If you were inclined to put a location as the source of our Americana compilation � although the music here largely originates from other parts of the great union � it would be California. With its vast open-plan landscape and one season (summer) per year, it typifies the expansive style of songwriting that is contained in this compilation. There�s arguably something in the climate that dictates much of our musical terrain, whether it be the sweaty loose-hipped funk of New Orleans or the frenetic and frosty four-on-the-top of Detroit�s Motown. American songs are born out of an optimism that is probably piped in the water. I�d wager most of the acts we�ve compiled here shared � as well as a reticence to visit their barber � a love of Crosby, Stills, Nash (& Young) as, indeed, would any self-respecting music lover. This cadre of � mainly � white musicians, although clearly influenced by some African-American music, were the first generation not to be fixated solely by the music of black America. This was a flowering of something more general, less clearly defined, as hazy as an Los Angelean daybreak. What is notable about the music is that it�s neither black nor white, but contains elements of both, and though its influences undoubtedly derive from R&B (in the old meaning of the word), there are country, jazz, funk, rock and disco tinges to many of the songs. This is music for a summer�s day, with the barbecue smoking out steaks, the Chardonnay on ice and the hubbub of happiness in the background. If you place it on your car stereo, we�ll guarantee you won�t get past the third song before you hit the nearest car dealership demanding a soft-top car. �Something is wrong, she�s heading for LA,� sings James Walsh. Deep down, I think we all are. Tracklisting VINYL: BABADU - I LOVE MUSIC ERIC TAGG � LIVING OFF THE LOVE JAYE P. MORGAN - CAN�T HIDE LOVE JAMES WALSH GYPSY BAND - I�VE GOT THE FEELIN� JESSE MCFALL AND THE FUNK ELEGANT ORCHESTRA - THOUGHT YOU OUGHT TO KNO