I look forward to Rough Trade's Counter Culture compilation every year, but it's got to be said this is hardly a vintage year for the collection. I never like all of the selections and that's part of the fun with such a diverse and interesting selection policy, but Counter Culture 11 contains few tracks that actually engaged me.
CD1 focuses more on the generic indie/singer songwriter and Real Estate provide a ray of light with 'It's Real' and likewise Koreless brighten up proceedings with 'MTI'. Only Veronica Falls bring the house down with the highly enjoyable sixties inspired, Mama's and Papas meets the Shop Assistants anthem that is 'The Fountain'. It's slim pickings from twenty odd tracks.
CD 2 is more techno/electro oriented but if anything is less appealing than its twin disk. Fatima Al Qadiri produce some sweet tin drum sounds, while VCMG provide an upbeat trancy stormer in 'Spock'. Again there's just one outstanding offering with Atari & III's 'Tunnel Vision' where LFO meets New York Hausen Authority in a retro techno treat.
All in all it's a disappointing year for Rough Trade but here's hoping CC 12 returns to form. Luckily I've still got Counter Culture 09 saved for a rainy day too.
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