By Chad Taylor
soundcheck@dmcityview.com

Various Artists

‘NowHere’

Workerbee Records

If you’ve been to a local show in the last year, you’re already familiar with the sound coming out of Ames. There is a clear schism between those who appreciate the impassioned bombast of Christopher the Conquered, Mumford’s, The Poison Control Center, Neon Lushell, etc., and those who do not. If you’re in the latter group, “NowHere” isn’t going to do anything to change your mind. Featuring some of the most steadfastly creative minds from Ames and surrounding areas, the album is lo-fi, eclectic and not particularly cohesive. Even genuine fans of the bands included on the compilation may be hard pressed to find the album a necessary addition to their collection. While there is good stuff here — Nate Logsdon’s “Little White Lie” and The Golden Heart’s “20 Different Ways” — there’s nothing here that will make you say, “This is my new favorite song.” CV

(NowHere is available for free download from www.workerbeerecords.bandcamp.com starting July 16)

Chris Brown

‘Fortune’

RCA

Chris Brown hits women. Enough said. CV

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