~Available on tape, limited edition of 40. Email music@cjlo.com or donate here (pledge 'other') to get yours: www.cjlo.com/donate~

At long last, it is my distinct honour to present to you an era-defining compilation, and the latest in CJLO's acclaimed 'Baked In The Oven' series. I give you, Volume 4: Birthday Cake Bangers.

These are selections from some of the finest live sessions that took place in our esteemed 'Oven' studios between February 2016 and April 2019. Initially compiled to coincide with our 20th anniversary celebrations in autumn of 2019, its public unveiling has been left to the tumultuous year of 2020. Ultimately it makes little difference; the jams contained within still feel ‘fresh out of the oven’, a testament to the vibrancy of the performances captured and the sheer creative genius of the artists themselves.

It should also be mentioned that while this compilation is named 'Birthday Cake Bangers', there is a great diversity of sounds here, encompassing not just wild rockers but also slow burners, introspective acoustics, and elegant electronics. A more apt title may have been 'Birthday Cake Bangers with Chill-out Chocolate Icing', but that's way too many characters.

I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all the artists for their wonderful performances and willingness to make the trek into the wilds of N.D.G. to visit our station, and of course all of their management and PR folks for facilitating this radio magic with us! Major recognition must be given to the prolific Patrick Mcdowall, our outgoing production director who recorded the majority of these sessions, and also to his superb successor Zack Bruce, who engineered the prized Orville Peck session which opens side B. A sincere shout out to all of our DJs for lovingly featuring these artists on their programs, CJLO’s art director Angelica Calcagnile for the keen design instinct, and my legendary predecessor Omar Husain who hosted a great deal of these sessions on the long-running ‘Hooked On Sonics’. I also want to extend my thanks to all of the CJLO staff for providing moral support and the funds to make this the first CJLO compilation to land on a physical format. And of course, to all the dedicated CJLO listeners and supporters - we couldn't do it without you!

Here's to another 20 years and beyond, wherein we may continue to illuminate the airways with fresh vital talent, to stem the tide of corporate mediocrity and gathering despair, and to be a beacon of hope in the wasteland of contemporary media!

And with that, put on your party hats and dig in.

- Zakary Slax, CJLO Head Music Director