Review Homegrown Roots 3

With the first rays of Spring sunshine burning off what has been a bleak Winter, and the anticipation of hot days, cold beer, beach and barbies filling our collective minds, this compilation of Oz roots music provides the perfect soundtrack.

All 20 tracks on this album are highly listenable. There are some big-name acts – a couple of exclusive live tracks from Paul Kelly (The Gift That Keeps on Giving) and John Butler (Danny Boy) for the diehard fans and collectors, a fantastic electric blues footstomper from Ash Grunwald (The Devil Called Me a Liar) and some classic Mia Dyson (With the Blue Sky).

The album is also a great sampler of some less-known Oz talent. There are some real gems like Nick & Liesl’s beautiful vocals and earthy lyrics on Wyong River and Luke Escombe's ultra chilled Byron Time. Dead Letter Chorus/Wagons/Ned Collette Band’s cover of Unguarded Moment is another highlight.

Interestingly, as a counterpoint to the whole roots theme, the album utilises the latest technology. It is available as a USB data stick with videos, interviews, lyrics, bios and links to performer’s websites.

Homegrown Roots 3 is a good way to find out about new artists but is also a cruisy collection of music you might play on a lazy Sunday arvo. Put away Ministry of Sound volume x and try this instead. Highly recommended.