In 1986, the year "Kicking Against The Pricks" - a cover album - was released, then 28-year-old Nick Cave was the object of both reverence and antagonism in the contemporary press. In interviews he"s baited, held up as genius, soothsayer and arrogant, autistic nutcase. "Kicking against the pricks" is a biblical lift, referring to an ox kicking in irritation at the sharpened rod - the goad or prick - used by the driver when tilling soil. It would seem there were plenty of goads and an abundance of pain to deal with in Cave"s life. While Cave wore his blues influence on his sleeve on his earlier solo recordings, this covers albums goes several steps further, revealing the full range of the artist"s inspiration. While Cave does his unparalleled goth-blues thing on John Lee Hooker"s "I"m Gonna Kill That Woman," that"s only the beginning of the story. Cave convincingly tackles predictable proto-punk fare like the Velvet Underground"s "All Tomorrow"s Parties", but more importantly, Cave the balladeer makes his debut here.From Jimmy Webb"s "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" to Mickey Newbury"s "Sleeping Annaleah," Cave practices the brand of gloriously melodramatic crooning that would define his "90s work. Accordingly, Cave"s singing began to develop here, from the crazed ranting of his early days to a more luxurious baritone. Blixa Bargeld"s guitar also plays a role of increased importance--he would prove Cave"s perfect foil for years to come.This reissue is part of a series that will see the Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds" entire album catalog digitally remastered and remixed in 5.1 surround sound. Each deluxe double-disc collector"s edition contains the remastered stereo album, the new surround mix, a specially commissioned short film made by acclaimed UK artists Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard plus the b-sides from the singles and exclusive sleeve notes.Released April 7th 2009.
English