if i had a hi-fi is full of inspired, unexpected choices: from avant-pop Kate Bush to underground power-pop classicist Dwight Twilley. There are some intriguingly obscure numbers, like Spanish band Mercromina's "Evolution" and under-documented Bill Fox's "Electrocution." The as yet little known Fox, of Cleveland cult band The Mice, inspired local groups like Guided by Voices and Death of Samantha. Doug Gillard, who was in both of them, lends his highly evolved guitar skills to "Electrocution" as well as the Twilley and Go-Betweens songs.

That was another benefit of these sessions. Says lead singer and guitarist Matthew Caws, "It was a great excuse to have friends of ours sit in on something without having to wait another two years." Guest players include Martin Wenk (Calexico), Phil Peterson (Kay Kay and the Weathered Underground), Joe McGinty (Losers Lounge, Psychedelic Furs) and Holly Miranda.