"Some give anything to have everything..."
Brian May | Australia | 04/11/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Died Pretty is one of Australia's best, though sadly underrated, rock groups. Their music is always fresh and sharp, and although regular chart success has unfairly eluded them, their spirit has remained intact, along with their substantial following. "Pre Deity" is a cleverly titled collection of the band's material prior to their debut album. It features their first single, "Out of the Unknown" and B-side "World Without". The first is a fast paced rocker with searing guitar and dual lead vocals from Ron Peno and Brett Myers (who are the creative force behind the band, and the remaining foundation members); the second is a quiet ballad. The single encapsulates Died Pretty, proving they are capable of loud, in your face rock, but also have a gentle side. Their second single, "Mirror Blues" is an epic - it runs for 10 minutes, but its shifts and changes ensure it never drags; it is a brilliant song. The final four tracks comprise the EP "Next to Nothing", which provides more of the band's diversity. It has a soothing ballad ("Plaining Days"), another epic in the form of the 8 minute "Desperate Hours", which has a quiet, brooding opening, bursts of angry guitar, and Peno's vocals, which range from low murmurs to guttural screams, ending in a crescendo of wild and manic sound. The last track, "Final Twist", is a beautiful and evocative song; perhaps it's apocalyptic, but who can tell? Whatever it is about, it grabs you and never lets go. This is a fine collection of early material from a truly great band. Buy this, then buy all their albums."
Early Compilation - Superb
W. D. Richardson | Sydney, Aust | 09/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first 2 singles and first 12" EP ("Next To Nothing") on one CD. Incomparable. Hopefully the rest of the canon will find their way onto Amazon, as they are worth sharing. For the record Free Dirt, Lost and Doughboy Hollow are all five stars as well."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1