For over four decades, the eccentric, jangly lo-fi pop poets Cleaners From Venus have been coveted by crate diggers and provided a blueprint for countless musicians. It makes sense, then, that when Dandy Boy Records offered the chance to record a tribute compilation, a well of eager talent jumped at the opportunity. Enter Tales of a Kitchen Porter, a love letter to the Cleaners’ discography.

As mentioned in last week’s Gimme 5 feature with Sob Stories’ Joel Cusumano, we’re thrilled that so many of the artists on this comp are Wantlist alumni — Chime School, Sob Stories, Nic Hessler, Whitney’s Playland, Owen Adair Kelley, The Smashing Times, Flowertown, and Yea-Ming and the Rumours — this is an all-star lineup.

What makes these covers truly shine is that the musicians don’t just mimic the originals; they make them their own. There’s no parody or paint-by-numbers play here, just heartfelt tributes that breathe new life into these beloved songs. The compilation serves not only as a celebration of Cleaners From Venus but also as a snapshot of the thriving contemporary underground pop and jangle scenes.

While familiar faces deliver in spades, added joy comes from discovering new talent like Sleepworld, Julian Never, and Inflatable Men, who contribute one of my favorite covers on the album, He’s Going Out With Marilyn.

Tales of a Kitchen Porter is out now on LP, with a bonus 7″ single.

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