LOOKING BACK, THE BEST OF THE MOVE

For whatever reason, The Move's back catalogue has not been subject to the same level of plundering for CD compilations as that of many of their peers. In view of their huge success as a singles band, this does seem rather strange. This 21 track compilation released in 1998 offers a decent summary of most of their career, omitting only their brief time on Harvest Records prior to becoming the Electric Light Orchestra.

The collection focuses on the band's singles, most of which did not actually appear on their three albums for Regal Zonophone. The segregation of songs for singles and albums effectively led to the band simultaneously following two parallel courses. While the singles remained rooted in Beatlesque pop, the albums developed from the psychedelic west coast pop of the self titled debut to the proto-prog heavy rock of "Looking on".

Every single released by the band in the UK between 1967 and 1970 is here, including "Blackberry way", "Night of fear" and "I can hear the grass grow", none of which made it to an album. Also appearing are the great "Fire brigade", "Brontosaurus" and "Flowers in the rain". Most of the B-sides also make it, although "Vote for me", the B-side of the aborted "Cherry blossom clinic", is missing. Of those B-side, the quasi-symphonic "Something" stands out especially.

A few of the more commercial album tracks are used to fill up the disc, rather predictably including "Hello Suzie" and "Beautiful daughter"; these are fine songs though. Only the final two tracks here will raise any eyebrows for those who know The Move only by their singles. The 7+ minute "Looking on" and the 9½ minute "Feel too good" are both taken from the "Looking on" album. They offer a fine indication of the proto-prog which made up the second and third albums.

In all, a great way to obtain the band's singles catalogue, bar the final two or three recorded for Harvest. Do not however make the mistake of assuming this is all the Move you need to know. The only way to really discover the band is through their studio albums.

Share this THE MOVE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#188124)
• Buy THE MOVE music online with PA partners
• Show all THE MOVE MP3/Stream
• Go to THE MOVE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Looking Back, The Best of The Move page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for THE MOVE related discussions