Retrospective

Sound DNA

• Alt/Indie
• Indie Rock

• dreamy
• melancholic
• nocturnal

About

After four albums together, San Francisco’s Red House Painters parted ways with their record label, the Gothic bellwether 4AD. Stylistically, the group had been slowly transforming from a shimmering, ethereal sound bathed in reverb and sepia tones to a naturalist electric/acoustic attack that had more than a few ‘classic rock’ guitar solos in its execution. Singer Mark Kozelek effectively left his wallflower/ shoegazer shyness behind, but neither band nor label had hard feelings. To commemorate their accomplishments, 4AD founder/owner Ivo Watts-Russell made a compilation of his personal favorites and then asked the band to contribute a collection of rarities for the second disc. The ‘greatest hits’ are all worthy and provide a full spectrum look at the band through the early ‘90s. It’s most interesting to see that Watt-Russell would choose their gently ironic cover of Kiss’s “Shock Me” as the opening track, but obviously the real attraction for fans will be the chance to hear these early demo recordings (“Funhouse” from 1989, “Uncle Joe” from 1990, “Over My Head”), studio outtakes (“Dragonflies,” “Shadows”) and radio broadcasts (“Summer Dress,” “Mistress”).

via Apple Music

Tracklist

Credits