Full title, 'Storm Hymnal, Gems From The Vault'. UK compilation for U.S. alternative act who debuted in 1993 with 'Fuzzy' on Slash. Showcases thirty tracks culled from the four albums that Grant Lee Buffalo released to ... more »critical acclaim between 1993 & 1999. Featuring alternate acoustic takes. 30 tracks in all. 2001.« less
Full title, 'Storm Hymnal, Gems From The Vault'. UK compilation for U.S. alternative act who debuted in 1993 with 'Fuzzy' on Slash. Showcases thirty tracks culled from the four albums that Grant Lee Buffalo released to critical acclaim between 1993 & 1999. Featuring alternate acoustic takes. 30 tracks in all. 2001.
"Grant Lee Buffalo, one of the best and most under-appreciated bands of the nineties are no longer. Frontman Grant Lee Phillips has gone on to release two stunning solo albums. What's left? This album. The first disc is your run-of-the-mill greatest hits album (even though they really only had one hit with "Mockingbirds"). A greatest hits doesn't do the band, who put out four near-perfect albums, justice. And songs like "Wish You Well", "Rock Of Ages" and "The Only Way Down" are sorely missed. It is however, a great introduction for music fans unfamiliar with their songs. The reason for fans to buy the album is the second disc. Comprised of accoustic and unreleased tracks, it's like a whole new album of songs that, for the most part, are on par with their best. It seems that Grant Lee Buffalo are incapable of writing a bad song and tracks like "Orpheus" and "Goodnight John Dee", (Both b-sides from the now out-of-print import single for "Mockingbirds"), are beautiful accoustic ballads in the tradition of "Honey Don't Think" and "Happiness". If you're a fan and find yourself wishing there were more of the band. There is, and this album is essential."
A great introduction to a great songwriter
syndessol | Phoenix, AZ | 03/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Grant Lee Buffalo and frontman Grant Lee Phillips can definitely be regarded as one of the finest songwriters of Great American tunes. This "gem" of an album is a must have for any avid GLB enthusiast or anyone that appreciates a great collection of music.This album not only provides a well rounded collection of the great GLB rips like "Fuzzy", "Lone Star Song", and "Truly, Truly" but the group has also graciously given us a second disc of outstanding tunes that won't be found on their other albums, including a handful of acoustic versions.This cd set has it all and it delivers the best of the best. If you have never heard of these guys...definitely give them a listen...you won't be disappointed."
This is "Happiness".
H3@+h | VT | 04/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'd imagine the majority of fans would have been happy with just a single disc hits album, but everything here is wonderful, and more is better right. Of course the first disc here is all the best, minus a song or three. It includes "Fuzzy", "Homespun", "Truly Truly", and probably their most popular song "Mockingbirds". I'm also glad it has "Honey Don't Think". The second disc is all b-sides and extras, and for the most part, nearly as good as the first disc. None of it really stands out to me yet, but it's all far from filler. As with any "Best Of" album, this is a great collection for the newcomer, and also should appeal to fans of the alt-country scene, etc."
Corona Alona
J. MILLER | Los Angeles, CA USA | 06/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderful collection, worth twice its retail value for "Crashing At Corona" alone (on disc 2). Beautiful melody, mysterious lyrics. Even after three dozen listens, it continues to shiver the spine. Enjoy."