Though
Laika doesn't seem the best of candidates for a greatest hits, the band celebrates its tenth anniversary with a stylish two-disc collection that offers most to fans of the band (as well as fans of clever design). Separated into hits and rarities discs,
Lost in Space, Vol. 1 (1992-2002) spends about an hour with an intensive
Laika history lesson (three songs originally on each full-length, plus one only available on a
Volume compilation), then moves onto a collection of live songs, Peel Sessions, a few remixes, and one new song. The compilation portion is well-selected, balancing band favorites (
"Sugar Daddy," "Shut Off/Curl Up") with popular successes (
"Uneasy" and
"Breather," a pair of busily percussive tracks with a moody arrangement and understated vocals). The rarities are no less intriguing, hardly a surprise from a band with such a firm grasp on the reins of quality control. The group's cover of
Wire's
"German Shepherds" is a highlight, along with the B-side
"Lie Low" and a
Jack Dangers remix of
"Looking for the Jackalope." Though
Laika LPs are far too compulsory to make this a first purchase, one attribute that might push it over into the essential category for on-the-fence fans: clever notes from
Margaret Fiedler and
Guy Fixsen regarding each song. For instance, here's a factoid:
Fiedler owns the record for most appearances by a female on a
John Peel session -- as a member of
Moonshake and
Laika, plus her guest spots on sessions by
PJ Harvey and
God Is My Co-Pilot. ~ John Bush
