via//chicago

np: "Shimmer" - The Jesus & Mary Chain

I've been going through a major, major JAMC kick that started this weekend - as just about everyone should do now and then. The brothers Reid were (and hopefully will be again) outstanding songwriters, a duo that just doesn't seem to get the love and respect they deserve. Sure, they had a fairly successful return at Coachella 2007 (awkward Scarlett Johansson appearance and all) and "Just Like Honey" was used to tremendous effect in Lost in Translation, but this pair deserves to be on the level of recognition of your Depeche Modes and your New Orders. They are, to some people, but I'd be surprised if your average musically aware person under the age of 25 could name more than a couple of their songs. Someone should show them where blog-approved bands like the Raveonettes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club got their schtick.

Anyway, the impetus for my headfirst dive back into their catalog was prompted by their fantastic new B-sides and rarities collection, The Power of Negative Thinking. In addition to being housed in one of the most lavish packages I've seen in quite some time, this set contains 82 tracks worth of prime JAMC - demos, B-sides, non-album singles, soundtrack contributions - all the detritus a hardcore fan could ever want. This probably won't be the best entry point for complete newbies (some of the early demos can be pretty raw for those yet to be babtized in the near-holy Psychocandy) but there are gems from every era of the band's history, noise pop to rural soul.

To help spread the gospel according to Bill and Jim, I'm sharing a couple of my favorite singles and appropriate B-sides in honor of Negative Thinking. Enjoy.

The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Some Candy Talking"
The Jesus & Mary Chain - "You Trip Me Up (Acoustic)"

The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Blues From A Gun"
The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Shimmer"

The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Reverence"
The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Heat"

(notice how I didn't mention the Cubs? they're dead to me... at least until April)