Epic & Creation Years (Deluxe Boxset)

Nick Heyward had been through a full career -- at a young age -- by the time he recorded the songs found on the four-CD set The Epic & Creation Years 1993-1998, He had already hit the top of the charts with Haircut One Hundred, repeated that with his first solo album, 1993s North of a Miracle, seen his commercial fortunes wane, and by the end of the decade had retreated from music almost entirely. Luckily for fans of his literate, thoughtful, and endlessly melodic songs and records, Heyward slowly came back to music, and as evidenced on the three albums collected here -- 1992s From Monday to Sunday, 1995s Tangled, and 1998s Apple Bed -- he came back to make maybe his best three albums. From Monday to Sunday is an ornate, intricately produced record full of memorable melodies sung with tons of heart by Heyward, Tangled edges toward Britpop with heavier guitars and huge hooks, and Apple Bed leaps into the style with both feet and is one of the hidden gems of the late 90s. Its wonderful to have all three records presented together, giving listeners a chance to fully consume a brilliant moment in English pop. Its made even better by the extra tracks added, including a full disc of songs culled from the years. An EP of Beatles covers, quite a few demos, versions of songs ("Blue Hat for a Blue Day" and "Whistle Down the Wind") from North of a Miracle done acoustically, and a few instrumental tracks add up to an impressive haul of rarities and boost the set into the essential range. Guitar pop doesnt get much better than this, and the collection is a must for fans of the style and especially perfect for those who are fully under the spell of Heywards musical charms. ~ Tim Sendra