Various: Monkey Magic Vol II (Monkey)

I doubt Auckland's Monkey Records has a motto, but I'm prepared to suggest one: "When you are smaller you have to be smarter." And although this label may be small it certainly is smart -- as this excellent CD/DVD compilation package proves.

The label boasts many fine artists who have been posted at Elsewhere in the recent past (Karen Hunter, Tim Guy, An Emerald City, Ishta, Mamaku Project) and others that will be Firm Favourites when you hear them.

A track from the new Steve Abel album appears on this collection, as does material by all those Elsewhere postings plus Luke Hurley, Hot Grits, Onelung (who gets airtime regularly on my Kiwi FM show), Sleepytime and others.

And then there is the DVD with a swag of Onelung alongside Hummel, Peachy Keen, Renee-Louise Carafice and others who appear on the CD.

This is quite some package which comes with beautiful artwork by Leah Morgan (let's name and acclaim) and a gatefold sleeve.

Monkey Records: small but very smart indeed.