Whenever a popular band leaves a major label, that label is likely to do the "Best Of" thing as Myrrh has done here for Guardian. Unfortunately, this greatest hits album isn't because Guardian has changed label. This is their farewell album and it will be sad to see Guardian go. Kevin Ney and David Bach have recently left the band to pursue careers with EMI while Jamie Rowe and Tony Palacios have plans to continue on together--although whether they will continue with the Guardian name isn't clear at this time.
It's disappointing that this release only includes their Myrrh projects, but most of the material was from the Guardian-Steve Taylor era which produced some of their cleverest lyrics. In addition to twelve songs off Miracle Mile, Swing, Swang, Swung, Buzz and Bottlerocket, there are remixes of five songs but no new material. The five songs aren't anything really special except to the collector. New material would be preferred, but this is a nice collection for Guardian fans.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #77Reviewed by Doug Van PeltWhenever a band leaves a large label, that label is likely to do the "Best Of" thing, allowing the label to reap a financial harvest one more time from the artist they've signed. Often times, of course, the band has left to another label or some other awkward situation surrounds the possibility of said band working with label in a positive manner. In simpler terms, often the band isn't consulted…Similar sounding releases
1998HumanOut of the Dust
2000SundryThe Toughest No-Brainer Yet
2002Butch WalkerLeft of Self-Centered
1997DC TalkWelcome to the Freak Show
1998BrideOddities
1993Steve TaylorSquintMore from Guardian
1993Miracle Mile
1997Bottle Rocket
1998The Yellow and Black Attack Is Back!
1994Swing Swang Swung
1999Sunday Best
1989First Watch
