The Great Lost Brew Wave (CD)

Regional US compilations were a small phenomenon in the late-70s and early-80s—English session keyboardist Morgan-Fisher even parodied them with his Hybrid Kids LP. The classic of the genre, in retrospect, is probably Bloomington, IN's Red Snerts. While The Great Lost Brew Wave is not quite as diverse or remarkable, it might be remembered in a comparable light had it been completed and released 1982, rather than lying dormant until 1997 (with a few bonus tracks added from the original compilation). While the bands on this compilation have generally been forgotten, Milwaukee had developed an impressively fertile music community. Kevn Kinney from the Prosecutors later moved to Athens GA to form Drivin n Cryin, who had a moment of fame from their R.E.M. connection. Plasticland are remembered by psych-revival fans, and the Oil Tasters' material was finally and deservingly reissued by Australia's Lexicon Devil label. Many of the other bands fall into a power-pop or pop-punk genre, yet the compilation manages to maintain diversity, and it's a fun listen.