The sounds of B-Town

If there's one Bloomington tradition that I've grown to enjoy as much as any, it might have to be Live from Bloomington's yearly compilation album and Club Night. Each year, songs from the best artists that Bloomington's music scene has to offer are compiled on an album and they perform at events that benefit the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. This year a staggering 19 tracks fill this CD to the brim and provide a way for fans of Bloomington music to flex their charitable muscles while purchasing a quality compilation.\nThe compilation contains a wide variety of musical styles to choose from. If you're looking for hip-hop, 2 Mics and a Kit and Butterfly Toungz have you covered. In the mood for jazz? (X)-tet's smooth "A New Place" is for you. Perhaps you're in the mood to dance to a song about cheerleaders. Yes, Totally Michael made the cut this year as well.\nThe diversity of the compilation is its biggest selling point. Part of what I love about Bloomington is the volume of great music that exists in our area. The compilation captures the variety and personality contained within the Bloomington scene perfectly. \nHowever, listeners may notice that the compilation tips a bit in the favor of rock music. Whether it's the driving "Telephone Thought Support" by Trio in Stereo, the frantic saxophone and keyboard frenzy provided by Prizzy Prizzy Please, or Husband & Wife's subdued "Down with Political Monkey Business" to close the compilation, there is no arguing the representation of rock music on the compilation -- though this is not a shortcoming, as all of the bands are interesting and Bloomington seems to cater more to the rock crowd anyway. The volume of rock music just makes the doses of other styles all the more refreshing when they appear on the compilation.\nThe CD is retailing at various locations in town for $5 and the money goes toward a good cause. If you're new to Bloomington's music scene or are interested in hearing some of the B-hive's best, this is a great purchase. Live from Bloomington 2007 helps continue the long-standing tradition of bringing together philanthropy and music in our town.