Magnetic Curses is brought to us by Thick Records in an attempt to showcase the new breed of Chicago punk rockers. Even the most vehement of punk objectors will have to break down and admit that this is one damn fine compilation. After just one listen, it becomes apparent that even though Magnetic Curses serves to document the Chicago "sound," there really is no single sound, style or genre that encompasses all the bands on this compilation. This demonstration of the full scope of Chicago's sonic diversity is ultimately what makes Magnetic Curses so important.

You'll find fine efforts from all 26 of the bands represented, with many contributing new or previously unreleased. As with any compilation, the cream rises to the top, and a few standout performances prove themselves worthy of a special mention. The first of these comes from the Alkaline Trio, current kings of the Chicago scene; the frantic "My Friend Peter" showcases their sharp lyrical bite and straightforwardly infectious guitar-driven attack. Another special mention goes to The Tossers, whose raucous punkabilly romp "The Crutch" is quite unlike anything else you’ll hear on the album. Then there's the fantastically twisted presence of The Nerves, with the off-kilter rhythmic surge and psychotic vocals (which I swear come courtesy of Mr. Bobby Conn) of "Enter the Night". A final mention goes to Tom Daily’s wailing aquatic fuzz-fest "I am the Bus Driver," which if I am not mistaken features former members of the sorely missed Smoking Popes. Contributions from The Honor System, The Bomb (former Naked Raygun frontman Jeff Pezzati's new outfit), The Mekons and Lawrence Arms deserve honorable mention; on any other compilation they would be the standout tracks.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and pay your (very reasonable) US$5.98 and enjoy the best that the Chicago punk scene has to offer. You might want to close the curtains first, though, so that you can skank around your living room without worrying about your neighbors seeing you.