Title: Foof Yourself: Vol. 1
Artist: Various
Release Date: 18 Jan 2014
Genre: Various
License: CC BY-NC-SA
Label: Foof Records
Foof Records is a new label on the scene, producing magnificent soul, R&B, and rock music. It may seem a bit strange that after only six months of formally releasing recordings they have decided to release a compilation. However, this decision was a really good one as it really is a showcase for what they have managed to accomplish in a very short period of time. Foof’s soul, R&B, and rock is magnificent listening.
Normally I include compilations in my netlabel showcase articles. However, this one I felt was deserving of a bit more than just a paragraph or two crammed between other releases.
This release really pulls out the full range of musical styles their artists have produced thus far from A Blossom Fell’s soulful R&B / doo-wop, to the thick guitar textures of Devil Say Dance, and the IDM / house style of Solonaut there is a range of styles that surely everyone can find one or two artists that they like.
In fact, I would say that I like nearly all of the release, with the exception of the Solonaut works. As always, I am not a huge fan of most house music, and Solonaut is right on the edge here, and seems somewhat out of place with the rest of the driving rock, pop, disco and R&B on this release. However, the the track ‘The Commuters’ is quite interesting for the reading of Louise Fazackerly’s poem of the same name. I think I could listen to Louise reading her poetry for hours.
But, according to the liner notes included with this release, Solonaut doesn’t have an allegiance to any one style. I hope to hear other styles of work from this artist in the future because while these tracks are not in my typical listening range, I do realize that they are extremely well arranged and produced. So Solonaut does show the mark of an interesting artist.
So, Foof records has formed with a mission: to join the new generation of music labels that does not tie itself to the revenue stream from the studio recordings produced by their artists. Instead they are more interested in motivating their audience to go out and listen to these artists live. While Foof is still a young label, they are starting off on a very positive footing: putting their artists in the hands of their audience. I’m sure over time as Foof matures, they will find more ways to build a revenue stream and support their artists. Here’s more power to them sticking to their ideals and finding ways to make their concepts work because right now they appear to be building an excellent stable of artists.
So, I was trying to decide if I had one or two tracks from this release that I could say were my favorites. Honestly, all the work presented on this release is very strong. It would be impossible to pick one or two out of the thirteen tracks on this release. Instead it’s just best to sit back, listen to the whole thing, and then grab the releases from the artists that interest you the most. Personally, I’m going to get all of them (even the Solonaut).
Foof Yourself: Vol. 1
Free / Donation
8.5
