Only very few of my fave bands can usher me in a trance-like state tocompletely different worlds like Laika. After ten years of recording assuch, their first compilation has surfaced—collecting a number offavorites, rarities and unreleased things. While theobsessive/compulsive nitpicky side of me starts screaming bloody murderlooking for other rare omitted or forgotten tunes, the calm/collectedside of me is very thankful this came out. Thinking back to 1993, itwas obvious from the first Moonshake recordings that their strengthswere in the bass, female vocals and killer production. After releasingthe 'Eva Luna' LP and a couple EPs, the bassist, female singer andproducer broke free from Moonshake. (Unsurprisingly Moonshake's qualitysharply went downhill.) Guitarist/vocalist Margaret Fiedler, amid-westerner living in London and producer Guy Fixsen formed Laikawith other Moonshake alum, John Frenett on bass guitar. The debutalbum, 'Silver Apples of the Moon' surfaced in 1995 and further pushedthe best ideas put forth on 'Eva Luna,' deftly crashing the sounds ofadventurous rock and rhythmic mayhem. The dangerously catchy tunes weresaturated in electronic and organic percussion, whimsical loops,intoxicating repetitious bass guitar riffs and unoffensive vocals. Iremember seeing Tricky open for Laika on this tour and was simply wowedby their deceptive simplicity. Frenett departed, Rob Ellis joined andtheir second album, 'Sounds of the Satellites' came out in 1997. WithRob's departure, Laika became more clearly defined a duo between Guyand Margaret. 'Good Looking Blues,' released in 2000, was easily one ofmy faves of the year: their instrumentation became less and lesssaturated while the feel became more and more galactic. (Sometimes it'samazing how the simplest of instrumentations can create the mostcompelling songs.) All three albums are represented by some of theirband-picked highlights, while the bonus material includes non-albumtracks like "Lower Than Stars," originally recorded for a Volume comp,the brand new song, "Beestinger," three Peel Session recordings, theircover of Wire's "German Shepherds," and a couple remixes including JackDangers' epic 9+ minute extension of "Looking for the Jackalope."Originally recorded for the Red Hot compilaiton, 'Off-Beat,'"Jackalope" is one of my fave Dangers remixes, rhythmically laden withwhat sounds like baby rattles and entertaining samples of psychedelicnumerologists. Furthermore, an accompanying booklet has really coolstories and factual tidbits. For example: did you know singer/guitaristMargaret Fiedler has done more Peel Sessions for more bands than anyother woman? (This is due to her performances with Laika, Moonshake, PJHarvey and God is My Co-Pilot.) 'Lost in Space' is a two-disc set andis graciously priced only as a single and is worth every minute.Read More
