jesus & mary chain: sound of speed

The Sound of Speed is the second compilation of singles, B-sides and rare tracks from The Jesus and Mary Chain, one of the greatest UK singles bands, and just as essential as its predecessor Barbed Wire Kisses (B-Sides and More) for its quality of songs and degree of variety. It’s arguably just as influential and meaningful to fans, having been released just as a newly amassed alternative nation was sprouting up. Covering the period of 1989 to 1993, The Sound of Speed collects B-sides off classic singles from Automatic and Honey’s Dead. “Snakedriver” oozes classic Jesus and Mary Chain bluesy sleaze, while “Write Record Release Blues” is a knowing knock at the record industry. The album serves up another batch of great covers, including the dirgey take on Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song,” the sweet pass at the Temptations’ “My Girl,” the distorted walk through Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster,” the 13th Floor Elevators’ “Reverberation” and the left-field version of Jerry Reed’s “Guitarman.” Assembling what is arguably some of the band’s best and most varied work, The Sound of Speed is a must-have collection for any Jesus And Mary Chain fan.