New band-compiled album of The Pooh Sticks hits and misses.

Mellifluous… is a word you wont hear much when conversation turns to early Pooh Sticks records. But noise pollution, sure: that comes up. Ive even used it myself. So look away now if you must: Straight Up: Noise Pollution C88-90 is a selection of some of the most loved/despised/ignored tracks released by The Pooh Sticks on however many records it was before it all went wilfully American sometime around dotted-lining for BMG mega-corp in 1991.

The record has highlights and lowlights. You and me, wed probably agree on most of them. We chose a reasonable cross-section, I think (although there couldve been more tambourine), including:

– On Tape – zeitgeist-nailin strum and strangle.

– I Know Someone Who Knows Someone Who Knows Alan McGee Quite Well – long title

– Teenage High – breathy sweetness sneaked onto the depraved Sympathy For The Record Industry label.

– Dying For It – the Vaselines cover which beat Nirvana by a full two years (though theirs sold better).

… and more! Its like Christmas (no, blocking up the chimney wont help: weve cut spare keys). And all of this in a nice gatefold sleeve, and on Steve McQueens- eyes blue vinyl. And theres even a repro poster for the March 89 Pastels/Pooh Sticks/Vaselines gig up London way (I swear I was there, people say).

On behalf of the group, I hope you enjoy it. No, really. It was all a long time ago but I remember we had fun. Maybe you were even there having fun with us.
Trudi xx