Godflesh, "In All Languages"

There are two types of people that will buy this 2-disc set: those who have every single release Godflesh has ever thought about putting out and those who don't have any Godflesh at all. The first disc, subtitled 'flesh of god', is a best-of collection (not my personal favorites, but hey, what can you do?) the 'Slavestate' and 'Pure' album tracks are remastered by Justin Broadrick, but otherwise the first disc's tracks are just selected album tracks from their first album (1988's "Godflesh") to their most recent (2000's "Us & Them").

Earache

The second disc, subtitled 'beyond the flesh' is the real treat and the real draw for fans, as it consists entirely of rare, out of print, compilation and exlusive tracks. As good as these tracks are, the disc is lacking: 2 BBC Peel Session tracks are missing, some mixes aren't as clear as they could be, and track selection isn't anything to write home about. Although I am disappointed in the track selection, it is varied; 1988's 'Love is a Dog from Hell', several new mixes of recent material, and compilation appearances, including the very unusual, very mellow "Empyreal 2". The album's liner notes are a short retelling of the band's history that does go through the beginnings of the band from Fall Of Because, Head Of David and Napalm Death, but doesn't give a lot of insight into the music itself, and includes an abbreviated discography. If you haven't heard any Godflesh at all and want to hear the evolution of Godflesh's sound over the years without picking up all the releases, or if you're a fan who wants the 2nd disc's exclusive material, this set is for you. If you're just a casual fan, you might be better off with a proper Godflesh album.

 

samples:

• Like Rats
• Tiny Tears
• Us and Them - Defensive Remix
• Xynobis - clubdubedit