Benytt denne glimrende anledning til å ta en titt inn i musikkens virkelige skattekamre

The Norwegian experimental underground became very busy at the turn of the century. Two CDs would not be too much to present a representative cross section of it, and yet this compilation double album released by Humbug jumps over many key artists (Maja Ratkje, to name only one). Then again, Benytt denne glimrende. . .gives no sign of pretending to offer an accurate picture. The album allows a lot of room to bedroom/D.I.Y. outfits, from the oddly seductive sound collages of Duo Kanel to the unbearable boombox-recorded noise assault of Marakel. Among the dozens of unknown names, you'll find a couple of familiar ones like Jazzkammer's Lasse Marhaug and John Hegre, improv guitarist Ivar Grydeland, and the collective Origami Arktika. If you're already aware of their work, they provide friendly islands (well, if you call friendly Marhaug's harsh noise duo with Tore Bøe, The Nordic Miracle). Highlights include a captivating electronic piece by Anders Gjerde, a seven-minute drone by Fredrik Ness Sevendal, Duo Kanel and Bogus Blimp's contributions (the latter so soft it gets creepy), Marhaug's solo piece "Juice" and Pål Asle Pettersen's "Kollage 2," a strange blend of objects, electronics and soprano sax. As with any comp featuring emerging artists, for every gem there is a dud -- no need to name names, but expect two scoops of very bland experiments among these 38 tracks. That said, fans of extreme (and extremely) underground music, especially those nostalgic about the heydays of the cassette noise underground, should enjoy this set.