Camper Van Beethoven -Popular Songs Of GreatEnduring Strength AndBeauty

Sat 2nd Aug, 2008 in Music Reviews

All prostrate themselves and hail the beautiful audio presence that is Camper Van Beethoven. There may be many who haven’t heard of these wonder lads, but unless you have missed out on all popular music, one thinks you’ve probably come across one of their hits. So yes, this is a greatest hits compilation. Unlike some bands (are you paying attention Cypress Hill?), all the great songs are here. Before I wax lyrical about the greatest of these, let us just reflect on what Camper Van Beethoven is, or maybe was.

Camper Van Beethoven was one of the slacker rock bands that sprung up around the time of Pavement, and have that same divine laid-back sound which typifies the genre. Not being content with this, though, they crossed into a bit of ska as well. I am not saying these lads would give The Specials or Madness a run for their money, but they do have a very competent sound.

The song that should really come to mind when you think of Camper Van Beethoven is of course Take The Skinheads Bowling, which is the epitome of their slacker rock sound. It should be the soundtrack to those happy nonsensical moments of everyone’s life. Pictures Of Matchstick Men is also here and is probably the most commercial sounding track, being a Status Quo tune of all things, but is still a beautiful aural experience. It is all fun and really captures the beauty of this band perfectly. Don’t let it slip you by. If you have heard of this band and never got around to buying a CD or LP of theirs before, put this at the top of your list for pure happiness in a lump of shiny plastic.