Lunch, Recess & Detention

This collection of rarities and oddities is a valuable "alternate history" of a '90s alt-rock band that saw its fortunes rise and fall and rise over time. Alternate takes, demos, b-sides, and covers—plus a muted version and a "Disco Superfly Remix" of their trademark hit "Sex and Candy"—make for a breezier look at a band that still has a loyal following. "Black Eyed Sue" mixes surf rock with Led Zeppelin. A reverent and stripped-down cover of Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale" highlights singer John Wozniak's soulful, convincing vocals. Similarly, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and Neil Young's "The Needle and the Damage Down" are delivered acoustically and with suitable style. "Crazy Katy Nicotine and Her Red Jet Air Balloon" illustrates the band's better-known less serious side, with the minute-long "The Plant Song" and the three-and-a-half-minute "The Ballad of Aslan" proving the group is never at a loss for a strong melody to go along with its skewed worldview.