Kev Rowland
When one sees that this is subtitled ‘The Rarities’ then one will realise exactly what we have here, a compilation of tunes from throughout the band’s career that somehow didn’t make it onto an album. One thing about a collection over this period of time is that it really displays just how many styles the bands have worked through, all in their own distinctive style. This is an album for those who already know and love the band, as opposed to a newbie, but I don’t think anyone could fail to fall in love with their Spear of Destiny cover “Never Take Me Alive” which is dark and heavy, yet light and appealing all at the same time. There are times when they are broody and dramatic, others when there Pete Steele’s bastard offspring and others when they show just how musical and thoughtful they really can be. Of course, it isn’t possible to listen to “Missing” without comparing it to the original by Everything But The Girl, but they have given it much more depth and passion than I would have though possible and this is way better than the pop version.
Alongside the 12 rarities, the guys have also included two new version of old songs that they deliberately recorded as if they were demos, bringing back producer Simon Efemey, who of course worked on their ‘Shades of God’, ‘Icon’ and ‘Draconian Times’ recordings. These are all about the guys having some fun in the studio, and it shows. So, this is indispensible for fans of the band, and if you have ever wondered what all the fuss is about then this actually isn’t a bad place to start, and is way better than most ‘B-side’ compilations you’ll come across.