Search - Pere Ubu :: Worlds in Collision

Most appealing PU album now enhanced

Pieter | Johannesburg | 12/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"World In Collision, Pere Ubu's most accessible album, has been reissued with four extra tracks. The work retains an experimental edge, but a song like the stirring opening track Oh Catherine is pure pop with its lovely melody and poetic lyrics. Cry Cry Cry is likewise a most soulful and moving tune with universal appeal, the perfect hit single that never was. Even a song like I Hear They Smoke The Barbecue has a catchy tune that sticks in the mind long after the last notes have faded, whilst the quirky Turpentine has a hook strong enough to pass the pop test.



Weirdness comes in the form of the title track with some innovative found sounds and Life Of Riley with its complex arrangement and lilting rhythm, whilst Mirror Man contains a lovely Glockenspiel in the mix. Over The Moon is yet another catchy pop song with gripping vocals and arresting imagery.



There's eneregetic rock like Don't Look Back with its driving beat and rousing chorus, and its opposite the slow brooding ballad Playback. The beautiful choir-like vocals of Nobody Knows and the song's intricate texture make this one of my favorites. Then there's the eerie ballad Winter In The Firelands, quite a tour de force.



The additional tracks previously appeared as B-sides to singles but were not released on any album as far as I know. This reissue contains informative liner notes on the band. Worlds In Collision is a remarkable and neglected work that offers beautiful tunes, appealing vocals and impressive arrangements. I enjoy this album more than the highly acclaimed Dub Housing and Terminal Tower: An Archival Collection put together.

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