Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Though it’s been argued that the Brian Jonestown Massacre are best known for their insane drug intake and onstage fighting as chronicled in the 2004 documentary Dig!, this lengthy retrospective compiles 41 songs that make a better argument for their wonderfully psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll songs and prolific churn-out of recordings. “All Around You” from 1996’s Their Satanic Majesty’s Second Request makes for a perfect intro as the band’s brain, Anton Newcombe, assumes the part of the mad hatter, inviting the listener into the soundtrack of his twisted and dysfunctional tea party where ghosts of the ‘60s Rolling Stones dance with the Velvet Underground alongside Syd Barrett’s madcap collisions of noise, while Newcombe’s own ever-changing psychosis is seated at the head of the table. The band’s first single “Evergreen,” from 1992, reveals that they were initially influenced by Spacemen 3’s guitar drones and UK shoegazing acts. “Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth” sharply lampoons Dandy Warhols’ frontman Courtney Taylor while rocking like the Stooges gone lysergic. “God Is My Girlfriend” is the catchiest of the three bonus tracks.