Search - Celibate Rifles :: Platters Du Jour

Platters That Matter

Kathy Fennessy | 10/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It isn't a greatest hits collection (like 1993's Sofa), but Platters Du Jour presents a more well rounded picture of the Celibate Rifles' talent and versatility (which has only increased over the years). It gathers all of the Aussie clan's singles--A-sides, B-sides, alternate takes, remixes, and live versions--onto one convenient disc. All four tracks from their hard-to-find '82 EP, But Jacques, the Fish, are even included in the mix.



The basic sound is hard rocking punk-pop. The mood is positive, unpretentious, occasionally humorous and, even socially conscious ("Rain Forest"). Taking their inspiration from the Ramones, the Saints, and the Rolling Stones, the Rifles add a little twang ("Out in the West Again") and surf ("Summer Holiday Blues") to the equation. Covers include a faithful take on the truck-driving classic "Six Days on the Road," a garagey "Dancing Barefoot," and a speedy--downright exuberant--"I'm Waiting for the Man," which drains every drop of darkness from the Velvet Underground original."