Com·post (ˈkäm-ˌpōst, especially British -ˌpäst): a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land


I lurked for a few years before signing up in 2003; spent a bunch of time in the gear forums until I heard the arguments on interconnects so many times I didn’t care anymore. Sometime around 2005, I decided to dip my toes in Rav Recs. I had no idea who you all were; no idea who the bands were that you listened to and talked about. Largely still don’t. But, I hung on because at least there was abundant enthusiasm. I was aware of the snail mail comp swap culture, but always felt it would be too intrusive to insert myself into this tight community, especially since my musical awareness was by comparison unremarkable.

Then the electronic world caught up around 2006. Once a few souls started putting comps up for download, the barrier to participation fell away for me. I think I’ve grabbed almost everything posted since. I honestly say that the comps I’ve gotten from Rav Recs have profoundly influenced my listening habits and have kept my enthusiasm for new music going ever since.

I’m starting this thread as part homage, part thanks (a large part), and most importantly as a call to you Rav Rec’ers to put your mind where you ears are and put up some comps. I wanna hear something that has your stamp on it. Throwing up a link to some album uploaded on some blog is nice but a bit of an empty gesture compared to what I know many of you put into your comps.

I’ll post comps from the past and a few of my own on a periodic basis. I hope you all will keep the faith and pony up as well. I’ll post flac and I urge others to do the same. Revive an old favorite, request a comp, or fertilize us with something new.