For those who don't know, the job of a record label talent scout involves sifting through endless tapes/CDs/audio files of hopefuls, and attending an exorbitant amount of shows, in hopes of discovering the next big kahuna. The 18-track compilation
NY2LON (short for "New York to London") just made this job slightly easier, as it showcases both unsigned bands and acts that are possibly on the verge of breaking out. Akin to a CD version of the popular SXSW festival,
NY2LON was assembled by three principals -- Filter magazine, +1 (a management/public relations "boutique company"), and Barfly (a U.K.-based booking and promoting company). Most of the bands included within have a thing for late-'70s punk and new wave, as such oft-imitated bands as Richard Hell & the Voidoids and
Television serve as prime influences for most. Standouts include "No Imagination" by the
Ric Ocasek-approved Hong Kong (
Ocasek produced their sophomore full-length), "Little Bubble" by
the Ordinary Boys (who sound like the kin of the aforementioned '70s-era bands), and the early
Blondie-esque "Steven Smith" by
the Organ.
NY2LON is a fine audio companion to Filter magazine and shows that, unlike the rubbish that is championed by MTV and radio, there are indeed some promising young bands out there, by golly. ~ Greg Prato