Their B-Sides are always great, and these don't let down
N. Leitzke | Roanoke, VA | 09/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Obviously, if you're going to buy this particular item then you are probably already a Sleater-Kinney fan. That's not to say this isn't for everyone, but I'm willing to bet that fans are going to be the ones that buy this.
That being said, BUY THIS. You first of all get a great song in "Jumpers," which is one of Sleater-Kinney's most well-written songs: "My falling shape will draw a line between the blue of sea and sky/I'm not a bird, I'm not a plane." As singles go, this isn't a bad one at all for a band of Sleater-Kinney's caliber to go out on. It's just a great song.
You also get two live versions of songs, live versions that are ridiculously good. I'll be the first to admit that "Wilderness" is one of the weaker tracks off Sleater-Kinney's last record The Woods ("weaker" in this case still being very good). It's one of those songs that you almost have to hear live to fully appreciate it, with the personality of a performance adding a new dimension. This track for CBC Radio is raw and unique, and the energy these three put into it make it all the better. The version of "You're No Rock N' Roll Fun" included on this single is very indicative of what a live show by Sleater-Kinney is like (obviously). They do a lot of improv's that lead into songs, and at times it's as though they tease you with a riff and make you breathless with anticipation, then they rip into the song and it's one of the greatest things you've ever witnessed. I've never seen them perform "You're No Rock N' Roll Fun" live, but this performance is one for the ages. They really are sight to see live, and this track is absolutely amazing. One can only imagine how it must have been to see them perform it. Unfortunately we won't have the chance to see them perform it again for possibly a very long time due to their hiatus. It's almost worth it to buy the single for this track alone, a very good closer to a very good single."
Track Listings (3) - Disc #1