All the Wildhearts you need to know
06/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's two versions of this album; a 16-tracker released in England with the old 'Mondo Akimbo A Go-Go' sleeve and a more comprehensive 30-track Japanese version. Where the English version barely scratches the surface of the Wildhearts' brilliance, the Japanese edition brings together, not only the singles, but album tracks and obscure B-sides, too. It's the perfect end to the EastWest period and ideal for the uninitiated. Though it features plenty of rock gems from 'I Wanna Go Where The People Go' to 'Red Light - Green Light', there's hints of country ('Bad Time To Be Having A Bad Time'), pop ('Just In Lust'), folk ('Geordie In Wonderland') and punk ('S.I.N.'). Proof that the Wildhearts' sound wasn't restricted to hard rock. There are some gems which have been left off. The absence of bonzer tracks such as 'Weekend' and the Beatles-esque 'In Lilly's Garden' stops the album from being the perfect Wildhearts collection. Though I'm just being picky here! As it is, 'Best Of The Wildhearts' is the ultimate introduction to the finest British band of the decade."
Where Is "Earth Vs. The Wildhearts"?
Clark Paull | Murder City | 04/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My original intent was to write a glowing review of "Earth Vs. The Wildhearts," but apparently it's out of print. One of the great lost albums of the 1990's, "Earth Vs. The Wildhearts" comes roaring out of the hole like a top fuel dragster running on melted down New York Dolls records, full of attitude and bluster. Despite a rather dense mix, the hooks in songs like "Greetings From Sh*tsville," "TV Tan," and "My Baby Is A Headf*ck," all available on this compilation, refuse to be ignored. From looking at the insert picture of The Wildhearts, it's hard to believe such a ragged band of louts made such a beautiful noise. This compilation is a good place to start, but do yourself a favor and hunt down the original albums as well, especially their aforementioned U.S. debut "Earth Vs. The Wildhearts," sadly relegated to bargain bins everywhere The group has since splintered, with bassist Danny toiling on in his current labor of love, the glorious Yo-Yo's, whose triumphant debut is now available on (believe it or not) Sub Pop."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1