DESERTER'S SONGS

This was the start of the Mercury Rev I like best. It's dreamy, unworldly and strangely beautiful. I always found that Donahue's high pitched vocals also play a big part in setting their extraordinary mood.

I'd agree with others that this is probably the most accessible of thier albums and also not so progressive, but wouldn't be a bad start for checking them out. Deserter's Songs marked the beginning of a slightly new style that the band would work deeper on later. It's a lot less experimental than some earlier albums by the band and more symphonic. "Holes" is a great starter, with some very surreal lyrics. "Tonite It Shows" and "Endlessly" are favourites of mine and are just perfect examples of the new flavour. These tracks include some bowed saw to add to the psychedelic weirdness.

"Goddess On A Hiway" was the most well known of the tracks at the time. I quite like "Funny Bird" and even the warped "Pick Up If You're There. The Happy End (The Drunk Room) is a short, slightly irritating moment but it does have some character.

The success of this album came as a surprise for the band who were otherwise sure to split after it's release. There was a disappointing lack of success with previous albums. Well it's a good job they didn't spilt because the next album was even better and darker than this one. 4 stars.