BIOGRAPHY

Being a fan of Horslips, I was immediately intrigued when I saw that there is a new release out from the band. When I realised that it is just another compilation, not a new studio disc, I was of course disappointed. However, given that it includes a few tracks not previously available on CD, there is a least some reason for a fan like me to rejoice. Biography is a slightly misleading title though, "Singles Collection" would have been a more appropriate title, since this is exactly what we have here. It is a two-disc set with the first disc containing single A-sides and the second disc holding the B-sides.

Four of the tracks on disc one are different from their studio album versions, and two of these are not just edited version, but single "remixes". The latter two, More Than You Can Chew and The Power And The Glory, are worth hearing for serious fans, but most people will be just fine with the original album versions. In no case do we have something here that is better than what is contained in the band's regular studio output.

The real interest lies on disc two. Here there are a few tracks that have not been previously released on CD, including Sir Festus Burke, a medieval-styled, harpsichord instrumental; Bridge From Heart To Heart, a rather mundane rocker, and Red River Rock (live); a throwaway instrumental that we frankly could have been without.

Biography is a much better compilation than the incoherent Tracks From The Vaults, but still it offers little new for someone who already owns the band's studio (and live) catalogue. The music contained within Biography's two discs is mostly excellent, but it is generally better heard on the original studio albums.

For fans only. Anyone else should begin with the regular studio (and live) albums (which are generally worthy additions to any Prog Folk collection)