Review:
Smile

Actually a compilation of Ride's first two EPs for Creation (which were recorded at the same time), Smile is a batch of eight muddy, shambling wrecks that run dangerously close to obscuring great pop songs -- some of which show dashes of the band's fascination with the British rave scene. In fact, much of Smile makes My Bloody Valentine's blurry Isn't Anything sound as polished as a Steely Dan record. What makes the tunes remarkable is the spirit of the band, along with a fitting mix.

The band probably knew exactly what they were doing, but wanted to sound almost clueless. It's the sound of four art students losing themselves in their record collections, wanting to sound new but well-studied. Mark Gardener sounds like he couldn't sing himself out of a paper bag on "Chelsea Girl," (not a cover) but it's no matter. The relentless rush of Loz Colbert's drums and distorted guitars of Gardener and Andy Bell carry the song of escapism over the top. The wah-wah climax would make the Stooges' Ron Asheton nod in agreement.

Though the mid-tempo, chugging "Drive Blind" could be taken literally, it could double as a metaphor for throwing oneself headlong into a relationship -- closing your eyes and not caring if a brick wall or cliff is up a mile ahead. The remainder is filled out with catchy riffs and melodies ("Like a Daydream," "Perfect Sense") which avoid sounding like the standard pop fair.

It sounds a bit amateurish, and Gardener and Bell hadn't quite found their footing vocally. Nonetheless, Smile brought something new to the table, and the U.K. audience and more adventurous U.S. fans clutched onto the sound for dear life. Rightfully so. [Oddly, Smile's mastering comes from the vinyl versions of the EPs. If you can track down the CD versions of the EPs separately, you'll notice a difference in quality.]

~ Andy Kellman - Rolling Stone Magazine

recorded at Union Studios, Oxford, England by Calvin and Alan
remixed at Arkantide Studios, London, England by James and Bill
roses by Debbie