Tall Dwarfs: Unravelled: 1981–2002 4LP Boxset (Merge)
From our own Rich Mudge:
“I feel like one shouldn’t need much convincing as to why to pick up the career spanning Tall Dwarfs box set, but here it goes.
Most of these releases are out-of-print and go for serious cash when one can track them down - even I don’t own all this stuff! Merge Records has done a public service here in cahoots with Alec Bathgate to create what they call ‘an abbreviated primer,’ which feels like a modest assessment: 55 songs spanning 4 LPs and a 20 page booklet full of photos, art and lyrics cover a lot of material and hit that sweet spot that will appeal to those who want to dip into the Tall Dwarfs world of weirdness and if you are already familiar you know where you stand on this box (get it!). This kind of documentation/fanaticism is where it’s at.
Alec Bathgate and Chris Knox emerged as Tall Dwarfs following the demise of Toy Love and a burnout with the machinations of the music industry. As Tall Dwarfs they make a left turn from the comparatively straightforward pop songs of Toy Love to warped pop songs of their own invention seemingly fully formed. The box set runs chronologically by release date and starts off with the entire Three Songs EP and right away kicks off with three solid tracks and perhaps their first ‘hit.’ All this recorded to 4-track by two guys and minimal instrumentation and at times literal stuff from the kitchen sink for percussion/rhythm.
We should be so lucky that what essentially started off as a one off continued over the years delivering some of the most perversely endearing pop music from the isles of New Zealand. Take a listen to ‘Entropy’ for as fine an example as can be of familiar and perfect pop broadcast from the alien universe of Tall Dwarfs. The percussion and rhythm gallops as if to keep up with the shifting point of view in the lyrics all held together by those high harmonies in the chorus.
The box is covered in Alec’s artwork as are the gatefold LPs and the LP sized booklet is really nice treat. Lotsa pages with both Chris’ and Alec’s art, cool photos, a discography and lyrics.
Particularly delightful is Chris’ hand drawn press kit for the 3 EPs release - it’s basically a history of the Tall Dwarfs from inception to 1994 (the date of the release).“
Highly recommended!