Throwing Muses – ‘Anthology’

Throwing Muses
’Anthology’
Released: September 19th
4AD
www.kristinhersh.com

A compilation of Throwing Muses greatest work is long overdue. The band led by singer, songwriter Kristin Hersh have been producing some of the most original, intelligent, alternative rock music since their eponymous debut in 1986.
Not that Anthology is a traditional ‘Best Of’, it eschews the ‘hits’ in favour of a track listing of the bands personal choices. This is a collection of songs ready to form a setlist if required so none of the songs written by former Throwing Muse and Belly chanteuse Tanya Donelly appear.
Anthology is a deluxe 2 disc set featuring artwork by drummer David Narcizo, Disc 1 is 21 tracks that are culled from a career that spans 25 years. Incorporating every album release, it weaves backwards and forwards in time, reminiscent of the snake like head movement Hersh makes when playing live. With a fascinating track listing, that I doubt anyone but the band would have compiled it works well, and with the inclusions of ‘Hate My Way’ – read the Kristin Hersh memoir Paradoxical Undressing for THAT story, ‘Bright Yellow Gun’, ‘Two Step’ and ‘Vickys Box’ there won’t be any complaints about omissions.
Disc 2 is a collection of B sides and Rarities, the interesting thing about this is that people new to Throwing Muses won’t be able to detect the dip in creative quality that is traditionally linked with a B side. Kristin Hersh simply doesn’t lower the standards of her work. Here we have 22 lesser heard songs, most of which (Same Sun and Cotton Mouth instantly spring to mind) could easily appear on Disc 1.
All in all this is a pretty essential release from a seminal band. 9/10
Jamie Gambino