Mindy's Revenge 
Artists: Various 
Label: Word Records 
Time :  20 tracks/76:09
  
Mindy's Revenge is an intriguing concept.  Word seems to be trying a little market research and letting the buyer pay for it.  I'm not sure what I think about this idea.  While it sounds like a good practice, in principle I object to having to pay for their market research.  After you listen to the CD, Word would like you to vote for your favorite band (which they may then sign).   
  
Anyway, Mindy's Revenge gives you twenty cuts from little known artists. Word describes it as "the definitive collection of new music from the bleeding-edge."  The cuts are mostly modern rock, with some folk, blues, and acoustic pop.  Since each artist gets only one track, they are obviously giving you their best.  It was very hard to pick out a favorite because most of them are pretty good.     

The artists included are the following: Skypark, Porcelain, Room Full Of Walters, Vine, Mark Giacobbe, Jesse's Vineyard, Allison & Catherine Pierce, Gorgeous, Chris Taylor, Prophecy, Jeff Deyo, Jeanette Sullivan, According to John, Kings Road, Dog Named David, Thread, Human, The Nobodys, The Forty Days, and Sacred Sky. 
  
The lyrics are, of course, a mixed bag.  There's a song which says "Soap" can't wash away sin, by Vine.  Mark Giacobbe's "490" is a mellow acoustic song about God's forgiveness. "Faith, Hope, and Love," by Allison and Catherine Pierce, has a real CCM feel to it.   

I had a favorite, but it doesn't seem fair to tell you.  If the idea behind the project appeals to you, spend the $9.99 and find out for yourself.  Don't forget to vote if you do. -----Shari Lloyd 
 
 

 
 
It is difficult for indie bands to gain much exposure outside of their local area, and so indie compilations are often popular--both with the bands who relish the exposure and with fans looking for something new. Word Records offered twenty bands the opportunity to be featured here, and already several of them are on record labels.

As usual, the quality of music here varies. Most of the bands are in the modern rock vein, from the light pop side to a slightly heavier one in places. To be honest, not much stood out to me, but Chris Taylor (ex-Love Coma) presents what is probably the best track, with a partly acoustic, worshipful song. There are a few other bands that have fairly good songs, and all the bands are competent, but if this compilation shows anything, it's that you need something special in the current indie scene if your recordings are to stand out.

Artists Featured: Skypark, Porcelain, Room Full of Walters, Vine, Mark Giacobbe,  Jesse's Vineyard, Allison & Catherine Pierce, Gorgeous, Chris Taylor, Prophecy, Jeff Devo, Jeannette Sullivan, According to John, Kings Road, Dog Named David, Thread, Human, The Nobodys, The Forty Days, Sacred Sky

By James Stewart