Search - Wildhearts :: Landmines & Pantomimes

Patchy-esque...

Dr. J. P. Smythe | 06/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Collated from the last sessions the band did before their descent in drug hell, the first six tracks are wholly exclusive to this release. As songs, they are all cracking, Abhoria (erratic, like a poppy 'Tool') and Tom Take The Money (beautiful acoustic ballady thing) standing out as two of the best songs that singer/songwriter Ginger has ever put his name to, and the rest of the tracks aren't too patchy either, Velvet Presley being a 'Mott the Hoople' stomper, Stupid Things rocking like a fool, State of Nondependance riding some fantastic time changes and funny vocals, and Ride the Wave being out and out pop fun. However, the production is atrocious, none of the tracks having been mastered, and thus sounding tinny, giving the impression you're standing in another room listening to them. Still, the songwriting shines through. The other tracks, however, are slightly more suspect. Three are culled from the Red light Green light B-Sides, One from the best of set, one from the vinyl Fishing For Luckies album, and the last from the Japanese Box Set. That's not to say they aren't all great songs, but... If you're a fan, then you'll already have brought this. If you haven't, do it now. If you're new to the band, then I'd suggest you get the Japanese best of, or, if you're feeling flush, the Box Set, and work your way back from there. Eventually, you'll get to this CD, and trust me, by then you'll thank me for it."