Kitchens of Distinction

A just and proper introduction to Kitchens of Distinction would take up enough room to fill out, oh, about four CDs. This is because, in the end, a convincing argument could be made for each album's status as the band's true best. This disc, Capsule: The Best of KOD 1988-94 -- no doubt a hair-splitting one to piece together -- does make for the second-best place to start, even though it makes the grave mistake of omitting "4 Men," a single that wrapped up all the group's strengths and all the pain that desire can inflict in one feverish shot. Rightfully so, the compilation touches upon each of the albums without heavily tilting the favor toward any one in particular -- three songs apiece appear from the first two albums, and five apiece are included from the last two. Excepting the popular success that was so deserved, this trio had everything: a sorcerer of a guitarist who could propel you over the clouds and then, seconds later, dunk you leagues deep into the ocean; a lively rhythm section that could emit a graceful force as well as whip up a thick, dubby underbelly; and a songwriter whose lyrics were, and still are, fit to be bound and gilded. While it's true that the Kitchens had numerous peers and a few antecedents, none of them quite approached their mix of compelling songcraft and dazzling atmospheric effects, which were never accentuated to hide instrumental shortcomings. The first 2500 copies of the set came with a second disc of B-sides and radio-session versions, several of which wouldn't be undeserving of first-disc placement -- see the alternately dreary and blissful storms of "Glittery Dust," and the anti-Thatcher "Margaret's Injection," in particular, along with the 12" (albeit inferior) version of "4 Men." In fact, you might as well see everything else while you're at it. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide