Narcotic Kisses

You can measure the quality of a band by the quality of their odds-and-sods collections. Narcotic Kisses culls compilation tracks, rare singles, and unreleased outtakes by the Green Pajamas. The material dates from the group's second phase of activity, starting with 1997's Strung Behind the Sun (thus working as an addendum to the pre-1997 singles collection Indian Winter). These are not demos, but finished songs that for one reason or another did not end up on one of the group's regular releases. Play it to someone who only has limited knowledge of Jeff Kelly and friends' discography and it will pass for a genuine new album. At least two-thirds of these 16 songs hit the Green Pajamas' higher average. "I've Got a Crush on You," "There Are the Best Times," "The Demon Lover," "Deadly Nightshade," and "The Night Wind" go higher than that. You never have the impression of listening to unrelated tracks, which goes to show how much Kelly's vision of his band is precise (although not limited or restrictive). Lazy fans and newcomers alike will find satisfaction in these Beatles-inspired melodies and lightly psychedelic arrangements. This album was first released in a limited run of 300 LPs in November 2000 before being expanded and reissued on CD in June 2002. ~ François Couture, Rovi