Mercury Rev - The Essential 91-06 : Disc One (2006)Review By Max Roach
1. Diamonds
2. Everlasting Arm
3. In a Funny Way
4. Goddess in a Hiway
5. Chasing a Bee
6. The Dark is Rising
7. Black Forest (Lorelei)
8. Holes
9. Car Wash Hair
10. Empire State (Son House In Excelsis)
11. Something For Joey
12. Frittering
13. A Drop in Time
14. Opus 40 |
Mercury
Rev have been pioneers of their unique eccentric-pop for almost 15
years now, so it's only appropriate that the boys sit back and enjoy
what they've created with the release of their best of compilation
which allows fans and foes alike to recognize the talent that has
spanned the better part of two decades. Since releasing their
first LP in 1991 (an era where Vanilla Ice was the king of the charts
and hyper colour t-shirts were the way of the future) "Yerself Is
Steam", Mercury Rev have slowly but steadily peddled their wares over a
total of six albums. And whether you're a fan or not, you'll
immediately appreciate the slew of tracks spread over this two disc
compilation. The first disc has some absolute gems on it
(although with over 30 tracks spanning two discs - you'd wanna hope
there were!) including the magical Everlasting Arm, followed nice and neatly by the killer track In a Funny Way.
It's strange to think that despite there being almost 12 years
separating the recording of most of these tracks, it's almost
impossible to distinguish a massive difference in either the quality or
recording of the material - which is a really cool achievment in music. With
an array of changing front men, a list off additions and losses the
size of Chris Anstey's left arm, it's amazing to think that Mercury Rev
(in whatever form they appear in) barely seem to waiver or differ from
album to album, hit to hit. It almost seems like every single song on
the first disc is a reminder of that. It always confuses me
what goes into the thought process of making a Best-Of CD. The first
disc (made up of album tracks) lasts 14 songs, however, the second disc
(a mish mash of rarities and b-sides) encompasses almost 20 tracks,
which would make you assume that the Rev don't even think that highly
of their most prominent recorded material. All that aside, the duel mix
makes for an entertaining soundscape of this bands journey through
their own challenges, both as individuals and as a band. For fans
of Mercury Rev, this is no doubt a must have (especially for the second
disc), and it really does win over those who are a tad unfamiliar (like
myself). If you're a Flaming Lips follower, you probably won't mind
this either - and it's almost certain to recruit a new generation of
fans with wavy hair and oversized sunglasses.
Mercury Rev - The Essential : Disc Two1. I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier
2. I Only Have Eyes For You
3. Observatory Crest
4. Streets of Laredo
5. So There (as read by Robert Creeley)
6. Afraid
7. He was a Friend of Mine
8. Delta Sun Bottle Neck Stomp (Chemical Bros. Remix)
9. Its a Mans Man's World
10. Clamor
11. Seagull
12. Lucy in the Sky with Diamond
13. Coney Island Cyclone
14. Silver Street
15. Deadman (as read by Alan Vega)
16. Philadelphia
17. Good Times Ahead
18. Memory of a Free Festival
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