 | | Morphine
The Best of Morphine 1992-1995
Ryko Disc |
Most ‘best of…' CD's are for one main purpose, to make a quick buck. Most of the time they are tossed together so fringe fans of the band can gain some knowledge about a bands body of work. It's all the rage now. The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Beatles… everyone is making money off of fringe fans. But, this collection is different. I'm not just saying it because I'm a fan of Morphine's past work, but because they are a band that is still as relevant today as they were when they first started.
The innovative nature of Morphine is not lost in this day and age. The unique sound they created with a two string bass, a sax, and drums, still rings through as powerfully today as it did back in 1990 when the band was formed. Coined by the late lead-man Mark Sandman as "low rock", Morphine took their low end, melodically drenched songs to the masses… and they hit. It's not that Morphine ever gained full commercial success, but their new brand of rock caught the attention of many fans throughout the world.
Now with this collection, we get to enjoy sixteen of the bands best pieces of work. Along with hits from albums like "Yes" and "Cure For Pain", we get three unreleased songs ("Jack and Tina", "Pretty Face", and "Shame") and a song previously not available on CD ("Sexy Christmas Baby Mine"). These new tacks make it worthwhile to diehard fans that own the bands back catalog, but also give a little insight to the recorded material that has yet to see light of day. Apparently, there are stacks of tapes that haven't been released yet… hopefully this is just the start.
With his almost Morrissey/Chris Issac style vocals, Sandman lulls you into a trance as the head-bobbing nature of the ‘rhythm section rock' takes over. The album is full of great ‘sulking-by-myself' tunes, perfect for any rainy day. The heavy nature of some of Sandman's lyrics can only add to the depressive atmosphere of the songs. Everything about this band worked… right down to ever last detail.
It's truly sad that what happened to Mark, but at least he died doing what he loved (Mark suffered a heart attack on stage in Italy in ‘99). His fellow Morphine members (Billy Conway/drums, Dana Colley/sax) are not trying to cash in, but rather give respect to a man who left us far to early. If you haven't listened to this band before, this would be a good place to start. But, be warned, you better have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket… because you'll be heading right back out the door to buy up the full lengths.
- Jake Haselman | 2003-02-15
