Clinic - Funf

Many 'rarities' albums are best avoided - a collection of less-well written tracks to keep the initiated happy. But Clinic needn't worry. With a Radiohead tour under their belt, as well as Peel Sessions and appearances at ATP, this collection of rarities and early material is an added bonus. Oozing sex, soul and sweating psychedelia, Funf is every inch the primal scuzz-fest we've come to expect from the Liverpudlian quartet. Nicht is flaming, while Christmas comes over like a Tim Burton soundtrack. Slower moments like Golden Rectangle add to the mystery, and there's plenty of organ for everyone. Magic Boots is an early classic and The Scythe evokes Iggy and The Stooges. Ade Blackburn's suffocating vocals ghost above the addictive rhythms until you're rocking back and forth. And just when you think they're preaching you the answers, they drag you into an alley and slash you with reverb. Just remember to wear those magic boots. [Chris Bathgate]