Strum & Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987 vinyl

In many ways, Strum & Thrum is the antithesis to most rarity compilations. Whereas the majority go for the 'unearthing of cool' approach, the Capture Tracks label has opted to collate a huge play list of tunes that really aren't that cool at all. It does, however, reflect the roots and influences of the imprint's roster artists, and a specific time and scene in the history of American indie rock that is often overlooked. Namely one that ignored much of the unkempt and raw energy that was pervading guitar music's underground at the moment.

It's also a far cry from the stadium-cramming, permed hair of the heavy rock and formative metal scene, too. Instead, we have a long list of relatively obscure and half-remembered bands that took inspiration from the past. And by that we mean much 1960s and early-1970s classic rock, a distinctly blues-free, anti-punk sound that's going to please many, while failing to register with the others.