Various - I Tried A Thousand Times A Thousand Times

  by Tommy Gunnarsson

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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Review

In a previous issue of the Pennyblackmusic Magazine, I interviewed the people behind this German pop label, and they, among other things, said that they would try to release more dancey stuff in the future. Well, apparently, the future is already here, because on this compilation, we get a few tracks that can't be described in any other way than as dancey. But when I think about it, Firestation Tower have always tried to put a few dance contributions on their compilation CDs. Even on the first one, 'What You Hear Today, You'll Be Singing Tomorrow', which was released in co-operation with the German fanzine 'Fieberkurve', a few tracks had a very danceable beat to it. And now here we go again with a new label compilation, which features both names we've heard of before, and also some new ones that we'll surely be hearing more of the future. As always, we get a nice mix of countries represented, including, among others, England, Hungary, Japan, the USA and, of course, Germany.These compilation, however, have the habit of not always being good all the way through, and sadly there are quite a few moments that could easily have been omitted also. We begin the compilation with Sensation, a band that sounds like a soul group that could have been played in a club in the early nineties. I'm not very impressed. The next band, Avocadoclub, doesn't impress me much either, nor do the third contributors, Novillero, whose song 'On A Cannas Stained' sounds, with its use of trumpets, like a typical German twee pop band, (although I understand that they aren't German, which is kind of funny). Vermont Sugar House aren't particulary brilliant either, but at least they bring a smile to my face when I hear their vocalist. It sounds like something from the 'Sound Of Leamington Spa' compilation! The Spandau Ballet syndrome once again, ladies and gentlemen ! Actually it takes five songs until I'm even remotely interested, and the band that catches my ears are German group Kristallan, who gets some help from Michele Bernard on their song 'Flashback'. On the sleeve I see that it has been previously released on the great German label Marsh-Marigold on a seven inch single. That's something to lookout for . It continues like this for 20 tracks: some of which are good, but others of which are really crappy. Among the good contributions are Pets and Salteens (who has the best song on the compilation, 'Nice Day' with handclaps and everything!), two bands that have been licensed from the Canadian label Endearing. It is ironic that the two best songs aren't from Germany's own roster. But there are some quite good offerings closer to home from Amber Smith, My Coffee Moment and Hidalgo as well, all who supply average pop songs, but it's not something I would include on a mix tape to somebody unless I knew they were fanatical about German tweepop. To sum up this compilation, I'm sad to say it isn't very good, but, despite this, some songs are really worth checking out. B y all means, keep an eye open for Salteens. I think I read somewhere that the Australian label Candle Records are interested in them. That would be a good thing, if it's true

Track Listing:-

1 Sensation - Never Say Forever
2 Avocadoclub - Too Much Space To Walk Away
3 Novillero - On A Cannas Stained
4 Vermont Sugar House - I Only Ever
5 Fever Hut - Jean Paul Sartre
6 Kristallin and Michele Bernard - Flashback
7 Amber Smith - In the Park
8 Holm - Afterglow
9 Pets - Light Hearted Love Song
10 Little Band What Now - My Life Is Too Short
11 Tompaulin - Its A Girls World
12 Celest - Time Of Your Life
13 My Coffee Moment - Spring
14 Canossa - Glossa
15 Salteens - Nice Day
16 Cecilia Ann - Sole Mio
17 Spanish Amanda - The Spanish Amanda West London Ex
18 Liberty Ship - I Guess You Didn't See Her
19 Glidshees - Love You Everyday
20 Hidalgo - Rhubarb

Label Links:-

http://www.firestation-records.de/
https://www.facebook.com/firestationre
https://www.youtube.com/user/Firestati