metal Nasrot. This is followed by a gradual shift toward
klezmer through softer Czech rock, before a final detour toward
folk music from the East and West. The journey makes a lot of sense and the track selection is exquisite, including the best moments from
Traband's Kolotoc,
Echt!'s Je Mi Krásne, and
Gothart's Cabaret. This CD makes the best of a difficult situation and is available at a budget price. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide
