Precollection

Lilys

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 20, 2003)
• Original Release Date: May 20, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Manifesto Records
• ASIN: B00008G5KK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #223,276 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Kurt Heasley and his band may fool newcomers to the party by sounding very British, but this American band proudly wears such British influences as the Kinks, My Bloody Valentine, and Teardrop Explodes on its sleeve. Precollection, their first full-length release since 1999, is an impressive, mature effort that expands a predictable Brit-pop sound into something with varied textures, shades and nuance. The title track opens the disc with a riotous bloom of pop color. It's followed by sprawling, delicate gems. Things pick up with the energetic, insistent "Squares." The bounce of big drums and the shimmer of jangly guitars on "Perception Room" results in a magical pop moment. You have to wait until track eight for the roiling, Modern Lovers-esque number, "Meditations on Speed," which takes Best of Show. Are those keyboards a nod to the Doors? Who knows, but it's a brilliant track either way. --Lorry Fleming

Product Description
Long awaited 2003 album for the indie rock vehicle of singer/songwriter Kurt Heasley, the first since 1999's 'The 3-Way'. Ten tracks. Digipak. Manifesto.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the lilys souding positively fresh, June 27, 2003

By	Neil Cotterill (Silver Spring, MD USA) - See all my reviews

Ignore all negative reviews of this album. Critics seem to misunderstand this band often. Heasley's musical vision can't be pinned down on any particular lilys album, except possibly this one. I really hear elements of the early and later period lilys. I'd say on the third listen things started clicking. Think along the lines of syd barrett collaborating with my bloody valentine and you sort of get the picture. I saw him perform most of these songs solo acoustic a month ago and it was fantastic. This could easily be the best album I buy this year. And if you haven't bought pig lib either, pick it up. Stephen Malkmus and Kurt Heasley would do well to go on tour together. Buy it new, support this artist. He is one of the funniest and most charming people I have met. I never write reviews, but this album must be heard!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The newcomer speaks up, June 13, 2003

By	Scott A. Miller (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

OK, I've got tons of records & LOVE good pop music, but somehow, I've never been turned on to the Lilys. Why hasn't someone forced them down my throat!? Actually, Precollection was bought for me by a rabid Lilys fan who swore I'd thank him later - which I've now done about 20 times. I've since delved in to The 3 Way & Better Can't...(both EXCELLENT!) & I understand the disappontment of some long-time fans but I'm glad I heard Precollection first. While the other records have a more immediate kick, the comparibly mellow Precollection is the first one where people may have to struggle for reference points. Not 60's, not shoegazey, not particularly modern OR retro sounding - just Kurt Heasly music. These songs subtly worm their way in to your brain - marvel as structures that aren't immediately clear become positively anthemic with some patience. The third listen really did it for me - I hate that there are a few people who've dismissed it after the first spin. Peresvere folks! On certain days, I've had this entire record stuck in my head & I still can't put my finger on exactly why it's so great. Is this even helpful?! I guess all I really wanted to say is that without all the massive expectation, I was able to freely digest this record & it's my favorite of the year so far. I keep coming back to it. It's got a soul & mystique that sets it apart from most of today's disposable pop music.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marinate on It, April 12, 2006

By	Eric Westover "Westover" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

I remember the Onion AV club's review of this album mentioning something about how the songs require double digit listens to sink in. Not only is this true, but I'm finding that the album reveals itself over double digit months. I got the album when it came out, nearly three years ago, and tried to love it but couldn't quite figure it out.

"Will My Lord Be Gardening" and "Catherine (Let A Positive Stream...)" were immediate favorites, but while much of the rest of the album intrigued me, I wasn't sold. Now, the songs are all familiar to me, as they've entered my random iTunes queue over the past few years. On occasion, I listen to the album all the way through, and each time is more rewarding than the last.

Now, after a considerable time living with Precollection, I've come to love it. Not merely out of familiarity, but because it's great. Truly great (except for Melusina).

"Something something something something something isn't there."