Greatest Hits (Half Japanese album)

History

Half Japanese's Greatest Hits, which was the band's first compilation album, was released on March 13, 1995, after more than twenty years of activity as a band. By the time it came out, the band had gained an international fan base and it had already released thirteen studio albums; since the release of the compilation, there have been three more. Half Japanese later released two more compilation albums.

Music

Greatest Hits is two discs and has at least one song from each album: from 1/2 Gentlemen/Not Beasts, with the band's original set, to Boo! Live in Europe 1992. The album features notable guests such as John Zorn and Eugene Chadbourne.

There are strong differences in the styles as well as the sound fidelity between the songs. It is possible to find noise and electronic tracks, such as the ones from 1/2 Gentlemen/Not Beasts; punk rock songs, like those from Charmed Life; experimental songs, such as those from The Band That Would Be King as well as more straightforward rock from other releases.

Critical reception

Ned Raggett from Allmusic gave the album 4.5 stars of 5 calling it the best way to start with Half Japanese given the scattered discography of the band. He praised the songs "King Kong", "Amazing Clock" and "Identical Twins" as well as "How to Play Guitar", which, according to him, makes for a great final touch.

The album was included in Blender's top 100 indie rock albums, where it was called "undeniably difficult and triumphantly messy".

Disc one

All lyrics written by Jad Fair except where noted.

Disc two

All lyrics written by Jad Fair except where noted.

Personnel

The people involved in the album are from the band's different line ups: