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Editorial Reviews

One of the most creative rock bands of the late '90s, Wales natives Super Furry Animals consistently stretch the definition of pop music while sounding uncannily like themselves. Nowhere is this more evident that on Songbook Vol. 1, which collects all of their U.K. singles to date. Over the years, the Furries have dabbled in punk ("Do or Die," "God! Show Me the Magic"); stoner dance-rock ("Play it Cool"); glam power ballads ("Demons," "If You Don't Want Me to Destroy You"); disco ("Juxtaposed with You"); psychedelic freakouts ("Hometown Unicorn"); sunny pop ("Hello Sunshine"); techno ("Slow Life"); mariachi ("Northern Lights"); and forays into their own consonant-heavy Welsh language ("Blerwytirhwng?"). Songbook Vol. 1 also contains a few gems that are seeing their American debut: "Ice Hockey Hair," featuring computerized vocals and Beach Boys harmonies; and "The Man Don't Give a F***," an encore favorite and a U.K. hit that samples Steely Dan's "Showbiz Kids" while dropping the f-bomb over 50 times. For a compilation -- and a non-chronological one at that -- Songbook Vol. 1 makes for a surprisingly cohesive album. Maybe it's because Super Furry Animals have never followed trends. Maybe it's because they sprinkle everything they do with magic Furry dust. Or maybe it's just because there's not a bum song in the bunch. While all six of their proper albums are highly recommended, for the uninitiated, this is fantastic place to start. Bill Pearis, Barnes & Noble

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