HOMEWORKS VOL. 3, 2004

Another compilation record from the madly prolific French multi-instrumentalist, Sébastien Gramond's 'Homeworks' series essentially sees the man trying to put his music into a more accessible form for anyone looking to get into his music, but without the time to scour each and every one of his many albums. While many of the 'Homeworks' have provided a good summary of a few selected years, this 'Volume III' has proven to be the weakest I have looked into. Although the compilation features a few very promising tracks, theres alot here that really doesn't feel deserving of representing the man's work.

Much of the music here reverts between more typical song forms, and frenetic jazz improvisations, which are usually driven by synthesizers or organs. While certainly varied like the rest of the 'Homeworks', the selections chosen also happen to be incredibly inconsistent. For example, a somewhat weak rock track like 'Far Superior' is then followed by a very interesting jam 'Nivium Lapsus Revisited'. While the better tracks here do their job well and make me want to see the albums from whence they came, the compilation as a listen on its own can prove to be a very up-and-down experience.

2004 was certainly a prolific year for Sébastien Gramond, and there is some cool stuff showcased here, like the acoustic first half of 'Won't See You No More'. However, judged on what best-of compilations are supposed to be about, this leaves something to be desired.