LAMB BEST KEPT SECRETS COMPILATION MERCURY RELEASE: JUNE 9, 2004 REVIEW: JULY 7, 2004

An oddly-timed "best-of" for England's strangely riveting Lamb. You would think that they would have waited until the band had been around at least ten years, but no, eight years will do, apparently.
I really do like the DVD which has been included alongside the standard compilation album (and it is limited to the first run of this compilation only, by the way) for finally putting all of the band's videos on one disc. From the unconventional, stark clip for "Cottonwool" (the song which got them signed, incidentally) to the mania of my personal favourite "B-Line", Lamb show us their unusual take on the world and their blissful usage of contrast in the video for "Gabriel" is stunning. For their last album, they released a clip for the track "Wonder" which can only be described as a ringing endorsement for Valium. Truly, the world of Lamb is alternately disjointed and melodic. Somehow, they manage to seal this atmosphere into their videos.
Now for the downside, if you don't get the DVD issued with this album and already own their four albums, then there is no reason for you to buy this thing. All tracks are album tracks, strictly album versions and seem to showcase the band's more commercial side. No remixes, no alternate takes and most maddeningly of all: no non-album tracks (yes, Lamb's singles do have B-sides, everyone). This release just screams contractual obligation and is recommended only for those who are not fans.

PETER MARKS