Throw: The Yo-Yo Studio Compilation CD

The lo-fi pop/rock songs on this appealing compilation were all laid down between 1987-1992 at Pat Maley's Yoyo Studios in Olympia, WA. The first track, "Fuck the Rules" by Kicking Giant, would by its placement seem to serve as Throw's manifesto. Not all of the bands are from Olympia -- Superchunk is from North Carolina, the Cannanes are from Australia, and so on -- but all adhere to the same D.I.Y. aesthetic and don't follow the rules for mainstream success (that's still the case for the vast majority of them). Most of the usual K Records/Kill Rock Stars suspects are here, with the notable exception of Beat Happening, who are well-represented on scores of other compilations. The Bravura String Quartet, however, does cover "Bad Seeds" and Calvin Johnson helped to record several of the tracks. Out of a number of strong performances, Lumihoops' ethereal "Roman Holiday" shines the brightest. Although the band's name may not be familiar, Lois Maffeo's dreamy voice is likely to be. She is also featured on the Courtney Love song "Spray," which is similarly sublime (Courtney Love as in the band, not the person). Only a small portion of this material was previously issued (on hard-to-find cassettes, singles, and EPs), and the Superchunk selection, "Skip Steps One and Three," is different from the version on their No Pocky for Kitty release. All in all, a worthwhile purchase for the indie pop fan. ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy

Contains 22 tracks.

Performers include: Kicking Giant, Bratmobile, Bikini Kill, Unwound, Courtney Love, Heavens To Betsy, Superchunk.