Editorial Reviews Music Review:
Music Review
Lynne Me Your Ears: A Tribute to the Music of Jeff Lynne
Music: Die Schonsten Opernchore [Box set] [Import]
Day Before Tomorrow [CD-single] [Import]
Defected in the House [Box set]
Brick [EP] [CD-single] [Import]
Amazon.com
Cracker holds an honor as one of the most divisive bands in the history of alternative rock. While many enjoy their slightly Southern-fried rock, others think that frontman David Lowery lowered the bar after leaving the quirky Camper Van Beethoven. Garage d'Or, the two-CD retrospective of Cracker's greatest hits, outtakes, and songs that appeared on soundtracks and compilations, won't change many people's minds. Disc 1 is the stronger of the two; aside from the insipid "Get Off This," Lowery's now famous hooks ("Teen Angst," "Euro-Trash Girl," "Low") can claw into the heads of even the most jaded listener. Plus, once overlooked tracks, especially the gospel-tinged "I See the Light," get a second wind. Unfortunately, disc 2 is mostly filler. Covers of "You Ain't Going Nowhere" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" are ill-chosen and poorly executed. A live "Mr. Wrong" and "China" are the disc's saving graces. --Jason Josephes