March to Fuzz (CD - 2000)

Disc 1 consists of a "best-of" compiled from various albums & singles on the Sub Pop & Reprise labels; Disc 2 collects B-sides of singles, compilation & previously unreleased tracks.

Mudhoney: Mark Arm, Steve Turner, Dan Peters, Matt Lukin.

Producers include: Jack Endino, Mudhoney, Jim Dickinson, Conrad Uno, Kurt Bloch.

Engineers include: Jack Endino, Adam Kasper, Conrad Uno.

Includes liner notes by Mudhoney, Bruce Pavitt and Steve Turner.

Audio Mixers: David Bianco; Jack Endino; Mudhoney.

Liner Note Author: Steve Turner.

Recording information: Egg Studios, Seattle, WA; Hanzsek Studios, Seattle, WA; Reciporal Recording, Seattle, WA; Studio Litho, Seattle, WA; The Ranch, Seattle, WA.

Mudhoney was most convincing when the 7" recording format limited their more indulgent tendencies. In general (especially early on), their albums were always peppered with great songs -- usually variations on the band's trademark scuzzy sound and sneering attitude -- but rarely sustained momentum all the way through, thanks in part to the band's weakness for ponderous jams. The sorely needed, two-disc best-of March to Fuzz attempts to have it both ways: the first disc is a generous, 22-track overview of their recordings from 1988-1998, while the second compiles 30 rarities for the devotees. It's a tactic that's been used before, and it's usually maddening, giving both casual and die-hard fans an entire disc they don't want. But March to Fuzz actually works very well. For one, it's not priced as a double-disc set, and for another, both discs are actually very strong. Mudhoney's sound didn't change very much over the course of their career, which means that even though disc one isn't arranged chronologically, everything is pretty much of a piece. It's also very well chosen, even if the surprisingly strong latter-day albums My Brother the Cow and Tomorrow Hit Today aren't heavily represented. But the disc makes a convincing case that Mudhoney never stopped making bruising, vital rock & roll, or writing great (albeit samey) songs. The rarities disc is surprisingly entertaining, featuring plenty of cover versions, cranky goofs, and songs that were certainly better than some of their album tracks, but were relegated to B-sides or indie compilations. Their '60s garage and surf roots are actually summed up very effectively here, as well as their love of early-'80s hardcore. March to Fuzz might be a little hard to handle all in one sitting, but it's hard to imagine a better overview of Mudhoney's career. ~ Steve Huey

Although other Seattle bands of the grunge boom scored bigger hits than Mudhoney, the band is in many ways the quintessential Emerald City group. Rising from the ashes of garage punkers Green River, Mudhoney were all about power chords and fuzz distortion, taking their cue from such early-'70s proto punks as the Stooges and Alice Cooper. With attitude and energy taking precedence over instrumental wizardry (courtesy of guitarist Steve Turner), and Mark Arm's snide vocal delivery and un-amused lyrics, Mudhoney were one of the quintessential garage rock bands of all time.

After going on hiatus in 2000, the band issued its first best-of collection, the double-disc set MARCH TO FUZZ. While the first disc comprises its best-known tracks, the second disc features rarities and oddities. Standouts include such Mudhoney anthems as "In N' Out of Grace," "Suck You Dry," "Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More," "Let it Slide," and of course their classic "Touch Me I'm Sick." minimize