Customer Reviews

Best of the Vines

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In 2002, the Australian band burst onto the indie-rock scene with the irresistable "Get Free" single, which was one of the most memorable singles of that year. Several other high-energy singles from the debut album "Highly Evolved" also were modest radio hits, and it seemed that the Vines were well on their way to super-stardom. However, health issues involving singer-songwriter Craig Nicholls (eventually diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome) severely curtailed the band's touring schedule, and after 2 more albums, the band was pretty muchlost out of sight, and out of mind as well.

"The Best of the Vines" (16 tracks; 51 min.) brings a great overview of the band's singles and best known tracks. Rightfully, debut album "Highly Evolved" receives 6 tracks on here (Get Free; the title track; Outtathaway; Autumn Shade; Factory; and Homesick), and it really showcases the band at its peak. 2004's "Winning Ways" also generously receives 6 tracks, including the lead single (and last hit) Ride; the title track; Autumn Shade II; Animal Machine; F.T.W.; and Sun Child. 2006's "Vision Valley' rounds out the collection with 4 tracks: lead single "Don't Listen to the Radio", the title track; Spaceship; and Anysound.

This collection does not bring any one-offs, b-sides or other rarities. It is simply what the title portrays: the best songs of the Vines. It is hard to argue with the collection as such. If there is one change that I could've made, I would've added the closer from the debut album, "1969", as it is an epic and monumental track. I had the good fortune of seeing the Vines one time on tour here in the US, and was absolutely amazed at the crowd reaction, which went from glowing/adoring during the high-energy songs to disinterested (and worse) during the slower songs of the band, which in fact form just as much a part of their repertoire as the faster songs. I have no idea whether the Vines will attempt a come-back at some point, but if this has been it, this collection does a fine job bringing the highlights of the band's 3 studio albums.

Dont buy this release, dont support this. It's got no new material or any rare stuff whatsoever, and the artwork is uninspiring - looks like a guy behind a Coke commercial tried to do some Vines artwork. Finally, the band have strongly disapproved this and fought hard against it's release to no avail. All it is, is the ex-record company trying to mooch off the band when thier 4th album get a release this year.

They've only got 3 albums out, my advice is just to buy those - I'm sure you can find them for a bargin somewhere. I'm sure in a couple of years the band will decide to release a best-of over a much vaster career, hopefully with new tracks and a DVD or something. Until then, just ignore this pathetic excuse for a release.

I love this almost unheard of group. They have a sound of their own, plus they have many different sounds of their own. I don't think I can think of a group who sounds anything like these guys, but that may just be an exposure issue.

I love this best of collection from The Vines. Each and every tune on this Cd I fine remarkable. My favorite song has to be "Highly Evolved". Punk, garage?; I don't care.This is just great rock n roll. Buy it.