The Vaselines – The Way Of The Vaselines - A Complete History (2xLP)

The Way of the Vaselines: A Complete History is a comprehensive compilation that encapsulates the entirety of The Vaselines' early work. Released in 1992 by Sub Pop, this collection brings together the band's two EPs, Son of a Gun and Dying for It, along with their sole full-length album, Dum-Dum. The compilation offers listeners a chronological journey through the band's evolution, showcasing their unique blend of indie pop, indie rock, jangle pop, alternative rock, and noise pop. The raw energy and unpolished charm of their music are preserved, providing an authentic listening experience that captures the essence of the band's brief but impactful career.

This compilation not only serves as a testament to The Vaselines' influence on the indie music scene but also highlights their significance in the broader musical landscape. The band's work gained renewed attention when Nirvana covered several of their songs, introducing their music to a wider audience. The Way of the Vaselines: A Complete History stands as a vital archive, preserving the legacy of a band whose simplicity and sincerity left a lasting impression on listeners and fellow musicians alike.

Reviews

"The 19-track collection that Sub Pop released at Cobain's suggestion has long been the best way to listen in on Kelly and McKee's flirty chaos." – Pitchfork

"Right after grunge went overground, Sub Pop kept one foot in Calvin Johnson's international pop underground with this discography-spanning compilation." – Pitchfork

"Entertainment Weekly wrote that 'in The Way of the Vaselines: A Complete History, these recovering Catholics tackle subjects as complex as atheism and murder and as mundane as a particularly chafing bike seat, all with lyrics so simple a 6-year-old could have written them.'" – Entertainment Weekly

"Robert Christgau called it, 'one of those punk miracles that makes you think anyone can do it.'" – Robert Christgau