While it may seem overwhelming at first, this 22-track rarities compilation actually contains some of
the Gravel Pit's finer moments. It consists of songs taken from seven different recording sessions, and so (as one might expect) the songs are of greatly varying sound and quality. The beginning of the disc is the band's debut, 1989's Shark Long Player, in its entirety, and the music from that collection is much like what can be found on the band's Crash Land release. Of the other tracks, there are some real curiosities, especially the pure pop of "(Suckin' on A) Holiday Treat," and the other three Christmas songs included. Lead singer Jed Parish's stripped-down anti-music business rant "Suburban Rock" is also excellent. While the album also drags at points (notably the early cover of
Def Leppard's "High 'n Dry (Saturday Night)"), the abundance of material is bound to make fans of the band quite happy. ~ Jason Damas