Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the '80s Underground
As a sequel to 2004's similarly packaged Rhino boxNo Thanks! The '70s Punk Rebellion, this four-disc set tackles the punk/indie/modern rock of the 80s with equal panache. Subtitled "Dispatches from the 80s Underground," these 82 non-chronological tracks play like a great college station from the later part of the decade. Encompassing a dizzyingly diverse musical palate, styles range from the artsy Southern twang ofR.E.M., to the sugary pop ofAztec Camera, the blistering hardcore ofBlack Flag, the ghostly techno ofJapanand the chilly, noir dance floor attack ofNew Order. And that's just on disc one.Sure, there are some omissions, but the box does a remarkable job balancing more popular acts such asRed Hot Chili Peppers,the CureandEcho & the Bunnymenwith cult faves likeGreen On Redand obscurities fromthe Lyresandthe Three O'Clock. Even those who were radio fanatics during these years will likely find tracks they aren't familiar with, along with getting a flashback rush from those they are. A colorful 64 page book provides track-by-track background information as well as a handful of essays about the decade that approach the music from different perspectives.  There are no public service announcements or aspiring DJ's to interrupt the flow and the remastered sound brings the music to life with crispness low powered FM radio could never rival.--Hal Horowitz