Kevin Ayers is an artist that took me years to appreciate. A dear old friend of mine introduced me to his music around 1976 when this compilation came out. Mostly b-sides and singles that never made it on an official album. For the Ayers fan, this album is essential. There are 14 songs here, and 11 are essential songs to hear and enjoy. The last three songs lean toward his uncreative side of the world. Songs like "Fake Mexican Tourist Blues" is just stupidity at work. On the other hand, you're not going to find a greater form of pop songs like "Lady Rachel," "Gemini Child," and others. When Ayers was good, he's great. The Harvest years expressed the best of his lengthy career.
My favorite Ayers albums are his first two: "Joy of a Toy" and "Shooting At The Moon." After that, it gets spotty with fantastic work mixed with something forgettable. Still, Ayers is a wonderful artist who gives more gems than sorrow. I recommend this album to the die hard Ayers fan, because the selection here is essential (even for the weaker songs) and it exposes a remarkable presence that I wish was still on this planet.
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