"Louisville is for Lovers" has long been an unofficial archive of the city's music scene.
Its collected songs -- all from Louisville bands and artists, all ostensibly about love -- for years came out reliably every Valentine's Day (or thereabouts). The compilations were time capsules of a local music scene that was sometimes stable and confident, other times in transition. Every one was a love note carefully arranged by its creator.
And after a five-year hiatus, artist, musician and "Louisville is for Lovers" ringleader John King returns with the compilation's 15th anniversary. Titled "LIFE," the 31-song compilation comes out today.
King stopped by the studio to talk with WFPL's Tara Anderson about the new record. (Click the player above to listen.)
"Love can be so many things, can't it? Every year I'm amazed at all the different avenues love can take in these songs," he says.
"It's fun to watch, over the past 15 years, the different inspiration that takes hold," King says. "Some years there's more electronic music that takes hold. Sometimes it's more country. Sometimes it's more uplifting. But it's always amazing."
To celebrate the release, Twin Limb, Jaye Jayle, The Gallery Singers, Daphne Luster, Tender Mercy and The Hot Wires -- all featured on "LIFE" -- will play "Live Lunch" on WFPK Friday at noon.