After a series of half-good/half-crud German CD reissues of
Chrome material -- good because of the long out-of-print original
Chrome material coming back, crud because of the regular attaching of indifferent or bad
Edge-only material to them -- this two-in-one release was a godsend. Containing both Half Machine Lip Moves and
Alien Soundtracks as indicated -- though the later album, Half Machine, appears first on the disc -- this release, apparently instigated by Steve Albini's appreciation for this era of
Chrome, is a perfect starting point for a
Chrome newcomer. While the rereleased
Chrome Box makes for an excellent start as well, including both of these albums as well, those wanting a cheaper way to begin searching out
Chrome's wonders should start here. Great sound and reproduction of the original art (alas, there are no explanatory liner notes of any kind, the one mark against the collection) enchances the experience. ~ Ned Raggett