Lilys - Precollection (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

The lilys souding positively fresh

Neil Cotterill | Silver Spring, MD USA | 06/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ignore all negative reviews of this album. Critics seem to misunderstand this band often. Heasley's musical vision can't be pinned down on any particular lilys album, except possibly this one. I really hear elements of the early and later period lilys. I'd say on the third listen things started clicking. Think along the lines of syd barrett collaborating with my bloody valentine and you sort of get the picture. I saw him perform most of these songs solo acoustic a month ago and it was fantastic. This could easily be the best album I buy this year. And if you haven't bought pig lib either, pick it up. Stephen Malkmus and Kurt Heasley would do well to go on tour together. Buy it new, support this artist. He is one of the funniest and most charming people I have met. I never write reviews, but this album must be heard!"

The newcomer speaks up

Scott A. Miller | Sacramento, CA United States | 06/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"OK, I've got tons of records & LOVE good pop music, but somehow, I've never been turned on to the Lilys. Why hasn't someone forced them down my throat!? Actually, Precollection was bought for me by a rabid Lilys fan who swore I'd thank him later - which I've now done about 20 times. I've since delved in to The 3 Way & Better Can't...(both EXCELLENT!) & I understand the disappontment of some long-time fans but I'm glad I heard Precollection first. While the other records have a more immediate kick, the comparibly mellow Precollection is the first one where people may have to struggle for reference points. Not 60's, not shoegazey, not particularly modern OR retro sounding - just Kurt Heasly music. These songs subtly worm their way in to your brain - marvel as structures that aren't immediately clear become positively anthemic with some patience. The third listen really did it for me - I hate that there are a few people who've dismissed it after the first spin. Peresvere folks! On certain days, I've had this entire record stuck in my head & I still can't put my finger on exactly why it's so great. Is this even helpful?! I guess all I really wanted to say is that without all the massive expectation, I was able to freely digest this record & it's my favorite of the year so far. I keep coming back to it. It's got a soul & mystique that sets it apart from most of today's disposable pop music."

Marinate on It

Eric Westover | San Diego, CA | 04/12/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I remember the Onion AV club's review of this album mentioning something about how the songs require double digit listens to sink in. Not only is this true, but I'm finding that the album reveals itself over double digit months. I got the album when it came out, nearly three years ago, and tried to love it but couldn't quite figure it out.

"Will My Lord Be Gardening" and "Catherine (Let A Positive Stream...)" were immediate favorites, but while much of the rest of the album intrigued me, I wasn't sold. Now, the songs are all familiar to me, as they've entered my random iTunes queue over the past few years. On occasion, I listen to the album all the way through, and each time is more rewarding than the last.

Now, after a considerable time living with Precollection, I've come to love it. Not merely out of familiarity, but because it's great. Truly great (except for Melusina).

"Something something something something something isn't there.""

Precollection--Lilys

Eric Westover | 01/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an absorbing album from a songwriter of rare originality. It may not be immediately comprehensible or appealing to some at first listen, but repeated hearings will bring rewards to those who persevere. Kurt Heasley's influeces/inspirations are apparent (lots of good British pop sounds from the sixties to the nineties)but he molds them into a unique sound that is more than the sum of its parts. The song structures are unpredictable (check out twisty and meandering "Mystery School Assembly"), and even the more straight-ahead pop tunes such as "Squares" and "Perception Room" contain musical suprises. The lyrics abound in baroque, stream of consciousness imagery and clever wordplay. And it all still manages to stay catchy! Every track is different and worth savoring individually; the unifying element is the somewhat murky, dark production which gives the album a melancholy vibe, even on the more uptempo tracks. These complex, layered song arrangements could have benefited from clearer, less drum-heavy production, but this is still one of the most under-rated releases of 2003. A must-have for fans of inventive pop music!"

It's okay to be a little disappointed

E. Zwick | Dallas, TX | 11/10/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not the record I was expecting. When Heasley unveiled what was reported to be the new band lineup in 2000 on the 'Selected' recordings, I thought..promising, very promsing. Even though the centerpiece of that record was a re-recording of an older track, it was such an explosive little production, it left me wanting more. Imagine my surprise three years later with the arrival of 'Precollections'. The music is terrific, of course. Any time Mr. Heasley pulls together a full length, he is going to bring along his brimming sack of ideas. How then to explain the lack of spark on this one? I have no gripe with the production, it suits the material. If I do have a problem, it's with the pervading lackluster tone of 'Pre'. Indeed it wouldn't surprise to hear of Heasley's recent treatment for depression. Following the manic heights of the Elektra/Sire recordings, these tracks seem to file in, sedated and shuffling from the beginning. Though the best material is dazzling, it isn't very well served by the overall package. 'Will My Lord..' is truly a gem, though 'Squares', channels Julian Cope and 'Mystery School..' is a dead ringer for Wire. 'Dunes' has been getting alot of play around here, irresistible. Not a man for half measures, Heasley has scrapped Lilys mach 1 for the present and more power to him.
Oh..I also didn't think 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' was that great, although I love the Lips. Sorry."

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