Half Machine Lip Moves/Alien Soundtracks

Spin (p.66) - "[Their albums] conflagrate hotter than a chemical fire on Neptune's rings."|

After a series of half-good/half-crud German CD reissues of Chrome material -- good because of the long out-of-print original Chrome material coming back, crud because of the regular attaching of indifferent or bad Edge-only material to them -- this two-in-one release was a godsend. Containing both Half Machine Lip Moves and Alien Soundtracks as indicated -- though the later album, Half Machine, appears first on the disc -- this release, apparently instigated by Steve Albini's appreciation for this era of Chrome, is a perfect starting point for a Chrome newcomer. While the rereleased Chrome Box makes for an excellent start as well, including both of these albums as well, those wanting a cheaper way to begin searching out Chrome's wonders should start here. Great sound and reproduction of the original art (alas, there are no explanatory liner notes of any kind, the one mark against the collection) enchances the experience. ~ Ned Raggett