This album seems to be getting mixed reviews where ever it goes. If one believes all one reads then I could only conclude that it is either an unmitigated disaster or a latter day master piece. Having spent a good deal of time playing this I find I do not agree with either view.

Prior to the albums release I was already familiar with the song ‘Love is dead’, having heard a gorgeously orchestrated live version. When I heard the single I was disappointed to find that it did not sound as good. When I then purchased the album I was initially under-whelmed and disappointment set in further, but it does improve with time.

When a director makes a film, I know, I will happily concede I have not even directed traffic but bear with me. When a director makes a film it has mixture of action scenes and quiet scenes. The contrast between the two lends each added dramatic effect. If a film is just non stop action from start to finish it soon becomes a bore. Like wise if a film has no action what so ever it soon drags, through some might try to convince you these are just being ‘arty’.

Albums likewise benefit from a mixture of slower and louder numbers and this is one area where this collection falls down. All the songs are slow ballads and I am sure would have benefited from a couple of latter day ‘Animal Nitrates’ sandwiched between them. Even the singles various b.sides are slow songs.

But hold on a minute, some of Suede’s finest songs were slow numbers weren’t they? Yes this is true, atmospheric, moody and haunting I would call them, and this is true of some of the numbers here. But there is my second sticking point, only some of the numbers. ‘To The Winter’, is brilliant, reminding me a little of ‘Everything Will Flow’ and perhaps would have been a better choice of single. ‘Song for My Father’ and ‘The Infinite Kiss’ are two others that could stand alongside Suede’s finest in my opinion, and they are not alone. However, there is also some stuff here that, if I am honest; if this were not Brett Anderson I would slag off with a vengeance. ‘One Lazy Morning’ would be one such number, it is sickly sweet and better left to the god awful James Blunts of this world. That could be rhyming slang couldn’t it?

The better tracks here remind me of some of Billy Mackenzie’s finer moments, and I think Scott Walker has been an influence. In case you are uncertain, coming from me this is praise indeed. However, this quality is not maintained throughout and the repetitive nature of the pace of the music tends to drag things down after a while.