Search - Strange Boutique :: The Collection: 1988-1994

For those who missed them the first time (like me)

Scott Sweet | Colorado Springs, CO | 06/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd never heard of Strange Boutique except as the previous band of vocalist Monica Richards (Faith and The Muse). I went back and snagged the albums, and this stuff rocks. A little U2 ("In The Lonely Trees"), a little Cure ("Chant The All"), some Echo and The Bunnymen ("Whipoorwill"). Add nutmeg as desired. If I'd heard these folks during their run, I might have avoided years of bad top 40 radio.The CD covers all three albums, and a signature sound is evident. Richards' gentle vocals were a perfect contrast to Fred Smith's (ex-Beefeater) wall of guitar echo. Steve Willett reminded us that the bass can also be a melody instrument. The drummers, first Danny Ingram (ex-Madhouse) then Rand Blackwell, laid down a solid spine beneath the whole thing. I hear a little of The Police's Stewart Copeland in Ingram's style. From the CD traycard: "[...]Strange Boutique was a product of the post-punk Washington harDCore music scene, yet they created their very own eclectic brand of powerful, guitar-driven ethereal music." Based on the CD, this is a very accurate description. I guess, um, that's why it's on the traycard...The cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" has a smooth-yet-jagged groove which typified Strange Boutique. It's also a perfect closing to the album; SB (I'm tired of typing Strange Boutique) may not have had the national exposure they deserved, but they galvanized the crowd whenever they played. They're playing a reunion show in DC July 3rd. I have to work that night, so go see them for me."

Not just good because it is old

Scott Sweet | 07/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many "best of" albums are just a reheated, repackaged version of the same old thing. Not so with Strange Boutique's Collection. This is the slickest, cleanest, most artfully produced and engineered of all the Strange Boutique albums, and is an excellent example of the personality, artistry and power that defines this band and its music. Monica Richards truly has a magical voice; put in front of driving rythms and carefully crafted music, we end up with music that will enchant and haunt you."