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The only thing missing from Land (1975 – 2002) is the song that this compilation takes the title from. If it had been included as either the album track or a live track, I wouldn’t have cared. That’s the only thing missing from an otherwise flawless greatest hits-and-more package.
The first disc, a non-chronological run through her studio albums for Arista, never lets up with all of Smith’s inventiveness, poetic genius and sheer force of personality, will, artistry. The only new song, a cover of then album-mate Prince’s 1984 hit “When Doves Cry,” is another great cover from Smith. Naturally, it barely resembles its original presentation, but it moves along with Smith’s alternative folk arrangement nicely. Since Smith has never really charted, “Because the Night” being her only hit, she wasn’t bound to include the obvious. She has opted instead to offer up fan favorites, personal favorites and the few songs she is well-known for. Personally, I would have traded out “Ain’t It Strange” for “Ask the Angels” or “Pumping (My Heart),” but that’s just my opinion and personal preference.
The second disc is where she gives her fans the real treats. “Piss Factory,” her first single ever recorded (although “Hey Joe,” that single’s b-side is nowhere to be found), makes its debut on an official Smith release. The rest is an assortment of studio outtakes, demos, live cuts and previously unreleased material. While the first disc leans heavily towards material from her 70s output, the second disc leans towards her 90s and early 00s material. Not a bad thing since these songs sounds fuller, richer and more punk than their studio versions. I don’t mean that as an insult to the studio versions, which rank amongst my favorites but the polish has been removed and the songs can breath deeply now.
This is not the only Smith release you will ever need, far from it. Land is not a summary, it is a great introduction. If you’re a fan and already own most of the albums that these songs are culled from, get this anyway for that second disc of rare material. It’s well worth it. DOWNLOAD: “Piss Factory,” “When Doves Cry,” “Higher Learning/Contemplation,” “Come Back Little Sheba”
