Sleeve: Black-and-white cover photo of abandoned gas station is symbolic of neglected witty British band. Presumably tumbleweed has just rolled by.
Sleevenotes: Wasted opportunity. No essay by arch Felt maverick Lawrence but 33-word statement, credits and tiny picture. Minimalist as Lawrence doing away with surname.
Content: Lawrence's masterplan in 1980s was to release ten albums in ten years, then split. His masterplan in 2003 has been to re-release them, two a month since June, no demos, no extras, no comments. Stains On A Decade is 15-track taster. The music? Think Orange Juice, Velvet Underground, Television. Yes, that good.
High point: 1985's Primitive Painters, sent heavenwards by Cocteau Twin Liz Frazer's keening vocals.
Low point: Primitive Painters should have been Bittersweet Symphony of its decade.
Any glaring omissions?: 1985's The Day The Rain Came Down.
Anything new?: Felt's Cherry Red and Creation years compiled together for first time.
Justified or feeble excuse for release?: Long overdue retrospective.
Where might this end up at Christmas?: Probably with Felt still feeling lonely this Christmas, but hopefully not.
Updated: 16:07 Wednesday, December 17, 2003
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