Various Artists

All bow before the gods of local music … for 2001 at least. Since 1986, the Union Board has put together a compilation of the best in local music with proceeds going to feed the hungry. 2001 is no exception.\nDanagas starts the disc off with a funk-based track with alien-style samples. "Alien Encounter"'s danceable, cool sounds tell the story of a musician in an "X-Files"-worthy encounter. Blue Moon Revue comes in next to tone down the funk and add a liquid-like groove. Low-key guitars, smooth harmonies and a tight rhythm section dresses up the band's energy on "Streetlight."\n"Hoping" by Ill Capitan opens with a mild growl and crisp percussion and then explodes into a distorted introspection piece. With the fingerprints of youthful angst, this track darkens the brighter sound. The band You brings out the sun again with "Cars." Complete with poppy harmonies, this lighthearted tune completes its bike story with strong keyboard and guitar lines and solid percussion. \n"Conviction Addiction" is a passionate track by Hunting Miles that takes local acoustic music to a new level and offers soulful vocals. Tearing it up on the jazz scene, the Barber Brothers Jazz Quintet rings in with "Song for Stanley T." This tune is amazing, complete with smoking horn solos.\nSwinging the album back into the pop-rock world, Only Infinity plays the growing up story of "Marbles and Stones" with dual vocals and easy-going instrumentation, including piano and auxiliary percussion. Jazzing it up again, Alma Azul brings culture to the scene through its Latin style on "Con el Sol." The beautiful female vocals complement the band perfectly. \nZeb Gould casts the spotlight back on acoustic music with "Coolridge Setting," a short but captivating instrumental. Sidestepping from the previous tracks, Crooked County plays the country blues in "High on the Hog." The track pays tribute to the influence of old country music. \nSally Anthony redeems towheaded female musicians of the past year with "Martyr," a solid song with rhythmic vocals. Mode Street throws in a bit more introspection and happiness with the swinging rock-styled "Bar Scene," also adding harmonies and a strong keyboard backing. Three Minute Mile paints a mellow picture of love with "Groove Me," a song deserving of top 40 fame. \nStrings and bass fuel Utopia Blue's "Breathe," a love song with a unique sound. These women sing with conviction. The Dew Daddies revisit rowdy twang with the rockabilly styled "I've Had It," complete with the right guitars to do the job. Ending with punch and a skank, No Reason Given tops it off with the attitude and intense energy on "OutDo"