10 Mbv deep cuts and rarities
“LOVELEE SWEET DARLENE” [THE NEW RECORD BY MY BLOODY VALENTINE, 1986]
A highpoint of the David Conway era, this marries back-to-the-future ’60s garage rock with lashings of Mary Chain-style feedback.
“CLAIR” [ECSTASY, 1987]
One of the band’s best ‘transitional’ songs. Gorgeous Byrdsian melodies lurk beneath a bed of menacing low-fi static.
“LOSE MY BREATH” [ISN’T ANYTHING, 1988]
One of Robert Smith’s favourites. A rare moment of fragility for MBV, with Shields’ otherworldly playing to the fore.
“DON’T ASK WHY” [GLIDER EP, 1990]
Evidence of Shields’ oftoverlooked songwriting abilities, this is a dreamy Beatlesesque number, until the guitar kicks in at the 3:02 mark.
“MOON SONG” [TREMOLO EP; 1991]
Rainy day blues recast as noisepop, possibly contains bongos.
“BLOWN A WISH” [LOVELESS, 1991]
One of the band’s prettiest moments, built round a swirling loop and breathy, layered vocals.
“WE HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD” [PEACE TOGETHER, 1993]
A beautiful and delicate take on the Bond theme for an Island Records charity comp.
“MAP REF 41°N 93°W” [WHORE – VARIOUS ARTISTS PLAY WIRE; 1996]
The last track MBV recorded before their hiatus; a Wire cover locked in an urgent, hypnotic groove.
“ANGEL” [THE EPS 1988 – 1991; 2012]
Carried on grungy guitars and propulsive drums. Originally called “Bilinda’s Song”, this was unreleased until 2012.
“WONDER 2” [m b v; 2013]
The closer from their comeback album, inspired by drum’n’bass’ own irregular, elliptical DNA. A relic from the 1990s refashioned for a new century.