Old Stuff, New Stuff, Something Blue Stuff: Ten Years With Bad Apple Records (REVIEW)

Old Stuff, New Stuff, Something Blue Stuff: Ten Years With Bad Apple Records is the newest compilation released from Bad Apple Records. This compilation was released in conjunction with the ten year anniversary of the label. As you guessed it the compilation features a variety of new and unreleased music from artists past and present from the labels roster and associated acts.

First off this is a pretty expansive release. At a hefty twenty songs and with tracks that are ten years old or older there is about something for anyone who's been a fan of rock music over the last ten or so years. Some of these songs recall the sounds of the past so well while the current newer songs reflect the sounds of today.

I'm familiar with some of their older releases from artists like Anne Hutchinson and Stellar Kin, as well as seeing groups like Speak In Spirit play shows around my area (whose vocalist went on to be the drummer for Stellar Kin) as I’ve known about Bad Apple for nearly it's entire ten year stretch. So seeing some of these artists on the track list really interested me. Anne Hutchinson and Speak In Spirit's previously unreleased tracks are quick reminders of why people enjoyed hardcore/metalcore of the early 2000s so much. Anne Hutchinson's track "Ballroom Dancer" also shows the band at their possible peak and while they still had the hardcore sound they were originally known for. A live version of the Stellar Kin song "Ctrl, Alt, Delete" captures the energy of Stellar Kin in a cool way.

On the flipside the new acts Bad Apple are working with currently are quite good as well. Some of the standouts are Jon Russelburg, Why They Came, and All Around The Dinner Table who are all featured on the compilation. It's a great introduction to the groups who all plan to release new projects in 2013. Redfoot's previously unreleased track "Job Security" has some really interesting lyrics. Brick House Blend contributes the track "The Dance" and the track has a nice 90s alternative radio vibe to it.

With this release label owner Brandon Miles is able to remind you of some of the great stuff he's put out over the years while reminding you he's not going to slow down any time soon. The compilation is currently available for free download (with the option of donating). This compilation is a well welcomed addition to my musical library. Having a chance to hear unreleased tracks from some of the artists I went to see at local shows years ago is a nice reminder of what the music scene was like around me 7-10 years ago. The newer songs are a great way to get a first listen to some really good new artists that are on the rise. I would highly recommend checking this out. It is one you don't want to miss out on.