Various Artists - As the Sun Sets: A Southern California Hardcore Compilation

The best comp. of the early 00's that wasn't released on vinyl? Quite possibly. Compiled and released by Graham Donath for his label, The Association, and widely distributed by Indecision Records, this compilation almost reads as a who's who of early/mid 90's HC bands from Southern California.

Adamantium, No Reply, Show of Hands, Palpatine, Throwdown, Death By Stereo, Lifes Halt, 7 Day War, Dirty Dirt & the Dirts, Ignite, and more. Many of the tracks here are exclusive to this comp itself.

Even though it was only released on CD, the effort was made to create band "pages" in the CD booklet with lyrics, band info, and for some bands, pictures. It's a little something to put an otherwise great comp over the top. The tracks alone have staying power, but the layout and info. help distinguish it from the standard fare in an age when comps & "samplers" were a dime-a-dozen at best. Enjoy the download, it includes scans of the booklet.

Fsavorite Tracks include: Show of Hands, Dirty Dirt & the Dirts, Death By Stereo (earlier version of this song), Burning Dog, & Countervail- though, it should be said that, other than the Wrench track (sorry, never could get into them), there isn't a song I honestly dislike.

DOWNLOAD: "As the Sun Sets" compilation