For Completists
Andrew Richardson | UK | 07/27/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Since hearing Coil on the "Terra Serpente" compilation in late 1998e.v., I have been a huge fan of Coil's music, collecting several of their CDs. "Unnatural History III" isn't one of their best: in fact it isn't even close. For that, I would recommend "Windowpane & The Snow" and "Love's Secret Domain". UHIII's shortcoming is that of most - if not all - compilation albums: lack of cohesion. In other words, the pieces on offer here sounded disjointed when played one after the other. However, it should be remembered that the point of this album (alongside UHI - II) was to release Coil's music found on EPs, other comps, outtakes, rehearsal tapes, etc. Now having said that, there is much to praise about this album. I ordered this CD from my local record store for track 10 "Lost Rivers of London" which would have to be one of the darkest, and most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. It brilliant captures that 'mystical London' of an Arthur Machen story, or of dark rumours about Jack the Ripper, underground occult groups, etc. I first heard an excerpt on Coil's website (http:/brainwashed.com/coil) in early 1999e.v., and the piece has haunted me ever since. The CD also has excellent photos of Balance and Christopherson, and some interesting artwork.Most of the CD is reminscent of "Scatology" and "How to Destroy Angels" - i.e. harsh, discordant, 'stream-of-consciousness' music, rather than Coil's later, stylised, music. There is the unfortunate inclusion of "Music For Commercials" - 10 mins of bland, uninteresting music. Unless this is an example of Coil's notorious black humour, or to show that Coil can indeed produce banal, tedious music, this is a pointless inclusion. I can appreciate that, by necessity, advertising music must be bland and 'catchy', but why include it? That aside, I would recommend this release for those who have purchased the bulk of Coil's 'proper' releases (LSD, Horse Rotorvator, Scatology, etc.), enjoy their music, and wish to hear their lesser know music. For those who have done so, you won't be disappointed. Standout tracks: "Meaning What Exactly?", "Scope", "Lost Rivers of London""
Truly Evil- A Masterpiece
Andrew Richardson | 01/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you collect Coil, or enjoy Dark soundscapes, this is a must-have for your collection"