Contains 68 tracks.
Entertainment Weekly (3/17/95, p.90) - "...In this 18-year, 68 song retrospective, [Jad Fair]--along with a guest lineup that includes saxist John Zorn and Velvet Underground drummer Maureen Tucker--explores his twin obsessions: puppy love and monster flicks. Somewhat rough on the ears, but undeniably easy on the heart..." - Rating: A-
Half Japanese never had any hits (in the generally perceived meaning of the word). However, their exuberant and joyful music worships at the eternal altar of rock & roll. Their untarnished belief in the power of music has earned them the right to call these sixty-nine songs (spread over two discs) GREATEST HITS.
There are early home recorded odes to monsters and girls as recorded by the brothers Jad and David Fair. There's the early expanded line-up (two saxophonists hopped on board, and occasionally two drummers as well) performing songs about monsters and girls. And there's the later period of relative polish and shine, which offered crisper takes of songs about monsters and girls.
With their multitude of releases (as well as the equally vast offerings by Jad Fair), this set is the perfect introduction to their expansive and compelling oeuvre. Half Japanese are a world unto themselves and this is the door to enter by. Includes liner notes by Byron Coley. |