Did I mention that my CD collection was stolen a few months ago? I had all of my CD's, over ten years worth, in a duffel bag in Jennie's car. Why I left them in the car, I'll never know, and I'll never forgive myself. But, there they were, in her car for three nights or so. Of course, somebody broke into the car, stole her laptop, rifled through her shit, and stole the duffel bag. Luckily, I had 90% of them backed up on this computer. So, I didn't lose all of the music, just the tangible aspect; booklets, cover art, etc... I'm often reminded of this loss when I'm posting. Like, today, I'm posting The Birthday Party, "Hits". The CD had a really nice booklet, with a well written band bio. I'm sorry I don't have it to share anymore. Regardless - This is a greatest hits collection, picked by guitarist (later, drummer), Mick Harvey and released by 4AD.
At the end of the nineties, I was desperately searching for new music. Not new chronologically, but something that stood out, something I hadn't heard before. I was telling a friend of mine that, although I will always love punk and hardcore, I felt that the initial excitement had worn off. "Punk" had become a self-limiting genre. Everything had to be in 4/4 time, or D-beats, power chords, the endless repetition of the phrase, "I don't care..." I knew that there had to be some bands, somewhere, doing things their own way, without all the rules and regulations. I mentioned Sonic Youth, a band I've always admired for their free-for-all experimentation. My friend, Matt, asked me if I had heard The Birthday Party? I said no, and he practically dragged me to his car and we went back to his place where he handed me a copy of "Hee Haw" and told me that I held the solution to my woe on that 5" disc. I should have been excited, but truthfully, I didn't believe him. I'm a cynical bastard. But, Matt was right. Listening to that CD was like losing my musical virginity all over again. Nick Cave's tortured howls, grunts, and baritone vocals were an adventure ride of emotions. The Exorcist came to mind.Tracy Pew, all the while holding down repetitive, hypnotic bass grooves. Harvey's guitar screaming, jangling, and shrieking feedback. Calvert, somehow always on time, but never on time with his beats. This was exactly what I needed. "Hits" is a great place to start, and it will give you an idea of the range and evolution of a band that never had any rules, self-imposed or otherwise.
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