"Hey! It's the sun/And it makes me shine!" The line encapsulates the upraised arms, billowing robes, and nappy haircut goodness of
the Polyphonic Spree. But the combo's energized performance of "It's the Sun" that opens Sounds Eclectic 3 also typifies KCRW Santa Monica's ever-reliable series, where artists stop by the public radio outlet and
Nic Harcourt's Morning Becomes Eclectic show to make live recordings and, assumedly, drink some strong coffee. After
the Spree it's two gorgeously quiet tracks, the sparely soulful "Blower's Daughter" from
Damien Rice, and
Jem's gently acoustic "Flying High."
Radiohead completists will note an acoustic reading of "Go to Sleep," and
Sarah McLachlan's solo piano performance of "Answer" highlights her usual blend of the solemn and the ethereal. Sounds Eclectic 3 isn't all acoustic.
My Morning Jacket and
Kinky turn in feisty full-band takes, as do
Interpol and
Franz Ferdinand.
Harcourt's notes reveal the latter performances as the respective groups' first-ever radio sessions. In general, it's another strong showing from the KCRW series, and a must for any fan of live music in an intimate setting. [The set is adorned with some incredible, whimsical artwork from noted LA-area artist Daniel Peacock; as usual, sales of Sounds Eclectic went to support the non-profit station itself.] ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
