The vim-filled, rip-roaring machine gun that is Millencolin (Melancholy Collection - Millencolin)

Member Name: rclens

Product:	Melancholy Collection - Millencolin
Date:	13/04/01 (191 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wow

Disadvantages: Some weak links

Millencolin's collection of EP tracks, B-sides and songs used solely on compilation albums, captures the band at a younger age and the talent backing up the front-running tracks from the albums.
This collection, although not as good as the full release albums, uses the variety of songs to good effect, from covers such as The Police's 'Every Breath You Take' to Dolly Parton and The Descendents.

The mystical start of 'In A Room' moves gently into a sudden fast-paced, ska-guitar sound that explodes with energy. The first 6 tracks are all taken from the EP 'Use Your Nose', recorded back in 1993. 'Pain' follows on from 'In A Room', continuing the adventure in dynamic rapidity with extreme ease. It is evident, from listening to these 6 tracks, that they were all recorded in the same year as, although 'Shake Me' is somewhat more subdued than its counterparts, the general distinctive sound is there, perhaps sounding that little bit too similar.
'Use Your Nose' was a hidden track after 'Nosepicker' on the EP and after the latter fades out, 'Use Your Nose' enters, as unique as ever. The track explores Millencolin's ska-type sound; the result, as lighter touch.

6 months later, 'Teaching You No Fear', recorded for a Burning Heart compilation single, was born. The familiar sound, first heard back in 1993, came to light again, bursting out of the stereo and engulfing entire districts with its pumped-up sound.

Tracks 8 to 12 come from the EP 'Skauch', released in 1994, only a month after 'Teaching You No Fear'. Despite 'Yellow Dog' moving away from the previous Millencolin sound, the next 4 tracks are all covers, and are well performed - 'Knowledge' by Operation Ivy, the excellent 'A Whole Lot Less' by Sub Society, my least favourite 'Coolidge' by The Descendents, and a catchy 'That's Up To Me' by
Scumback; ammunition for the vim-filled, rip-roaring machine gun that is Millencolin.

'A Bit Of Muslin' and 'Melancholy Protection' are re-recorded old demos for the Bad Taste Record's 'Epitone' compilation. 'A Bit Of Muslin' seems to lead into 'Melancholy Protection' all too well, possibly a little too alike. Both tracks are reasonably short, but provide a good sense of movement within the music, although slightly intimidating in their rustic feel.

'Shake Me' is the only live track on the album and proves that Millencolin can perform live, capturing the energy thrown around at gigs. Due to it being live, 'Shake Me' feels even more fast-paced than other Millencolin offerings.

'Every Breath You Take' is superb as it captures the feel of the original but turns it into a faithful soft-core punk rendition. The track is quite hard-hitting, very in your face material as is '9 to 5' by Dolly Parton, modifying less boisterous tracks into real music. However, most people will probably disagree with me on that one!

'Dragster', off the 'Story of My Life' single, begins calmly, and is in fact a welcome relief after '9 to 5'. The bass line, although not complicated, provides a gentle feel before a relaxed tune sets in, ending with a fantastic tuneful mellowness. I hope I haven't lost you here!

'An Elf and His Zippo' returns to the wild feel we had come to expect of this band. Off the 1996 single named 'Move Your Car', this is the real Millencolin, pacey and creating music which strays less.

I cannot stand 'Israelites', a cover of Desmond Dekker's hit. I suppose it is reasonably well done but I cannot stand the original, so not even my favourite band could make me appreciate this tune.

The most recently recorded track, 'Vixen', in 1997, sounds familiar with Millencolin's 1997
album release 'For Monkeys'. This is closer to the sounds that I first heard from Millencolin, more tuneful, catchy and altogether, the business!

The covers, along with other fantastic songs, make for an interesting album that should only really be bought by the die-hard core of Millencolin fans who would be keen to appreciate the songs more readily. After all this excitement, you'd believe that Millencolin's music would be enervating, however, it truly is not. The Melancholy Collection just continues this soft-core punk's enlivening sound, no one will ever find this dull.

Summary: