This Is Music: The Singles 92-98

This rolls out the singles from their three albums, early EPs and the obligatory new tracks too, both unreleased from the Urban Hymns sessions. Interesting though these collector's items are, the real treasure lies in simply rediscovering, like Suede, what a great singles band they were. Witness the grandeur and scope of "History" - with it's epic (if overdone) strings and classic Ashcroft delivery or the genuine melancholy of "The Drugs Don't Work." They became, as Oasis and the Stone Roses did, a band of the people; of the nation. The era-defining "Bittersweet Symphony", grand without the Gallagher's arrogance, somehow intellectual in place of their brutish stupidity, didn't so much carve The Verve a path as stomp one through the crowd. --Ben Johncock

This could have been so much better for those of us who already own their albums. I mean they could have released a limited edition version with a bonus cd with b-sides (such as the Cure) or a cd with live tracks (such as Blur).

This album is suppose to include some b-sides and to my surprise "Never wanna see you cry" is not included, which in my opinion is probably the best B-side the Verve ever made. This song sounds very similar to Drugs Don't Work (including lots of strings arrangements) or they could have included Bitter Sweet Symphony remixed by James Lavelle who creates a totally new "trip hop" song (think about mixing Portishead with the Verve).

Instead of these great B-sides we get 2 "new tracks" (This could be my moment and Monte Carlo) which honestly sound like demos that dont go anywhere. I was expecting new production on these songs (string arrangements or new vocals) but sadly nothing new was added to these "demos" from the Urban Hymns sessions.

How about including a cd with live songs? I would love to have live versions of Bitter Sweet Symphony, History, Drugs Don't Work, etc. This would have been amazing for those hardcore Verve fans like me. I am still hoping that one day we will get a proper live cd or DVD. My suggestion would be their last concert in their hometown of Wigan, England ... this concert was amazing...

Like I said before, this cd is to give an introduction to those new fans of the Verve. I just hope one day they reunite and create another masterpiece as Urban Hymns. Until then, enjoy the legacy of the Verve 92-98.


This IS Music!   November 10, 2004
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

What a great album, well worth the money!...and the wait.

Opener the raw "this is music" is such a confident song bursting with energy will be an eye-opener to fans who got into the verve around the Urban Hymns time.

"Slide Away" and "Lucky Man" follow, reminding us of the loss to the british music scene. Then perhaps the greatest single of the nineties "History", what more is their to say, just such a fine quality and haunting song.

Older songs fit really well with the later material (I'm sure they've mixed Richards vocals louder in the old ones too!).

Then the previoulsy unreleased "This could be my moment" ..WOW ...it is such a strong song, so joyous and triumphant and a bit "pop" too (still better than almost everything Ashcroft has produced solo though) and "Monte Carlo" is the just icing on a cake that leaves you thinking "if only they hadn't split..." Come on!


Pure Brilliance   November 2, 2004
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This album is most certainly worth purchasing - especially if you're curious to learn more about a band that could have gone on to achieve so much more.

If you liked Urban Hymns, this 'best of' collection will introduce you to some of The Verve's more undiscovered (and unappreciated) earlier work of the 90's. This Is Music, On Your Own and History are all excellent singles from their 1995 album A Northern Soul, while Slide Away and Blue offer a more raw taste of music from their debut album A Storm In Heaven.

All In The Mind, Gravity Grave and She's A Superstar are all early efforts between 92-93 and are vastly different - but not necessarily worse - than the more popular offerings such as Bitter Sweet Symphony and The Drugs Don't Work.

The Verve were a true British rock band that made music the way it was supposed to be made. If you appreciate good music, you'll certainly appreciate this CD.