Mercury Rev have come with some excellent music since they came together in the late 80s - from 1998's seminal Deserter's Songs to last year's The secret Migration.

But whether you like Mercury Rev will have little bearing on whether you'll want to add this Back To Mine compilation to your collection.

What you get for your hard earned $ is the soundtrack to an after hours soiree, Mercury Rev style. In other words, what you might just hear if you put the band's i-pod on random for an hour.

It's an eclectic bunch of songs, kicking off with two instrumentals - Bowie's A New Career In A New Town, and Johan Johannsson's Hotel Borg. Terry Jacks - Seasons In The Sun? I'm A Fool To Want You - Billie Holliday. Days In The Steam - John Cale (another instrumental. Even the exclusive Mercury Rev track Cecilia's Lunar Expose - and presumably the album's selling point - is an instrumental.

It's weird collection and I'd advise serious perusal of the track listing before indulging. If this is Mercury Rev's idea of a good time, remind me not to accept any invites to after gig parties. On the other hand their selection may tickle your fancy. As Extras' Andy Millman would say - 'Are you 'avin' a laff?'

***

Review by Pete Whalley

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly