(Sorta) Leak Of The Day: <em>Wire</em> Fever Sets In

ARTIST: Various Artists TITLE: Beyond Hamsterdam: Baltimore Tracks From The Wire RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2008 WEB DEBUT: A while ago, I imagine, but I’m slow.

SEVERAL-LISTEN VERDICT: If there’s anything the Internet could probably use less of, outside of Britney news, it’s ecstatic commentary about The Wire, with the first episode of the fifth and final season airing this Sunday night. Although I share the opinion that the show is the best currently on the air–not much of a competition, I realize–it’s easy to get sick of the very idea of it after seeing every blogger go on and on about its greatness. So, apologies to you, tired-of-The Wire readers, but the Baltimore Club-centric of the two recent soundtrack releases for the show is great. Of course, this post rightfully belongs to Idolator contributor GovernmentNames, since I probably have no business spouting off about Baltimore Club, but it’s enjoyable even for a genre dilettante, to think of a compilation featuring Rod Lee and DJ Technics to be available at Borders locations nationwide, especially one with a well-chosen tracklist that represents both the show and the city’s music scene well.

Beyond Hamsterdam [HBO]