Fascinating collection of Lowe's odds & sods

Great collection of Lowe's odds 'n' ends, including singles released only outside the US. Includes rarities from the "Bowi" EP (released in retaliation for Bowie releasing his "Low" album) including the superb surf instrumental "Shake that Rat" and lethargic, crawling "Endless Sleep."

Other fine tracks include both sides of Lowe's tongue-in-cheek salute to the Bay City Rollers (plus the bonus Gary Glitter knock-off "Allorolla"), both sides of his Disco Brothers collaboration with Dave Edmunds, a terrific cover of "Halfway to Paradise," and much much more.

Though this overlaps with the "Doings" box set, it contains enough material from his time right after Brinsley Schwarz to make it a worthwhile addition.

Lowe Profile

This CD is a great discovery waiting to happen. It is a collection of tracks from around 1975 -- more or less following the time that Lowe was in the UK group Brinsley Schwarz and preceding his first solo album 'Jesus Of Cool' (which in the USA had the title 'Pure Pop For Now People'). While not everything is essential, it is a great collection and none of the tracks are on 'Basher' or any of Nick's other compilations. And Nick's renowned sense of humor is in full form, illustrated by not one but TWO songs praising the short-lived mid-1970's bubblegum quintent the Bay City Rollers (think "Saturday Night" and "I Only Wanna Be With You" and tight plaid pants). And another tongue-in-cheek song "I Love My Label" which Nick states in the liner notes he recorded to get out of his contract with United Artists. In essence, this collection forms a nice trilogy with 'Jesus Of Cool' and 'Labour of Lust.'

Quick review

Just a point to make. Nick lowe's Bay City Rollers' songs must be the standard bearer for the title of "Songs that get stuck in your head for weeks." A must for any Nick Lowe fan.