A's B's And EP's (Mono) - Hollies (The)

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: It's the Beatles, previously unavailable on CDs, no bad tracks
Disadvantages: none

...of "Past Masters Volume One" and "Past Masters Volume Two." Each volume is a collection of the Beatles songs that were previously unavailable on CD, comprising A and B sides, EP tracks, alternate versions of songs, and even some German language tracks. Volume One covers the years 1962 to 1965, and Volume Two starts at late 1965 and continues to 1970. This review is of Volume One. Early singles "Love Me Do" and "From Me To You" appear here. On both tracks, Paul and John share lead vocals. John also uses the harmonica on both songs, although "Love Me Do" has more of a blues feel to it. "Thank You Girl" was the B side of "From Me To You," and, like that song, was never available on an album (in the U.K. at least). The harmonica makes another appearance on this song, making me wonder why it was used so infrequently on the group's later works. John... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent songs, examples of early work, rare, can be found for sale very cheap
Disadvantages: Not available to buy any more, but can be bought on ITunes/ebay etc.

...Fightstar was born. Fightstar have been given the dreaded 'Emo' tag by many journalists, but they are not emo. Combining elements of Hard Rock, Post Hardcore, and Metal, they aren't all switchblades and eyeliner, and neither do they sound like any other band out there at the moment. They are one of the best bands from the UK at the moment, if you ask me hehe About the EP ------------------ Released on February 28th, 2005 and reprinted on March 23, 2005, They Liked You Better When You Were Dead contains 5 tracks, and an additional hidden track. 1 - "Palahniuk's Laughter" 2 - "Speak Up" 3 - "Mono" 4 - "Lost Like Tears In Rain" 5 - "Amethyst" (''Hazy Eyes''- Hidden track) The band released one song from the EP - ''Palahnuik's Laughter'' which enjoyed heavy rotation on music channels such as Kerrang and Scuzz. Track by Track... Read review

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