Various - Domino On the Wire [1999]

This is a great Domino Records compilation given away with the Wire magazine. I remember at the time, I really liked Domino as they had some great left-field indie (in the old sense) stuff and some great electronica too. I think when I heard this it confirmed my liking for the label.

In the light of their success with Franz Ferdinand and then the massive success of Arctic Monkeys, this is a particularly interesting snapshot of a label yet to gatecrash the mainstream. It also predates the likes of James Yorkston, Four Tet etc...

Regardless of all that, its a really good compilation with some really good tracks on by some great artists which, above all, hangs together really well. You can't argue with Mouse on Mars, The Pastels, Silver Jews, Papa M, Royal Trux, Smog & Jim O'Rouke can you?! And that's only half of it.... it's only a shame there's no Flying Saucer Attack.

Goddamit You've got to be kind