The 20-track compilation
Surrender to the Rhythm is an excellent retrospective of
Brinsley Schwarz's career. The compilation is culled from each of the group's albums, touching lightly on their earlier records and drawing heavily from
Silver Pistol,
Nervous on the Road, and
The New Favourites, which is appropriate, since they were the stronger records. Although
Nervous on the Road remains a necessary album,
Surrender to the Rhythm compiles nearly every one of the
Brinsleys' greatest tracks, including "Country Girl," "Ju Ju Man," "Down in Mexico," "Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)," "Happy Doing What We're Doing," "Don't Lose Your Grip on Love," "The Ugly Things," a ripping live version of "Home in My Hand," and the original version of
Nick Lowe's classic "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding."
Surrender to the Rhythm offers convincing evidence that
Brinsley Schwarz is one of the great underrated bands of the early '70s, while essentially summing up the spirit of pub rock.