Nothing Painted Blue racked up a healthy amount of singles, compilation tracks, cover songs and unreleased material from 1988 through 1995. Thankfully for fans of the band, the group has decided to collect all of these hard-to-find tracks on a single disc, entitled
Emotional Discipline. But unlike their mini-album The Future of Communications (which contained a few rarities), this collection will appeal to more than just fanatics of the band. Some interesting tracks are "Go to Waste," which was a song leftover from
Nothing Painted Blue's precursor band, the Born Leaders. Some other curiosities are a tribute song for K Records entitled "K for Karnival" (which was ultimately rejected by the record company), and the song "Or Do They?," which was recorded in one of the band members' parents' rec room with a condenser mic straight into a Sony Walkman (with surprisingly good sound). The groovy surf instrumental "El Nino" proves to be another highlight, as does the sleepy-sounding "Anti-Nomination." It wouldn't be a true
Nothing Painted Blue release without some crafty lyrics, and the words to "Swivelchair" won't disappoint ("I wanna sit in your office, I wanna play with your office supplies"). Also, the CD booklet contains extensive liner notes from past and present members, which include rare pictures and song notes (sample -- "Those drum sounds at the top sound like God's flatulence"). An indispensable compilation for those who like their power-pop a bit off-kilter. ~ Greg Prato