May 3, 1999
The Lost Album: '78-'79 / Bellavista Terrace: Best Of The Go-Betweens
The sleeve to a hitherto-missing first chapter in the ongoing (hi)story of one of recent times' most cherishable rock'n'roll enigmas features three blokes standing next to pictures of [a]Bob Dylan[/a]
8 / 10
The sleeve to a hitherto-missing first chapter in the ongoing (hi)story of one of recent times' most cherishable rock'n'roll enigmas features three blokes standing next to pictures of Bob Dylan and Che Guevara, and the felt-penned declaration 'The Pied Piper Follows Us'. It is Brisbane, the middle of 1978, and these are The Go-Betweens, "young and very groovy", according to Robert Forster in the explanatory notes to what could have been his band's debut album, had someone given them the money to make it.
By definition, lost albums are romantic, and for their decade-spanning existence The Go-Betweens embraced and embodied romance like no other group of the era. Grant McLennan's development into an equable songwriting foil for the more wilful Forster sparked a string of great, increasingly ornate albums, from which 'Bellavista Terrace...' is an honourable 14-track selection by the principals themselves. Inevitably, its concision is both a blessing and a curse - a Go-Betweens 'Best Of' without 'Apology Accepted' or 'The Clarke Sisters' represents a contradiction in terms - yet as a primer for anyone unacquainted with the sweetest-ever exponents of baroque'n'roll, it's a love unlimited treat. Those who regard Belle & Sebastian as the pinnacle of sensitivity in pop might learn a thing or two, as well.
NEW! For the latest music videos and backstage interviews, check out our brand new sister site, NME Video.
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page