Collecting their first three albums in one three-disc set, the lengthily titled
Birds and Microscopes and Bottles of Elixirs and Raw Steak and a Bunch of Songs gives us a look at the early days of
Norma Jean after they had dropped the name
Luti-Kriss and went in search of heavier pastures. The anthology contains the band’s 2002 debut under the new moniker,
Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child, as well as their 2005 follow-up
O God, the Aftermath and 2006’s
Redeemer, making this a solid collection for anyone looking to see what the band is all about. Unfortunately, with no liner notes or bonus material, there’s not a whole lot here for the longtime fan, making this a collection that’s meant more for
Norma Jean neophytes and hardcore completists than average fans. ~ Gregory Heaney