RED HOUSE PAINTERS "Retrospective"
Retrospective", a new release compiled by Ivo Watts-Russell and band founder Mark Kozelek, is a double CD, consisting of selections from the Rred House Painters's 4AD releases as well as a second disc, "Demos, Outtakes, Live 1989-1995" of previously unreleased material.
Kozelek, prolific songwriter and leader of the San Francisco based quartet released 4 albums and an EP of unnervingly emotive, exquisitely haunted rock over the course of 4 years on 4AD. This collection brings together some of the band’s finest recorded moments on one disc, plus a full disc of alternate songs and two completely unreleased tracks.
Red House Painters (aka Kozelek, Gordon Mack, Jerry Vessel and Anthony Koutsos) first came to the attention of 4AD in 1992 via a demo tape. This tape with some subtle embellishment became the band’s first release "Down Colourful Hill". Two tracks from the album; "Medicine Bottle" and "Michael" both live standards for the band, whose show was once described by NME as ‘nothing less than astounding’ are included in this retrospective. "Down Colourful Hill", as with all the subsequent Red House Painter’s releases received tremendous critical acclaim in the UK, Europe and North America, respectable sales in those territories and the band has clearly been very influential to a range of young new bands.
In 1993, two albums were released both confusingly called "Red House Painters". Seven of the tracks on the Retrospective disc are taken from these albums, the best selling of the 4AD albums. Two years later "Ocean Beach" was released, the last album the band recorded for 4AD which "Summer Dress", "Drop", and the great "San Geronimo" are included here.
Red House Painters are well known for covering classic songs with unique arrangements. The "Retrospective" album starts with the band’s version of "Shock Me" by Kiss, from an EP that was only available as a UK CD single.
The title of the second disc "Demos, Outtakes, Live: 1989-1995", accurately describes the contents. "Waterkill" and the final "instrumental" track are two previously unreleased tracks. The rest of the disc is made up of alternative versions of tracks that appeared on the 4AD releases, many of them very different from the final recorded versions. This package should satisfy diehard fans of Red House Painters, and also act as a perfect introduction to the band for newcomers.
SELECTIONS: DISC 1 – RETROSPECTIVE: SHOCK ME/GRACE CATHEDRAL PARK/KATY’S SONG/SUMMER DRESS/NEW JERSEY/MEDICINE BOTTLE/MICHAEL/SAN GERONIMO/BUBBLE/MISTRESS/DROP/EVIL/ROLLERCOASTER
DISC 2 – DEMOS, OUTTAKES, LIVE 89-91: FUNHOUSE/WATERKILL/UNCLE JOE/HELICOPTER/BROWN EYES/DRAGONFLIES/JAPANESE TO ENGLISH/SHOCK ME/OVER MY HEAD/BROCKWELL PARK/SHADOWS/MISTRESS/SUMMER DRESS/INSTRUMENTAL
"Retrospective" (titled changed from "Red Perspective") UK: DAD9011CD July 19th US/Canada: DAD9011CD July 20th
JEFF KEIBEL TORONTO, ONTARIO CANADA