5 keepers
keeper avg .416
My impressions about this singles compilation match those I had about their previous proper album "Seamonsters" (1991). Generally TWP is English 90's emo with some Sonic Youth buzziness, a pretty great sound if you're into that kind of thing. Of course, David Gedge's idiosyncratic voice is an acquired taste, to put it uncharitably like the guy from Interpol doing an impression of Fozzie Bear. That said there are no fails, but of the original songs on this singles compilation the highly chicka-chicka "Silver Shorts" ("I can't leave you behind" song) and the two-part "Come Play With Me"**** (waltz time followed by rocking, celebratory coda) are the highlights.
When the original singles were released each was backed with a cover song, most of which are at least as good as the original. Their interpretations of Neil Young's "Don't Cry No Tears"****, The Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday"****, and "Let's Make Some Plans"**** (Close Lobsters) are energetic and enjoyable. But the true gem is their transformation of the dreamy new age Twin Peaks classic "Falling"***** (Angelo Badalamenti/Julee Cruise) to a crushing slab of almost ambient metal, which made quite an impression on me when I first heard it twenty-something years ago.
"Blue Eyes" mid-tempo 90's emo with decent riff
"Go Go Dancer" like a happy Sonic Youth
"Three" like Blue Eyes
"Silver Shorts" like Blue Eyes, the best of the trio "I can't leave you behind" song
"Come Play With Me" emo, waltz time with rocking coda
"California" great jangly guitars
"Cattle and Cane" (The Go-Betweens) - very pensive
"Don't Cry No Tears" (Neil Young and Crazy Horse) - great version
"Think That it Might" (Altered Images) - pretty standard 90's emo
"Falling" (Julee Cruise) - part of my internal soundtrack
"Pleasant Valley Sunday" (The Monkees) - emo energy well-suited to this one
"Let's Make Some Plans" (Close Lobsters) - great version of new wave jangle-pop song
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