Bodyjar- Singles and Stuff

Bodyjar are not just a band, they are an Australian melodic-punk institution. Having released their first album 20 years ago, they have seen all kinds of fads come and go, and occasionally still come out of the woodwork to play the odd show.

This album is a 1999 compilation of their first four albums.

Although the band is labelled as "punk", in many ways they are the antithesis of punk! I say this due to the poetic lyrics, wonderful composition (especially the way the two guitars work together- their "synergy" is amongst the best going around) and great polish. Most of the 15 songs are similar pace, structure and style, but it's done so well that I'm not complaining.

The recording quality has held up well over the years. Minor quibbles are that the vocal production sometimes lacks polish and bass guitar can be "woofly" or get lost in the mix. The loose cymbals might also not be to everyone's liking. But the drums and guitars sound great, and overall it packs a punch while maintaining definition.

For me, there are many highlights on this album, and not a single song I would prefer to skip.  Glossy Books has great lyrics and chorus, Remote Controller somehow combines so many interesting musical ideas, Windsok's verses show their punk side while maintaining their trademark sophistication, Gee and Al is a catchy pop tune... I'd better stop before I wax lyrical about every song on the album!

Even amongst such a high standard, three songs stand out as my all-time favourite songs. The cover of Simon and Garfunkel's Hazy Shade of Winter is fantastic- the poetic lyrics, swirling guitar riff and epic ending makes for a great cover. As for originals, Return to Zero is the ultimate punk-rock song, in my opinion. Somehow it seamlessly combines a smorgasboard of great ideas. If Bodyjar had instead spread the ideas across, say, 5 songs, the 5 songs would still have been very good. Instead, we are blessed with one absolutely fantastic song. Finally, I really like how Do Not Do hammers along at breakneck pace, yet still manages to feel smooth and composed.

Recently I've been dismissive of compilation, due to the idea that they are "soulless" compared to the original albums. But when every song on the compilation is this good, I have to make an exception...

Favourite songs

You Say, Glossy Books, Hazy Shade of Winter, Time to Grow Up, Remote Controller, Kitchen Knife, Windsok, Do Not Do, Washed Away, You've Taken Everything

Would I buy it again?

Absolutely.