Suede

If world power was delineated not according to wealth or fame but by musical output, Suede would be emperors. At least most of the time. This exclusive fan club release showcases eight live and acoustic songs from the Coming Up through Head Music eras and -- well, to be upfront about this -- its shifts between descending intimacy to euphoric hedonism are only about one inch short of astonishing. The lilt of "Since You Went Away" or the ten-hooked dance culture celebration of "Beautiful Ones" sound as potent as any band on the rise. Better, Brett Anderson's voice resonates almost as strong as in those tortuous Dog Man Star years while Richard Oakes -- free from the rhythmic feedback of his studio performances -- plays an acoustic guitar with the sober grace of someone, frankly, twice his age. Phwoar. This is the kind of music that makes you want to follow the band down the streets of London just to randomly shove money into their pockets. Seductive, brutal, and elegant -- Suede is so beautiful they could stop world wars. ~ Dean Carlson, All Music Guide