Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Lovely Creatures (The Best Of)

Released Friday May 5th, 2017 - Mute Records

By Pip Roe

Ahh, the enigmatic Nick Cave! We were lucky enough to see him and the Bad Seeds back on NZ shores earlier this year for what a mind blowing performance. Now Cave has released a new album; a 'Best Of', which features some outstanding Nick Cave tracks from throughout his 30 years in the business.

Titled Lovely Creatures, it was compiled by Cave and band member Mick Harvey, and put together as a beautifully packaged product. In this day and age of streaming and downloaded music, one really appreciates the artwork and presentation of a well put together album cover inlay.  Band members (past and present) went through their personal collections and provided many unseen photos and hidden gems. Available in four different variations - Standard CD, Triple LP, Deluxe 3CD with DVD and the Super Deluxe Limited Edition package, fans are definitely spoiled for choice.

The Standard CD is a two disc set featuring 21 songs. Favourites such as 'From Here To Eternity', Deanna', 'The Weeping Song', Jubilee Street', 'Love Letter' and the Kylie Minogue duet 'Where The Wild Roses Grow' are all there... a more than decent selection.

However, the Deluxe 3CD is much more comprehensive and definitely one for the more hardcore fans. Featuring 45 tracks in a chronological order, you really get a feel for the power that is Nick Cave. A major plus though is the DVD, featuring many hidden treasures that is sure to delight. Interviews, TV appearances, festival performances... just wow!! And with one version packaged with the beautiful hard cover book, this truly displays the artist that Nick Cave is.

It is of course also available via streaming services and downloads, and in that format could well suit someone who is dabbling with Nick Cave. It can seem like an easy option to throw a bunch of songs from someone's career into a 'Best Of'. But with Lovely Creatures, you really can hear, feel, see and experience the love that Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have and share with us.

To the rabid fans the 3CD (with book) is a must, one you won't regret. Absolute gold! And another tour soon Nick? Here's hoping!

5/5