Compilation "The Best of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas"

BMG/Time Bomb Recordings \| USA \| 11/23/99

Tracklist
Spiderwebs G. Stefani, T. Kanal
Information
No Doubt performed "Spiderwebs" on the 1997 show For those of you not from the Southern California area, KROQ is L.A.'s No. 1 alternative radio station. More than that, it is arguably the most influential station in the country. At the highpoint of alternative's popularity in the mid-'90s, it was contended that even MTV drew much of its playlist from KROQ. And, in fact, "Loveline" originated on KROQ as a radio program, and current MTV hotshot Carson Daly formerly worked for the station. Needless to say, when KROQ holds its two annual concerts, Almost Acoustic Christmas (every December) and the Weenie Roast (every June), the station gets big-name support from the music industry. This first (and probably not the last) collection, representing highlights from 10 years of the Christmas shows, is a testament to the station's clout. Such top-sellers as Smash Mouth, No Doubt, Bush, and Live, among others, give exclusive live performances here. Because all of the songs are recognizable hits, the best performances come not necessarily from those who do something different, but from those who let it all hang out for five or so minutes. Not surprisingly then to anyone who's ever seen the band in concert, Hole's passionate "Doll Parts" is this collection's finest moment, as Courtney Love snarls out the song's lyrics with fire. Other highpoints come courtesy of Blink 182, who do a humorous intro to a raucous version of "Dammit"; Everlast's gritty version of "What It's Like"; Cake's "The Distance"; and the Violent Femmes' classic anthem of teenage lust, "Blister in the Sun." "Best of Almost Acoustic Christmas" is a good alternative music primer, and all the proceeds go to charity. So how can you go wrong with making this a stocking stuffer?