Rare on Air, Volume Four is a collection of live performances selected from the archives of Morning Becomes Eclectic, a daily music show on the Santa Monica, California, radio station KCRW. As on the three previous volumes... more », this compilation features an impressive array of established recording artists and talented newcomers. Sarah McLachlan and Ani DiFranco contribute impassioned solo offerings, while Joan Osborne performs "St. Theresa" with a full backing band. Evocative ballads by music veterans Randy Newman and Tom Waits are balanced with rousing appearances by Radiohead, Ozomatli, Soul Coughing, and Marcy Playground. The late Jeff Buckley even turns up, contributing the memorable "So Real." --Mitch Myers« less
Rare on Air, Volume Four is a collection of live performances selected from the archives of Morning Becomes Eclectic, a daily music show on the Santa Monica, California, radio station KCRW. As on the three previous volumes, this compilation features an impressive array of established recording artists and talented newcomers. Sarah McLachlan and Ani DiFranco contribute impassioned solo offerings, while Joan Osborne performs "St. Theresa" with a full backing band. Evocative ballads by music veterans Randy Newman and Tom Waits are balanced with rousing appearances by Radiohead, Ozomatli, Soul Coughing, and Marcy Playground. The late Jeff Buckley even turns up, contributing the memorable "So Real." --Mitch Myers
An album beyond compare with eclectic, innovative artists.
12/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD collects some of the most innovative and eclectic artists in popular music today performing in raw, unedited acoustic sets from KCRW public radio in Southern California. It is a compilation beyond compare. The late Jeff Buckley sings an inspiring and moving rendition of 'So Real.' Radiohead performs 'Subterranean Homesick Alien' for the first time. Tom Waits sings a song he wrote with his wife with such beauty and grace that I was moved to tears."
Diamond in the rough
12/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Somehow I stumbled upon this record searching around on Amazon, and bought it solely for the live Tom Waits recording (a beautiful, sad, heart-wrenching song).What I got, is easily one of my very favorite CD's. What an eclectic mix covering the entire spectrum of musical flavors. I have discovered a handful of artists that I had never ever heard before, that are wonderful. Friends come to our house and hear this CD and always want to borrow it. (I had to replace it once already after lending it out).I am a music addict and own hundreds of CDs, and this has got to be in my top three. I couldn't recommend any more wholeheartedly. You will love this record."
A very lucky find
Melissa Pleasant | 06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I came across this series of albums by chance, and decided to start with the 4th installation because it included a live Radiohead cut. Overall, this CD is great, not only for the live performances by well-known acts but also for the surprises from groups like Ozomatli and Cafe Tecuba. The assortment of artists makes for wonderful and varied listening. Plus, it also never hurts to have a live cut from Jeff Buckley either. I will definitely check out the previous CDs in this series, and you should too."
Or mabe 1 star
D. A. Hosek | Santa Monica, CA USA | 11/01/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I alternate between thinking this is the best of the series and the worst of the series. There are a few tracks which I have a hard time listening to, and others that I just adore. Highlights for me include Jeff Buckley and Soul Coughing. Ozomatli doesn't do anything for me and the Joan Osborne track is similar to versions I have on other in-studio compilations."