release date: Mar. 19, 1990
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: various
label: Rebel Records - nationality: Australia
Compilation album by The Go-Betweens originally released on Beggars Banquet after the disbandment of the group. The album is not a mere best of album but more the collection of selected songs in incomplete order starting off with "Hammer the Hammer" from 1982. Also, the title suggests that you'll find songs from 1978 to 1990 on this album, which you won't - at least not on the CD issue of the album, which contains 22 tracks. However, the 2 lp vinyl issue comes closer to embracing the whole period with its 27 tracks, but the timespan is widened here to a full decade: '78-88 - since they didn't record any new material after 1988 (and there's also a Japanese 2 CD issue of the album with 28 tracks). Hence, the title is a reference to the life-time of the band, and there's a timeline in the inlay with the various line-ups of the band reflecting years as a duo ('78-80), as a trio ('80-82), a quartet ('82-86), and two different periods as a quintet ('86-88 / '88-89). But if the band ended in '89 (which it did), then why is it titled "1978 - 1990"? To justify this album... Well, that's of course a label decision.
Anyway, the album is fine but also rather redundant since it doesn't really add anything to the whole picture, and for those who do not know all albums, well, a true best of album would be the better option. But guess what - sadly there are no decent best of albums with this band. There's the album Bellavista Terrace: Best of The Go-Betweens (1999), which "only" contains 14 tracks and leaves too many great tunes out, and even the 2-disc versions just adds a live concert as further material. Then there's Quiet Heart: The Best of The Go-Betweens (2012), which contains 18 random songs - some fine, yes but best? No. And that one also contains a live disc...[!], as if this band didn't make enough great songs. Then there are some anthologies but all with their flaws. So please [e.g. Beggars Banquet], go ahead and make the genuine album featuring the best from one of the most important Australian bands ever.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5 stars ]
