Search - Boo Radleys :: Best of

Not A Bad Compilation, but Certainly Not the Best Of the Boo

Chris G. | IL USA | 09/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over the years I have noticed that there aren't too many 'Best Ofs' or 'Greatest Hit' albums that include the band's best songs.

Having said that it is nice to see the Boo Radleys are still releasing albums in the millennium. Compilations of their 90s work, Sure, but maybe it would attract a new following to their catalog. Which I suggest checking out as soon as possible especially if you enjoy bands like Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, or Ride.

The Boo Radleys broke up in early 1999 and have since released a couple compilation discs, most recently this one here and 2005's double album 'Find the Way Out' which spans the band's entire career from 1990 on through 1998. It also includes a good amount of unreleased tracks that any Boo Rad fan would want in their collection.



This album 'The Best Of The Boo Radleys' contains 15 songs arranged in a odd matter. It's also sad to see there isn't a single track off their 1992 album 'Everything's Alright Forever' or the Boos' last 'Kingsize' which was a fantastic finale to one of the best Independent bands to come out of the 90s Brit Rock era. My personal favorite band and I own all studio albums they put out. Having said this, this album should have been a double album and include the songs "Free Huey" - "Blue Room In Archway" as well as the title track from 'Kingsize'.

I am not sure who put this album together, but they really did mess up the picks and arrangement.

It includes a nice assortment of songs from the Boos best album - 1993's 'Giant Steps'. The problem here is the songs that were chosen which include - track #s 3 through track 8 (look above for song titles).

Forget the song "Spun Around" the album should include "Wish I Was Skinny" (which is considered a single) "Thinking Of Ways" - or my Favorite "Best Lose the Fear". Like I said this should have been a double album.

Another problem I have with this compilation is the omission of songs from my second favorite album by the Boo Radleys being the band's 4th full length - 'C'mon Kids'. Although it was considered a let down for Boo Radley fans when it was released in 1996 it's a fantastic shift from their former shoegazer sound. This comp. doesn't do that album justice. The best songs (additions to what was chosen) are "Melodies for the Deaf" (Colours for the Blind) - "Everything is Sorrow" and how could you forget the hit single "What's In the Box?" (See Whatcha Got)?? etc...

I could go on forever about the Boo Radleys.

Although this album adds nothing new, it's not a bad choice for Boo "newbies" but please don't let this be your only Boo Radley purchase. They have recorded far superior works and are one of the most under-rated bands to have come out of the 90s."