Customer Reviews

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After the Clean's first phase, Hamish and David K. toured as this ensemble with three different drummers, and released an LP and EP, both of which are gathered here. Much less frenetic than the Clean, especially on the LP tracks, which shamble along winningly but not as memorably as their former band, since they lack the energy and substitute a homespun feel, that in itself is not bad, just low-key and more dispersed. The EP tracks perk up more, some recalling the English band The Perfect Disaster in a similarly Velvet-ish rockier sound that chugs along with a bit more vigor. Trouble is, this is a very brief CD, even with the added tracks, and many of the songs would have benefitted from settling into a steadier groove over a longer time to percolate.
Fans of the Clean will want this, but for the newcomers, best look for that band's compilation of their earlier career on Flying Nun first.

The best New Zealand Band takes a break after releasing their earth shattering (well, New Zealand shattering) EP's that are marked with high energy. The Kilgour bro's, who are the primary 2/3 of the band anyways, (I think the break was because Robert Scott went off to create the Bat's and their amazing early stuff), went home (this is where my imagination kicks in) and took somewhat of a vacation, relaxing, touring a bit with other drummers doing new, experimental stuff, then, in their home, lazily recorded some very fun tracks at their leisure. When the Clean reform they have one last energetic release, but afterwards make slower, beautiful music. I would say The Great Unwashed was them developing that sound somewhat, or at least toying with it. I must admit for the first few months I had this I thought it was something chill you could put on on a rainy day and not have to really pay attention. But this past month, I have suddenly fallen in love with it, it's charming lo-fy chillness grows on you, I'm currently listening to this more than any other clean release. I wouldn't say this is for beginners (but i can see a beginner liking this). definetely the place to start is their early EP's or perhaps Vehicle. I started where most do, the Anthology, unfortunately, disc two discourages you from buying their first 3 cds cuz you already have half the songs! I eventually did, and it was well worth it!
favorite tracks: well, their are some weak ones, but theyre all so short it doesnt really matter, I love the first half more, with the 3 stand out tracks being Yesterday Was, What U Should Be Now, and Hold Onto The Rail