While AudioRevolution.com readers are already in tune with artists like Bebel Gilberto, Beck and Supreme Beings of Leisure, Sounds Eclectic offers even more artists of similar talent and potential, with all unique performances or remixes broadcast on KCRW’s morning show. It is unlikely if not damn near impossible that you have heard all of these performers, let alone each of these specific performances. It is likely that you have heard of some of the artists, Yo Yo Ma for example. You will therefore have something to sink your teeth into, but there is far more to discover on Sounds Eclectic. This is why it is a must-have record for those looking for exciting new music to play back with far better than average audio quality.

With the fearless abandon of a true underdog in a completely corporate radio and music industry, Sounds Eclectic kicks off with a spectacularly recorded Yo Yo Ma Bach performance that jumps out of your speakers and beams with acoustic energy. The third track is from one of L.A.’s brightest talents, Beck, doing a country-blues ditty called "Lonesome Whistle." Switching genres faster than you can shift gears on the 405 freeway, Sounds Eclectic heads into the modern electronic genre with a rare recording of "Never The Same" from the Supreme Beings of Leisure, a tune that is as smooth as it is stylish. Out of nowhere comes a surprisingly well recorded Willie Nelson cut called "Healing Hands of Time." The closer for me is the Bebel Gilberto recording of "August Day Song." Bebel is one of the hottest talents your local "Bla-Bla-Bla-BIG" station doesn’t have the guts to play. With the influences of her Brazilian jazz legend father and her tastefully modern yet respectfully authentic Brazilian grooves, Gilberto’s performance on Sounds Eclectic is as important to own as Bebel’s Tanto Tempo album.

There is no way that you will love every song on this collection. KCRW host Nic Harcourt and producer Ariana Morgenstern have the guts to take chances on artists more diverse than Janet Jackson and Ricky Martin. With these risks comes dangerous new music. This is the type of music that makes you glad you spent the big bucks on your speakers. It will make you plunk down your platinum card at Virgin for at least $300 in new albums like Bebel Gilberto’s Tanto Tempo, Beck’s Midnite Vultures, The Supreme Beings of Leisure’s self-titled effort and who knows what else. Tell the bolt-nosed check-out freak to take a hike if he gives you a strange look for walking to the counter with Yo Yo Ma, Willie Nelson and Bebel Gilberto in hand. The store clerk may work around albums, but he is not the musically enlightened one – you are.

Note: All profits from the sale of Sounds Eclectic will benefit KCRW radio station at Santa Monica College and be directed toward the support of music programming on the station.