FORT KNOX RECORDINGS PRESENTS...

International Velvet: Sitargazer
From The New Gold Standard 2 (Fort Knox Recordings , 2009)

Fort Knox Recordings is a record label based out of Washington, DC, and they've assembled another compilation featuring a mishmash of styles – reggae, funk, Latin, Indian, and more.

“Sitargazer” by International Velvet is the standout track on the compilation. With its bass heavy rhythm, the sitar gives it some Eastern flair creating an amalgamation of disparate styles that blend quite well together. If it had more aggressive drum programming, you'd almost think it was the Chemical Brothers. International Velvet also has a cover of Gordon Lightfoot's “Sundown” that features another sitar solo (certainly not a phrase you hear often) and is a modern twist of the adult contemporary original.

Other highlights include the South American “Cumbia” by the Empresarios with its skitterish synth sounds hiding behind a Latin-styled piano and impressive bongo work; Speedy Consuela's “Number One Fan” with its pouncing bass and keen record scratches; and the uptempo “The Sax Pusher” by the Fort Knox Five with the sax player taking center stage – it's enough to make Oliver Sain proud.

While it lacks cohesiveness as a whole, when taken individually many of the songs themselves work quite well. In the age of digital downloading, pick the songs that work best for you and get an early start on preparing your summer BBQ mixtape. It's not all golden treasure stored inside, but there are enough nuggets with luster in here that prove it's not fool's gold either.