ARTS & CRAFTS 2003 2013
[ CD / Album ]

Arts & Crafts, the indie record label that brought us Broken Social Scene, Feist, and Stars, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a compilation album featuring some of the label's best tracks from the past decade. But does this retrospective really capture the essence of Arts & Crafts, or is it just a cash-grab to milk nostalgia from their loyal fans?

The album kicks off with "7/4 (Shoreline)" by Broken Social Scene, a sprawling epic that perfectly encapsulates the label's signature sound of lush instrumentation and layered vocals. It's a bold statement to start the album with, setting the bar high for what's to come.

As we delve deeper into the tracklist, we're treated to gems like Feist's hauntingly beautiful "Let It Die" and Stars' infectious "Take Me to the Riot". These songs serve as a reminder of the talent that Arts & Crafts has nurtured over the years, showcasing the label's ability to curate a diverse roster of artists.

However, not every track on the album hits the mark. Some of the lesser-known artists featured here fail to leave a lasting impression, with their songs feeling like filler rather than essential additions to the compilation.

Overall, Arts & Crafts 2003-2013 is a solid retrospective of the label's history, showcasing some of the best tracks from their impressive catalogue. While not every song is a hit, the album serves as a reminder of the label's impact on the indie music scene and its ability to consistently deliver quality music. Cheers to another 10 years of Arts & Crafts.