Various Artists

Founded in 1981 by Wax Trax Records owner Duane Davis, Local Anesthetic Records documented a scene that didn't make much noise beyond Colorado's borders but stirred up plenty of racket within them. Today, much of the material sounds blatantly imitative of artists who actually got out of their home state. Nevertheless, even the lesser cuts evoke the period's overwrought angst in an oddly charming manner.

Although the audio quality here is highly variable, dubious sonics can't entirely obscure the verve of the Young Weasels, the wit of the Nails or the hysteria Jeri Rossi exhibits while eviscerating James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." Best of all is the Gluons' now-hilarious "Birdbrain," during which guest ranter Allen Ginsberg issues nonsensical proclamations like "Birdbrain is the ultimate product of capitalism!"

Wax Trax is celebrating such commerce on Saturday, February 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. The festivities include guest appearances by Local Anesthetic artists and sales of original singles. Capitalism rules!