Even though they started out around the time of Britpop mania, Mansun did everything they could to distance themselves from the movement. Their boldest statement was the 'Six' album; a quasi-prog-rock record that still divides critics to this day. Yet despite (or perhaps because of) their unwillingness to compromise musically, they had a devoted and loyal fanbase; three thousand of whom signed a petition to get the tracks from the unfinished fourth album released. Mansun not only deliver on this request but also add two more CDs making 'Kleptomania' an essential purchase for collectors. The album itself is a fine send-off; harder and more aggressive than 'Little Kix'and the first three tracks - two of them incomplete - set the tone for surging rock, fronted as always by Paul Draper's impressive vocal range. 'Love Remains' and 'Home' feature two of their best hypnotic choruses. Only 'Wanted So Much' - a misguided attempt to merge rock and electronica - strays from the good form shown elsewhere.
As for the extras, Mansun were well-respected for including quality non-album tracks on their EPs. The main criticism now is that some of these songs do sound rather similar to each other and are perhaps not quite as good as we like to remember them. Having said that, the Bowie-influenced 'Decisions, Decisions' and the romantic longing of 'Railings' (a co-write with one of their heroes, Howard Devoto) rank alongside their very best work. Finally, the best the 'Rarities' CD offers are the unreleased 'It's OK' and 'Drones', both of which pile on the angst in the best possible way. Overall, an excellent compilation which has enough quality to attract casual fans as well as the devotees.
CD1 (The 4th Album Sessions) Track Listing
01
Getting Your Way
02
Slipping Away
03
Keep Telling Myself
04
Harris
05
Love Remains
06
Cry 2 My Face
07
No Signal/No Complaints
08
Home
09
Fragile
10
Wanted So Much
11
Good Intentions Heal The Soul
= Standout Track
CD2 (Non-Album Singles, B-Sides And EP-Only Tracks) Track Listing
01
Take It Easy Chicken
02
Everyone Must Win
03
Closed For Business
04
Ski Jump Nose
05
Can't Afford To Die
06
Railings
07
Flourella
Decisions, Decisions
09
Been Here Before
10
My Idea Of Fun
11
When The Wind Blows
12
Check Under The Bed
13
Skin Up Pin Up
14
I Care
15
The World's Still Open
CD3 (Rarities, Demos And Unreleased Tracks) Track Listing
Even though they started out around the time of Britpop mania, Mansun did everything they could to distance themselves from the movement. Their boldest statement was the 'Six' album; a quasi-prog-rock record that still divides critics to this day. Yet despite (or perhaps because of) their unwillingness to compromise musically, they had a devoted and loyal fanbase; three thousand of whom signed a petition to get the tracks from the unfinished fourth album released. Mansun not only deliver on this request but also add two more CDs making 'Kleptomania' an essential purchase for collectors. The album itself is a fine send-off; harder and more aggressive than 'Little Kix'and the first three tracks - two of them incomplete - set the tone for surging rock, fronted as always by Paul Draper's impressive vocal range. 'Love Remains' and 'Home' feature two of their best hypnotic choruses. Only 'Wanted So Much' - a misguided attempt to merge rock and electronica - strays from the good form shown elsewhere.
= Standout Track
print this review
email this review