The Go-Betweens were an Australian indie rock band led by Robert Forster (vocals, guitar) and Grant McLennan (vocals, guitar), and formed in Brisbane, Queensland, in 1977.
“1978–1990” is a compilation album that includes their songs recorded from 1978 to their 1989 breakup. It was released from Beggars Banquet Records, U.K. in 1990.
Indie rock/jangle pop influenced by Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground, and others. Includes lots of good songs by two excellent songwriters, Forster and McLennan.
Their early songs were tinged with post-punk. Their songs in the late 1980s were softer and more melodic than before.
Recommended for those who like Scottish indie rock bands, such as Orange Juice, Josef K, and Aztec Camera.
The disc 1 is compiled mainly from singles. The disc 2 is compiled mainly from B-sides, recordings for broadcast, and previously unreleased tracks.
Includes single tracks: “People Say”, “I Need Two Heads”, “Hammer the Hammer”, “Cattle and Cane”, “Man O’Sand to Girl O’Sea”, “Bachelor Kisses”, “Spring Rain”, “Right Here”, “Bye Bye Pride”, and “Streets Of Your Town” (#80 in the UK charts).
This is not a comprehensive best collection, because it doesn’t include all their important songs, but it includes some tracks which are not included in other albums, so it’s recommended both for general listeners and collectors.
The U.K. double LP and the Japanese double CD include 28 tracks. Other versions include 22 tracks. I recommend the 22-track versions.
