"I really love compilations. I also really love and respect the music coming out of this very Ambitious City. The Ambitious CD : Series 1 is an amalgamation of the many acoustic, eclectic and eccentric musical personalities currently making their mark in the Steel City. This is our third compilation of local talent and is also a re-affirmation of what I've always believed...that Hamilton's musicians are some of the most ambitious and industrious in this country!" - Dave Kuruc

"Hamilton, Ontario's hardworking indie rock elite have joined forces on a new compilation compliments of Hot Tub Music. The new disc is actually the third installment of a series of compilations dedicated to bringing H-town music to the masses. It's called The Ambitious CD and Hot Tub calls it "an amalgamation of the many acoustic, eclectic and eccentric musical personalities currently making their mark in the Steel City." Look for it to come out on August 24. Many of the musicians featured on the disc are staples of Hamilton's local scene, bands and artists who play countless gigs around town and make it the happenin' locale that it is. Among the 17 different artists and tracks on The Ambitious CD is art-punker Wax Mannequin with his track "Papersnake," off of his just-released sophomore disc and Gun. The track "Six Points" comes courtesy of Neil Haverty, known around town for his work with indie rockers Music For Mapmakers (and as a former ChartAttack intern), but going solo here. To celebrate the release of The Ambitious CD, there's a party being thrown at The Staircase Theatre on August 24 in Hamilton. There's three parts to the show and it features 10 artists over all. It costs $10 to get in, which includes a free CD. Tickets are available in advance at The Staircase. Performances will include music from A Northern Chorus, Neil Haverty, Marc Kiely and Melissa McClelland and Mark Raymond." – Katie Bailey, Chartattack

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View Magazine - Hamilton's Weekly Alternative - October 24, 2002

VARIOUS ARTISTS -The Ambitious CD

Hot Tub Records returns with their third and, in some ways, best compilation of local artists. Originally conceived as an all-acoustic collection, the Ambitious CD morphed over time, but still features a focus on songwriters and less full–out rawk (after all, Hot Tub’s previous last compilation covered that territory). This gives the disc a more cohesive feel; the tracks fit well together, whether they be electro (Cartoon Me), rock (Les Cooper) or acoustic (Mark Raymond). The comp begins about as strongly as a local comp can begin — with Wax Mannequin’s “Paper Snake” (if there can be such a thing as classic Wax Mannequin, this is it). Other highlights include, but are not limited to, a previously unreleased track by Matthew Barber, Zander’s “Momento”, Chore’s Chris Bell on a solo joint, and an absurdly neat cover of “Paranoid” by the decidedly un–Sabbathy duo of Lisa Winn and Rob Lamothe.

James Hayashi–Tennant

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The Silhouette - McMaster University Student Newspaper - September 2002

THE AMBITIOUS CD: SERIES 1

The third compilation detailing local music to be released by Hot Tub records, The Ambitious CD tracks the current moment in acoustic recording in this city. From the quasi-religious eccentricity of local enigma Waxmannequin, which opens the disc ("Paper Snake") to the perfectly rough-around-the-edges acoustics of Mark Raymond ("Sun is Burning") which finish it off, this disc covers all the names you know, should know or need to know.

I would agree with any argument for the vitality of the music scene in this city. This compilation is not only proof but a perfect way to sample songs from artists that may only otherwise be available at live shows. In fact, these recordings have captured the quieter side of song that is often lost in the rumble of the crowd in a live setting, making this disc worth much more than the price of admission.

One of the most beautiful snapshots of Hamilton available.

Carolyn Veldstra