Search - Catherine Wheel :: Like Cats & Dogs

Another Side to The Catherine Wheel

Mark Tatum | Colorado Springs, CO United States | 12/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The depth of Catherine Wheel shows through when a collection of b-sides can stay in constant rotation in my cd-changer the way this disc does. Like Cats and Dogs is a mood-filled run of sweet surprises that get better with every listen."Heal 2," a re-mix of their Happy Days anthem, and the competent cover of "Wish You Were Here," one of my favorite Pink Floyd tunes, make for a familiar introduction to this album, most of which first appeared as b-sides of UK singles. However, as good as those two tracks are, the album really begins with "Mouthful of Air," "Car" and "Girl Stand Still." Rob Dickinson's airy vocals and the understated power of Brian Futter's guitar set a tone that is captivating, mournful and addicting. Other standouts are "Saccharine," "These Four Walls" and "Harder Than I Am."The band has said in interviews that they took this compilation album quite seriously, and the song selection and order proves once again that they understand how one track influences another, creating an atmosphere that makes the album better than its pieces. The band worked on this album while beginning writing for Adam & Eve, the best album of the nineties in my opinion, and they admit to being influenced by the good work they heard from these b-sides. Like all Catherine Wheel albums, Like Cats and Dogs takes several listens to really appreciate. It takes time to peel away the layers and get to the depths of their music, but the experience of doing so is quite rewarding."

The Catherine Wheel's B-Sides are A-Sides

Mark Tatum | 03/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any time a band releases a collection or some remixes in between albums it usually signals a lack of new material or a need for some more record sales. However, in the case of The Catherine Wheel it signals the rare chance to experience the strange and wonderful places inside your mind where truly beautiful music can take you. Their incredible covers of Pink Floyd and Rush are both stand-outs but how could you over-look "Mouthful of Air" and "Harder than I Am"? If you are blessed with the ability to hear and enjoy good music, this album should be at the top of your list of things to do."

Don't overlook this one

Mark Tatum | 05/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame our friend in Geneva had to trash the overall rating of this CD, but he's certainly entitled to his opinion. That said, I probably wouldn't recommend this recording as an introduction to Catherine Wheel, even though it's most definitely representative of the band's work. The songs are dark, moody and atmospheric, yet strangely uplifting. The perfect musical guide for an evening of introspection, it's a collection of B sides, covers and, I guess, alternative takes, yet the whole stands as a cohesive package, worthy of album-hood. It's a creeper, too; the songs reveal more depth with repeated listening, rewarding the attentive listener. The hidden tracks on the tail-end are fine, but not in keeping with the flavour and texture of the rest of the music; also they tend to jar one from Post-Wheel reverie if the listener fails to program their CD player approprately! All in all a tasty treat for believers."