A's B's And EP's - Adam Faith

Advantages: Touches your emotions
Disadvantages: None

...Citing influences ranging from the decidedly serious Martin Sheen to the asinine Chevy Chase to funkmaster Bootsy Collins, the Beta Band is a delight. This aptly titled compilation of three separately released EPs is sure to leave music fans scratching their collective head while trying to define this Scottish band's intricate aural hodgepodge. The Beta Band makes a very distinct and exciting impression. There's the unusual coupling of acoustic guitar, horn, sampled beats, and a catchy refrain on "Dry the Rain"; the hypnotic instrumental "B+A"; and "She's the One," which opens with a chaotic, hippyish drum circle that segues first to an anthemic chorus and then to a highly processed breakdown complete with a Jew's harp. The Three EPs will dominate the CD player, becoming somewhat of an obsession, with each listen revealing some brilliant... Read review

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Advantages: Different direction makes interesting listening
Disadvantages: Acoustic is not what they do best

...the song a new lease of life. The new dittie 'Jacque Cousteau' is an electronic ambient effort, which although pleasant could easily have been a Moby b-side and doesn't quite belong here. Erasure have such a rich and varied back catalogue. Acoustic versions of 'My Heart So Blue' 'Oh L'Amour' or 'Don't Suppose' for example could have really brought the band a new lease of life. Andrew Poppy brought lush orchestral arrangements to tracks on 'The Two RIng Circus' to great effect. I saw them do 'How Many Times?' with just Vince on guitar and a drum machine once on TV and it was awesome. This e.p isn't. But I suppose at least playing with 'real' musicians they will get to appear on Jools Holland. It worked for the Pet Shop Boys. I am still really looking forward to the album 'Union Street' though, which is out next month. I am hoping... Read review

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Advantages: Great sound
Disadvantages: Some weak links

...Millencolin's collection of EP tracks, B-sides and songs used solely on compilation albums, captures the band at a younger age and the talent backing up the front-running tracks from the albums. This collection, although not as good as the full release albums, uses the variety of songs to good effect, from covers such as The Police's 'Every Breath You Take' to Dolly Parton and The Descendents. The mystical start of 'In A Room' moves gently into a sudden fast-paced, ska-guitar sound that explodes with energy. The first 6 tracks are all taken from the EP 'Use Your Nose', recorded back in 1993. 'Pain' follows on from 'In A Room', continuing the adventure in dynamic rapidity with extreme ease. It is evident, from listening to these 6 tracks, that they were all recorded in the same year as, although 'Shake Me' is somewhat more subdued than... Read review

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