(17-track compilation CD/ 2002/ BBC)
This 'Raw Talent' shower isn't as raw as you may expect. Promoting the music of 17 bands and artists who are all local to the East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire region, all songs have been recorded for the BBC radio programme over the past year since the show's inauguration at the start of 2002.
This a perfect compilation CD in that the cross-genre variety will have something for everyone, as this hour of music is opened by Hull's quirky indie-pop experimentalists Kid Samson and their 'Beast.' From then on in there is ample rock n' roll from Harvey Half Devoured and Substance, quality melodic nu-metal from Fulc and Dumpvalve, and even the winners of the 'Raw Talent' competition from May 2002, the fantastic Mr. Mojo with their anthemic indie-rock.
The highlights though shine blinding in the Emo-blessed sweet grace of self-taught folkie Emma Rugg (her stunning track was recorded live at a Grimsby gig, Emma's finger-picking and flighty voice both surreal and sublime, proving she's just as talented as her higher-profile contemporaries in similar artistes such as Beth Orton and Gemma Hayes), the globally-acclaimed pop-punk cool of Scarper's scope, Angel 6's lovingly lush folk, and 3 AM's soaring indie-pop ballad that's strikingly similar to David Sneddon's recent number one chart-rampager.
And then, saving 2 of my favourite bands full-stop till last (save Substance, who's track is the final one), proudly presented are Fonda 500 (please stand up) and The Edible 5ft Smiths (please take a bow). Fonda 500 are set to make their hometown of Hull famous for something other than the Humber Bridge with their wry pop, perfectly projected here in their 'Super Freaks of The Galaxy' madness, before leader of The Edibles' pack in Matt Thompson lipo-sucks all his heart and soul out of his body and into the masterpiece epic that is their 'Out-takes' tale of rocking horror, the lyric's tragedy of 2 drowned kids offset in its dying minute by Matt cooing that they've gone to join their toy soldiers, his unbelievable voice pandering so high and so soulfully that migrating birds had to be careful not to be blown off course at the time of recording.
Other bands and solo artists represented include Icehouse, The Raywells, The Achin', country-crooner Mike Rogers and the eccentric Man On The Verge.
So if you think this region has little to offer in quality music, then think again - get a copy of this CD, and duly listen to it again and again. Furthermore, if you are in a band or produce music yourself, send the 'Raw Talent' team a demo and you never know what they might be able to do for you� so go, go, go! (STEVE RUDD)
Please send your demos to:
'RAW TALENT,' c/o KATY NOONE,
'BBC RADIO HUMBERSIDE,' 9 CHAPEL STREET, HULL, EAST YORKSHIRE.
Alternatively, check out www.bbc.co.uk/humber/music