Search - Over the Rhine :: Besides

Odds & Ends Compilation Shines

Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 03/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1997, at a time when Over The Rhine was in between labels, the band decided to issue this compilation for its "Rhinelander" fan club, consisting of live tracks, remixes, demos, and throwaways (the album thankfully is now available to not just fan club members)."The People Here Are Not Shy" is a remix of the "Till We Have Faces" album. "Hey (I Do)" is a quickie ("written in 15 minutes on Sunday afternoon") that didn't make the final track list of "Patience", the second album. "My Love Is a Fever" is a 1995 live version of the track on "Eve", the third album. "Within Without" is an early, bluesier version of what would end up on "Eve". The real nuggets are tracks 6 and 7, both outtakes from the "Eve" sessions that didn't make the album: "Last Night", an outright country tune, and even better, "Murder", a pulsating song with Karen's voice sythesized. Wow! Then there are a couple of "Good Dog Bad Dog" session songs in a different mix, including a great demo of "Lucy". "Miles" is the only true "new" songs, an accoustic guitar driven, uptempo track. Finally, last but certainly not least, is what is perhaps the best song ever of Over The Rhine, the 13 min. live version (recorded in 1995) of "If I'm Drowing", a concert staple of the original line-up for years, where the band members leave the stage one after another (with Ric Hordinski's blistering guitar solo as a highlight), until only the drums remain and pound away. It must be heard to be believed and appreciated! This song alone is worth the price of this album.This compilation concentrates on songs of the first three albums, and in a strange and compelling way it supersedes each of those. BUY IT! you will not be disappointed!"

LONG TIME FAN ORIG FROM OHIO LOVING OTR FROM AFAR IN SEATTLE

Paul Allaer | 07/08/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first met Over The Rhine I was intrigued, my youth pastor's husband was the guitarist and they carried themselves in such a mature manner. As my familiarity has increased, so has my appreciation for those two factors, Ric Hordinski is a sophisticated and studly member of the band, and the maturity continues to age like good wine.This is the last album Ric plays on and it is a sad departure, but the band's message is clear, music is a fun and healthy way to express your heart to the masses.Lucy is also another Karen Burquist treat! Live tracks thrown in make this rare OTR treat worth owning!Track # 9 is possibly the deepest running song in the bands arsenal, the power of the simple composition puts over-produced conformist bands to shame. Lucy is also another Karen Burquist treat! Live tracks thrown in make this rare OTR treat worth owning! Buy this album out love for God in the spaces and the need to soak in the waters of Astral Weeks-ish tide pools. Go Lynford, GO OTR...thanks for continuing in your commitment to the LORD and the fans!"

Rhinelanders Rock

Paul Allaer | 01/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This one is a must buy for anyone who claims to be a Rhinelander. Karin Berquist is her usual quirky self, the songs are fresh and spunky. "Besides" is definitely less haunting than some of the older and more recent stuff, but it's a whole lot of fun. "Last Night" takes a wander into the world of country, and "Lucy" is proof that Linford Detweiler isn't the only great song-writer in the band. You'll keep wondering how this band that's been around so long never made it big on the Top 40 charts."