Singles Compiled

One of two retrospective releases by Hood in 2003 (along with Compilations 1995-2002), Singles Compiled is a slightly overwhelming but also deeply rewarding collection of many of the band's stand-alone singles. That the band values these can be seen by the fact that this is the second such collection they've released, after Structured Disasters, and that even at two discs it doesn't in fact include every available song. Standing by an indie ethic is one thing, making it work another, and thankfully Hood's quality shows just as well here as on its full-length efforts, often acting in specific contrast to those albums' longer songs. The band's near-trademark calm, reflective singing even in the midst of loud music serves as a distinguishing feature throughout the many different releases, ranging from the rushed halfway-to-Wedding Present "A Harbour of Thoughts" to the woozy tape-speed-altered "The Weather Side of Stone Mill Tower." Howling feedback fragments ("Forced By the Reasoning in Hand"), waltz-time rockers ("I've Forgotten How to Live"), and a spectacular dip into IDM-style percussion and vocal chop-ups ("[The] Weight") also stand out. A slew of truly classic Hood songs, emotional, textured, sometimes with an understated fire ("Filmed Initiative," "The Year of Occasional Lull") and sometimes a louder one ("Dimensions T.B.A."), appear throughout. The doubling of "Biochemistry Revision Can Wait" and "England's Fine Fields," the latter at once rollicking and calm, is spot-on, even though both songs together come in well under two minutes. The bonus for those who already had all the singles: 15 otherwise unreleased songs from deep in the band's vaults. While nothing overwhelming surfaces, the selections keep the feeling of the collection going, and songs like "Consulting Architecture" and the low-key synth melody of "Killing the Band" are enjoyable listens in particular.