Search - Stavesacre :: Collective

Hard to believe actual stavesacres are poisonous, isn't it?

C. W. Fitch | Wichita Falls, TX | 11/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had heard about Stavesacre's compilation album earlier this year, and even though I really like the band, I thought, "No big deal". I mean, they've only got three full-length albums, and I've already got those. No need for a "catch-all" album for the essentials just yet, is there? Boy, was I wrong. This is no ordinary "greatest hits" comp. (By the way, if you haven't guessed yet, yes, I picked it up anyway.) These aren't exactly their "best" songs, but they are all excellent and definitely sated my thirst for new stuff from Mark Salomon and company, at least for the moment. The guys put together a little something from all three of their first albums, and then go a couple of steps further, cutting remakes of a few of the songs. The acoustic versions of "Keep Waiting" and "Gold and Silver" make already moving songs just a little more so; very cool. Their remake of "Rivers Underneath" is outstanding as well. A couple songs are questionable, though. "Zyzzx" could have been replaced with an even better song like "Sand Dollar". I'd have offered "Sundown Motel" instead of "Colt .45" also. Other than that, this is a great comp with some cool surprises, especially at the end when they try an acoustic take on "An Eclipsing", then completely blow it, after Mark busts a gut laughing mid-verse when someone inserts a cheesy rattlesnake shaker into the mix. Hilarious. Anyway, if you're a Stavesacre fan, don't be wary about picking this one up. It's a welcome addition to their collection, and they even include all the songs from the split EP they did with Denison Marrs. Like the band? Then get it already."

More than a greatest hits album

tonydb | 11/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Collective" is a sort of career overview album with additional goodies, such as a cover of an X song, two cuts from their recent Split EP, and rerecorded versions of four prior Stavesacre tracks (three from Speakeasy and one from Absolutes). The entire Stavesacre career is represented, and several of the tracks I'd consider their best are included -- "At The Moment" and "Zzyzx" -- although I'm sure fans will quibble. Two "Speakeasy" songs -- "Keep Waiting" and "Gold and Silver" -- get the acoustic treatment, with G&S actually featuring Sam West on piano! Different and very, very well done. Another "Speakeasy" track, "Rivers Underneath," is presented in the extra-heavy mode it was played on their 2001 U.S. tour, and it sounds great. The album also features a great acoustic version of "An Eclipsing" that includes some humorous studio interplay. The X cover and what I suspect is an outtake from the Jeff Bellew years ("Rise") are nothing special but worthwhile for completists. Overall, there's enough new material to make this more than just a Greatest Hits album -- and certainly worth using to pass time while we await Stavesacre's next move."

Refined

Aaron W. | Kansas | 11/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the most refined CD Stavesacre has ever made. They succeeded in making two of the most beautiful and overwhelming songs from their past album, Speakeasy, the best I have ever heard. These two songs I speak of are Gold and Silver and Rivers Underneath. All the way from Friction to the beginning to their newest album, they have been the best, most perfected band I have ever listened to and seen in concert."