Before Hollywood [Remastered + Bonus ECD]

Prior to recording the second Go-Betweens album, the band relocated to England from their native Australia. Possibly the result of both the addition of a producer (earlier material was self-produced) as well as the radical change of location, this album marks a change in the band's material, introducing a more full, lush sound and less oblique, more personal lyrics. The booklet contains a brief history of this period in the band's career, including quotes by the band.
With this album, co-founder Grant McLennan really made good on the promise of his earlier songs. Arguably, all three of the album's best tracks are McLennan songs--"Dusty in Here", "Cattle and Cane", and "That Way". The first is a sparse, sad song of loneliness, the second features a series of lyrical snapshots about ageing amid memories of growing up, and the third, featuring an organ under a bright, shiny guitar, chronicles the moment right before beginning again. This is the first of the Go-Betweens albums that features the sound fans of their later material will recognize: beautiful (and painful) songs, lush presentation, and clean, clear execution. This is the first masterpiece in a career full of highlights.|