The Michigan Compilation

The Detroit Underground Punk/Emo/Ska Scene circa late 1990

     

...If you were in Detroit and part of the exploding ska/punk/post-punk scene in the late 90's this album will have at least 2 or 3 great memories on it for you. Many of the "middle tier" acts are captured here however, the big names and scene defining bands are not (as they had secured more successful label endorsements from midwest to some major labels that were already getting their work out to the rest of the nation - reference: The Skolars/a.k.a. Telegraph, (Jack Kevorkian and) The Suicide Machines, Roosevelts Inaugural Parade, Post Hole, King For A Day, Gangster Fun, Parka Kings, The Porters, The Articles, The Exceptions, etc.). I say this having been in one of these "middle tier" acts, so it is not a put down, but these are bands with great ideas, a lot of passion, and (in most cases) a lot of talent. All come with a lot to say. These bands made Detroit and it's suburbs an amazing place to come of age at this time. Unfortunately, unless "you were there" or you are doing a documentary/biography of this very unique culture and it's time, you likely won't love this album. It's real value is in serving as a chronicle of one of the many scene's that made up the patchwork of a national underground circuit for touring bands.

May I recommend (and my band is not in the following, to avoid bias):
4. Life Preserver - Agent 23 - These guys were unreal. The only "West Coast" Fat Wreck Chords bound band in the city and they were solid! Excellent track.
12. When Added Equals Three - Small Brown Bike - True post-punk that is still relevant today and out of context of their scene. Great ideas in this band.
14. The Evangelist Song - Fudge Gun - This band's talent is definitely not in naming songs or themselves, however this is solid experimental post-rock with a front woman.
15. Aggravation - Old Spice - With some of the "top tier" musicians of Detroit on-loan for this side project, this is solid punk rock reminiscent of Dropkick Murphy's before that band was known of around these parts.