Various Artists

While No One Was Looking: Toasting 20 Years Of Bloodshot Records

For two decades, Bloodshot Records has been carving out their niche as a catalyst of alt-country and Americana. This 38-track compilation illustrates the large shadow of influence cast by Bloodshot artists (ranging from catalog artists Old 97’s and Alejandro Escovedo to label newcomers Murder By Death and Lydia Loveless) on fellow musicians (Frank Turner, Koji, Ben Kweller and others contribute). Emo-revival poster boy Into It. Over It. delivers a faithful rendition of Neko Case’s haunting “Deep Red Bells” with his graceful bravado and signature fingerpicking acoustic guitar style. Ted Leo takes on the Waco Brothers’ “Dragging My Own Tombstone” by slowing the tempo and incorporating dramatic keyboard harmonies. Conversely, veteran indie rockers Superchunk transform Ryan Adams’ heart-wrenching “Come Pick Me Up” into a fast, loud, rollicking tune rife with heavy drums and distorted guitars. Chuck Ragan takes the edge off Cory Branan’s “Survivor Blues” with his acoustic guitar and harmonica-driven interpretation of this otherwise urgent storytelling number. This compilation has something for every fan, and with any luck, Bloodshot has another 20 years to look forward.

Bloodshot http://www.bloodshotrecords.com

Into It. Over It.’s “Deep Red Bells”