Various Artists, Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic, 2014

Strumming for a Cause

Slick Black Records is a DIY cassette label from NYC run by Ian Pritchard of the band Poison Oak. They've got a few releases under their belt, have made some friends along the way, and have just released the Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic compilation. All donations from this compilation will be going to S.N.O.R.T. Rescue, an all-volunteer registered 501(c)3 non-profit rescue based in the Northeast. S.N.O.R.T.'s purpose is to rescue brachycephalic dogs (mostly French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and English Bulldogs) from shelters and owners who can no longer keep them and place them into loving homes. They believe all dogs should be given a chance and a fair evaluation. Through education, training and matching dogs to the right homes, S.N.O.R.T. hope to reduce the number of brachycephalic dogs that are euthanized unnecessarily.

Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic is a great way to help a worthy cause and to support some DIYers trying to make a difference. CoolDog endorses this with a hearty WOOF!

As I dig through this comp, I can't help but hear the influence of such great lo-fi, 4 track legends such as Elliott Smith, Lou Barlow (Sebadoh), Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), and Doug Martsch (Built To Spill) mixed with raw, youthful emotion and energy. We are deep in wear it on your sleeve territory here. Young, earnest and building on their craft, these bands offer sketches and glimpses into their larger, electric selves.

Be Still Cody treads in Jason Lytle/Doug Martsch territory with "Whistle Past the Graveyard." Their name is a Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou reference, perfect for a dog rescue comp. Label head Ian Pritchard contributes a dreamy, haunting ballad in "New Jersey Turnpike." My favorite track is "Pipe Dreams" from Pull Strings who "all hate each other, we have no common interests." (their words) It reminds me of Taking Back Sunday (my words). Shout along chorus! Philly folk duo, The Elmira Branch bring me back to Elliott Smith with an inspired "Shop Rd. East," and McCalister just blast through some serious pop punked fun on "Something to Believe In."

Slick Black and Friends, Acoustic is available over at Slick Black Records' Bandcamp page as a "Name Your Price" download. But as you're deciding what number to type into that little box, remember that the compilation is raising awareness and money for a good cause.