Thee Oh Sees
Singles Collection Volume 3
Reviewed by: Stephen Krock
With the ever expansive repertoire of Thee Oh Sees, Bay Area garage rock darlings, spanning an impressive 12 full-length albums, dozens of singles, EPs, and contributions to compilations, it is only apropos that the band continue their Singles Collection series.
This particular third volume focuses on 2011 releases and tracks that are especially hard to come by. And frontman John Dwyer and pals cover a lot of ground here while never straying from the organic, clangy, unproduced feel of their garage roots. They skim the edge of the Velvet Underground in the psychedelic speak-sung “Ugly Man,” dig their nails into straight up garage rock in “Girls That Smile,” modern avant garde in “FBI2,” and hip swingin’, booty shakin’ Bay Area surf jam in “Wait Let’s Go.”
With a few casual exceptions, there is not a dud in the bunch. I’m all for experimental, but at times noise is just noise. As in “Burning Spear.” But considering that this handful of tracks are arguably the “throw away tracks,” it gives a newcomer more than enough reason to seek out all the rest Thee Oh Sees has to offer. And a perfect addition to round out an old fan’s collection.
Rating: Bad-Ass
