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Shelflife Records celebrates its 50th release with a compilation CD that showcases many of its talented bands paying tribute to their label mates by performing and reinterpreting 19 songs from the first 49 Shelflife releases. From its opening track “This Way and That”, originally done by Acid House Kings, but reinterpreted here by the Maybellines, to the final notes of “Lovesick” by the Arrogants, as done this time around by River, “You’re Still Young At Heart” is a TRIBUTE album in every sense of the word. Each track reflects the true admiration with which it was recorded. Given the sheer quantity of talent assembled on this CD, it seems inconceivable that it would be anything but astounding. Some of its shining moments include: California Snow Story’s interpretation of Brittle Stars’ “This Trip,” an already outstanding song that is given new life in this new scaled down, somewhat lo-fi version and Laura Watling’s “My Fondest Wish” which is both sweet and infectious as reinterpreted by Sometimes I Wonder. Equally satisfying are The Sherman’s take on Tara Emelye Needham’s “Plastic Bouquet” and The Sweetlings vision of “You Went In Phases,” another Brittle Stars’ song revisited on this CD. For fans of Shelflife records, this release offers a wonderful opportunity to hear some of their favorite songs transformed into something that is at once familiar and excitingly new. New Shelflife listeners, on the other hand, will be treated to more than just good music on this release. Rather, “You’re Still Young At Heart" represents not only the best of what Shelflife offers musically, but also the best of what Shelflife Records is all about.
JENNIFER JONES
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