Various Artists – Topshelf Records 2008 Northeast Sampler

Okay, so this review for Topshelf Records 2008 Northeast Sampler is only three years late, but based on how well the disc’s twenty tracks hold up, it still deserves to be written.  There’s a great variety of styles represented across all twenty tracks – from indie-folk to craggy hardcore – each selection serving as a solid representation with the potential for appreciation by a broad audience.

You’d be hard pressed to find an opener that better defines what Topshelf is all about than “We Found A Home” by Feels Like July, landing on a spiritual middle ground between the sampler’s seemingly juxtaposed musical focus (other comparable examples on the comp coming from Have Heart).  The band likely falls in that somewhat ambiguous allocation of emotional post-hardcore (Taking Back Sundayetc…), cushioning the otherwise hard-edged blow and confrontational style of labelmates Defeater.  Speaking of which, the inclusion of “Blessed Burden,” from their landmark Travels LP gives the entire outing a very authentic sense, preventing the promotional disc from feeling like a commercial push.  Thinking back to 2007, the inclusion of compilation partner Bridge Nine Records’ post-hardcore masters Crime In Stereo and their song “Small Skeleton,” from their redefining album, Is Dead, elevates the disc beyond a place of mere nostalgia.

Then there’s the distinct indie offering of those from compilation partner Polyvinyl Records, giving the collection a sense of finesse often absent from punk the world.  Notable moments come from The Bakerr(sounding like a combination of The Strokes and Sam Roberts), Aeroplane 1929, Aloha (who sounds inspired by The Decemberists), and the very folky Via Audio.  Some may argue that these tracks sound out of place, but I’ll argue that they achieve a sense of pacing essential for making it through a twenty-song track list.

And finally, the bulk of the run-time comes from numerous straight-up punk and pop-punk tracks – some familiar, and a good number that I seemed to have missed back when they first made first rounds.  The heavy hitters come in the form of the coarsely spoken Polar Bear Club – who have since moved well beyond their initial Hot Water Music comparisons – and Four Year Strong – who arguably had their biggest success over the past year.  Then there’s the plentiful list of young, fun, and carefree groups like A Loss For Words, Valencia, and The Minus Scale, keeping the whole ensemble in good spirits.

After three years, Topshelf Records 2008 Northeast Sampler holds up remarkably well.  Of course there’s the issue of a little filler towards the end (Have Heart and States, I’m looking at you), but by and large, each track contributes towards a healthy standard.  If you’re heading out for a drive with a few good friends with varied tastes, then throw on and blast this long since forgotten gem, and everyone should be smiling.