the pooh sticks; stright up-noise pollution c88-90

New band-compiled album of The Pooh Sticks hits and misses. "'Mellifluous'... is a word you won't hear much when conversation turns to early Pooh Sticks records. But "noise pollution", sure: that comes up. I've even used it myself. So look away now if you must: Straight Up: Noise Pollution C88-90 is a selection of some of the most loved/despised/ignored tracks released by The Pooh Sticks on however many records it was before it all went wilfully 'American' sometime around dotted-lining for BMG mega-corp in 1991. The record has highlights and lowlights. You and me, we'd probably agree on most of them. We chose a reasonable cross-section, I think (although there could've been more tambourine), including: -- 'On Tape' -- zeitgeist-nailin' strum and strangle. 'I Know Someone Who Knows Someone Who Knows Alan McGee Quite Well' -- long title -- 'Teenage High' -- breathy sweetness sneaked onto the depraved Sympathy For The Record Industry label. 'Dying For It' -- the Vaselines cover which beat Nirvana by a full two years (though theirs sold better)... and more! It's like Christmas (no, blocking up the chimney won't help: we've cut spare keys)..." --Trudi xx LP version comes on blue vinyl; gatefold sleeve; includes repro poster for the March '89 Pastels/Pooh Sticks/Vaselines London gig.