A compilation of 21 songs from scattered 7-inch singles, Song Islands is alternately lovely, interesting, and noisy. Most appealing to completists, it presents everything from deconstructive percussive experiments to ragged choral works featuring K Records recording artists Mirah and Khaela Maricich (the Blow) and Knw-Yr-Own"s Karl Blau (D+), as well as Kyle Field (Little Wings) and Calvin Johnson (Dub Narcotic Sound System and Beat Happening). Phil Elvrum"s gentle vocals and personal lyrics are encompassed in acid post-rock one moment and reflective folk settings the next. This fresh and cliché-free music deserves a close listen. --Jillian Steinberger