Rating: NNN
Many California punk labels pad their rosters with interchangeable bands, usually imitating one bankable success (Fat Wreck Chords, Lookout!). Give Hopeless/Sub City some credit for not trying to sign 20 more Thrices after the metallic emo kids turned out to be the label’s biggest payday. Of course, this comp has its fair share of blights. But for every Avenged Sevenfold, 88 Fingers Louie and Mustard Plug there are a couple of unsung punk innovators like Samiam, SF Ramones clones the Queers and the first two Weakerthans records (released by Hopeless in the States). Disc one, unreleased tracks, has only one highlight, a Thrice throwaway, but disc two is a quality 22-song cross-section of the label’s history. Plus, it’s priced so cheap you could probably panhandle the dough in a couple of hours. The Weakerthans play Harbourfront Centre July 29.
