The first round-up of the press reviews for the Best Of album.
Thanks to Paul Bingley For the Q review scan:
Click to view full size
there is a little sweetner in the form of Andalucia, the token new track that all Best Ofs seem to be legally obliged to carry. The track itself is fine; maybe not classic Doves, but it fits the retrospective mood by ticking all the boxes. Those wanting to shell out more will be pleased to receive a second disc of rarities and a DVD to boot.
The Places Between is that rare beast of a welcome retrospective. These are great tracks that have already done a good job of standing the test of time in a sometimes fickle genre. In a decade’s time they will still have their potency – something which guarantees continued play for this collection.
A greatest hits album is often cause for complaint, but the Doves have such a hit-packed back catalogue listening to this should be a pleasure. Hits including There Goes The Fear and Black and White Town to Words and Kingdom ofRust are mixed with hidden gems which never quite reaped the commercial success they deserved. MM
Not a great deal going on in doves world. Though whilst in Borders yesterday, I took a quick peek at the current issue of Q magazine. I would have bought it and scanned the article for the blog, but the .95 price tag put me off.
Q rated Kingdom Of Rust, the 11th best album of the year. They did a short Q&A with Jimi, the question of note – Q asked if doves would go away for a few years. Jimi replied that he didn’t know right now, but he is interested in doing something with Guy Garvey. I assume not just bird watching! If anyone wants to donate a scan of the article for the blog, drop me line, that would be great. Otherwise, just take my word for it. :)
Jimi has chosen ‘Extinction’ by The Soft Pack, to be Q The Music’s Thursday “Track Of The Day”, as part of Doves’ role as guest editors of the website this week.
Jimi Goodwin: “A band I’ve just got into from San Diego. Not sure if this is out yet, but check the video made for about 15 bucks on their Myspace page it’s really funny and makes me smile. They used to be called The Muslims… Anyone know why they changed their name?”
Andy Williams (Doves): “I love the darkness and atmosphere to this song. An inspired pairing of them & Geoff Barrow on production. I love the arpeggio synths, echoes of Joy Division and New Order. A really brave record.”
There’s more Doves content at Q The Music.com, where Doves are guest editors all this week.
Today, Andy recounts the making of 2005’s Some Cities album.
Jez Williams (Doves): “I also remember a writing session before recording in this really knackered old farmhouse near Snowdon where, guess what, we wrote Snowden (was a working title that stuck). The place had no heating or carpets and the bed sheets looked like they hadn’t been changed in 12 months, old pubes all over the place. It was like something out of Withnail And I!!”
Continuing Doves’ guest editorship of Q The Music.com, Jez has reminisced about the making of The Last Broadcast album.
Caught By The River happened so quickly it was ridiculous. We decided to go to a rehearsal room in Stockport called The Green Room. Jimi, Andy and I just started to play these three chords. Jimi started to sing this great top line melody and there it was… very natural and easy. Andy started to write these very poignant lyrics about a friend of ours; everything started to click like at the start of the recording. That was the last piece of the jigsaw for the album.
Jez has chosen ‘Tonight’s Today’ by Jack Penate, to be Q The Music’s Tuesday “Track Of The Day”, as part of Doves’ role as guest editors of the website this week.
Jez Williams (Doves): “I really like the new Jack Penate single Tonight’s Today. I couldn’t believe it was him. I first heard it when I was driving back from rehearsals. It was so instant I fell in love with it, I must confess I wasn’t the biggest fan of his first album but, my God, this is a tune!”
Jimi has chosen ‘Jacob And The Angel’ by The Invisible, to be Q The Music’s Monday “Track Of The Day”, as part of Doves’ role as guest editors of the website this week.
Jimi Goodwin: “Lovely guys who have just supported us on our first short UK tour. Brilliant live. They were ending their set with this and it had me grooving every night.”