A more conventional label would simply round up their greatest hits in recognition of their 100th release, but not the gang at Bloodshot, the Chicago-based indie behind the likes of
Kelly Hogan and
Neko Case. As suggested by the title,
Making Singles, Drinking Doubles is a well-balanced collection of out-of-print singles and unreleased tracks. If the selections aren't necessarily their "biggest hits," they still represent a handy introduction to the country's premier alt-country label -- or insurgent country, as they would have it -- as well as a boon for the collector. Although there are no duds, there are some definite standouts:
the Meat Purveyors' bluegrass-flavored "Madonna Trilogy" ("Like a Virgin," "Lucky Star," and "Burning Up"),
Rex Hobart and the Misery Boys' twangy take on
Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," and
Ryan Adams' previously unreleased charmer "Goodbye Honey," and his acoustic version of "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)." Although there are a few omissions, like
Old 97's and
Robbie Fulks, both are already represented by their own Bloodshot compilations of obscurities and rare tracks.