A thorough retrospective of Inspiral Carpets, proponents of the signature Manchester sound of the late '80s and early '90s. COOL AS FUCK features all of their singles, offering tracks that brought them popularity in the States, like "This Is How It Feels," as well as rare and unreleased tracks.
After Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets were the most popular band to emerge from the early-'90s baggy/Madchester scene. Taking their musical cue from late-'60s Farfisa organ-fuelled psychedelic rock, the Carpets sounded drastically different from the bands who they were unfairly lumped together with. Regardless, they released some of the best singles of the '90s, and a batch of albums that are all worthwhile. This three-disc compilation, released in 2003 to coincide with a reunion tour, features a CD of singles ("Cool As"), a CD of rarities ("Rare As"), and a DVD of promo clips, interviews, and live performances ("Spool As"). Disc one is more complete than the Carpets' Singles collection released in 1995, containing two very early singles with their original vocalist, Steve Holt, plus a new "lost" single, "Come Back Tomorrow." Although not groundbreaking, the Carpets were perhaps the best U.K. singles band since Madness a decade earlier. "Move," "Please Be Cruel," "This Is How It Feels," "Dragging Me Down," and "Two Worlds Collide" are a handful of highlights from a career of them. If this was the only disc, it would be worthy of your dollars, but luckily, there's more. "Rare As" contains even more early rarities from the Holt lineup plus unreleased tracks, B-sides, and remixes. Of these tracks, one of the most enjoyable is their Inspiraling version of "Tainted Love," which sounds like a Carpets original rather than a cover (of a cover?). The DVD is a treat for fans who were never able to catch the original promo clips (especially those outside the U.K.). The live footage and 2003 interview are just icing on this triple-layer cake! [Cool As was re-released in 2007 with a bonus DVD.] ~ Steve "Spaz" Schnee
This three disc set is the definitive collection of material by the Oldham five piece whose take on 1960's garage rock brought them eleven UK top 40 singles over a five year period. The first disc includes every single released by the band from 'Keep The Circle Around' (from their 1988 'Planecrash' EP) right through to 'Come Back Tomorrow', an outtake from the 'Devilhopping' sessions. Disc two features a number of rarities, whilst the third - a DVD (NTSC/All Region) - gathers together each promo video, 7 live tracks and band interview. Standard double-sized jewelcase housed in a slipcase. Mute. 2003.
British Import. Includes bonus DVD.Uncut (6/03, p.134) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...This best, rare and promos extravaganza is a fine tribute to the Madchester scene's most consistent singles band..."
Nottforest Muy buenas canciones y recopilación!!!!
Espectacular Tom Hingley y sus músicos...es una buen recopilación porque reune en un CD sus mejores singles y en el otro cd sús lados B...Inspiral Carpets es mi banda favorita unas de sus mejores canciones es "Two Worlds Collide" y "This is how it Feels" que, como no, estan en este doble CD!!!! Submitted by jsalamancanottforest (Talcahuano, Chile) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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