Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Waterdeep have subtitled the ‘Everyone’s Little CD’ as “songs we gathered from hither and thither” and that just about sums it up. Here we have a selection of music taken from full album sessions and live recordings and band members’ solo doodlings all gathered on CD seemingly to wrap up some loose ends. Highlights include a live version of “Sink Or Swim” which the band couldn’t fit onto the ‘Live At The New Earth’ album, and the incredible jam “Instead” with its powerful lyrics and groove. The touching “Find Me In The Valley” didn’t make the final cut for their new album ‘Everyone’s Beautiful’ and fits into that album’s theme of hope amidst pain. There are some things here that are just interesting because they show the willingness of Waterdeep to play around with ideas and not stay within the obvious themes or musical boundaries so you get Don Chaffer rapping on the closing “Restoration”. Then there’s “Take Jericho”, again from the ‘Everyone’s Beautiful’ sessions, with its discordant sounds and rhythms. Acoustic solo tracks from Lori Chaffer and Christena Graves and an interesting, almost ‘60’s sounding contribution from bassist Kenny Carter add more flavours to this compilation. Definitely one for the completists; but if like me you’ve already been captivated by the band’s other work, you’ll want this.

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