When I reviewed the Sons last studio album I described it as a near musical masterpiece, well this excellent 'best of' collection has honed the brush strokes to finish off that masterpiece. This group will definitely not be every one's cup of tea, but I really like their blend of roots rock that incorporates glam, psychedelic and heavy, all within the same framework. Throughout the album you cannot help but to be amazed at the phenomenal guitar playing of Jason Scopes, and together with the superb vocals of Ian Brown, it encapsulates you in a musical web of rock psychedelia.
From the first track and signature anthem "Smouldering Son", which is an excellent live recording from their gig at the Swan Hotel, Needham Market this year, you know that this is a special album. This track brings up memories of 1970's rock, and is comparable to the classic Golden Earring hit "Radar Love", and the haunting guitar intro hooks you straight away. "Stupid Thing Called Love" is another classy track with its Blue Oyster Cult dreamy rock stance. "No Win Love Affair" is a previously unreleased demo from 1997, and is an exquisitely tormented ballad. "Johnny Allen" is psychedelic rock at its best, and the pop/rock ballad "You're My Religion" is very ala Marc Almond.
The way this album can go from the country-rock of "Your Good Girl's Gonna Turn So Bad" to the heavy metal styled "Dangerous" is what makes this band so charismatic. The differing styles that they encompass throughout each album means that you can never get bored listening to them. Well I know I can't.
David Knowles