I don't think it's an exaggeration to say, at a time when the single is so denigrated as a commodity, that Norn Iron's Ash are a bona fide phenomenon.
Respected and revered by such polar opposites as 12-year-old N-Sync fans, grizzled thirty-something indie 'kids' (like who? - ed) and rollerblading nerds in Slipknot t-shirts, Ash just make pop records. It really is that simple. Except they do it well… very very well. And they sell.
This collection of 19 - count them, 19 - slabs of perfect pop is simply a must-have for anyone who possesses the slightest ounce of soul and romanticism.
Though compiled in no particularly logical order, Intergalactic Sonic 7s traces the career of County Down's finest from their debut record "Jack Names The Planets", through the defining moments from their first album 1977, "Girl From Mars", "Angel Interceptor" and "Goldfinger" to their latest offerings "Envy" and "There's A Star".
Quite simply, there isn't a weak point in the entire collection. Ash's instinct for a killer tune has not waned at all during their eight-year career of making records and perhaps the most commendable element of their history to date is that they have not allowed their energy and enthusiasm to be watered down by age and the 'business'.
The potted history of the band, which comes with the artwork to the CD, alludes to a difficult period surrounding the making of their second album proper, "Nu-Clear Sounds". It mentions problems with writer's block on Tim Wheeler's part and a darker, harder direction. It is to their credit, then, that they still managed to produce such an excellent record with their 'difficult second album'. It might not have had singles such as "Girl From Mars" and "Oh Yeah" on there, but it still had some mighty fine moments and they do themselves a disservice by suggesting they had to have a rethink in its wake…
They describe it is a nadir in their career, but if it is then its only because what went before and what came after was so towering. If the singles from 1977 were stunning for their innocence and simplicity, then their return from their exile after "Nu-Clear Sounds" was all about a rediscovery of confidence. "Shining Light" shimmers from the spark of the very first chord and burns so hot that even what sounds suspiciously like a key change late on fails to melt its beauty.
"Burn Baby Burn", "Sometimes" and "Candy" are all also fabulously poppy, the latter even managing to incorporate a sample of the string arrangement from the Walker Brothers' "Make It Easy On Yourself".
The copy of "Intergalactic Sonic 7s" that I bought came complete with a 22-track bonus disc containing Ash's b-sides too which makes it not only the most fantastic collection of singles released this year (apart from ours, natch) but also great value. I have to say I haven't listened to the extra CD yet, though - the main CD is so enchanting, it only leaves the player when I'm in a more contemplative mood and the Montgolfier Brothers go on instead.
A mate of mine compared Ash to Slade with regard to the consistent quality of their singles output. They recall the spirit of their Ulster counterparts The Undertones to me, but unlike Fergal's fledglings, Ash seem to be maintaining their exuberance as they age.
Long may that continue. There is nothing more tiresome than a band, for whatever reason, deciding to take themselves too seriously or take their fan-base for granted and become shoegazingly self-indulgent. Ash are out on a limb at the moment amongst British bands in that their trip is to write honest songs rather than merely 'earnest' ones. Apparently, they are currently making their very own horror film too. Kewl.
Ash - I love 'em. You love 'em. We all do. And why not?
Alan, 14/10/2002