Courteeners: Greatest Hits

A little disclaimer this isn’t an official release this vinyl was made for me for my 21st birthday by a company in America, and therefore it is the only one of its kind in the world.

Side A opens with ‘Are You in Love With A Notion’ an absolute stomping opening track, used to open the bands live shows. The catchy chorus and pulsating drums make it the perfect opening track. One of my favourite indie songs ever. ‘Cavorting’ is the next track on Side A a snarling attack on the Manchester indie scene and those involved. It’s also the hands first single and it makes for the perfect accompaniment to ‘Notion’. Things are slowed down with ‘Bide Your Time’ another catchy song with a brilliant chorus, and melodic tempo. A true classic from the bands debut ‘St Jude’. ‘Please Don’t’ is the penultimate track on Side A a much slower ballad about the perils of relationships, with the protagonist trying to deal with their feelings and emotions in the best way they can. ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ ends Side A the indie classic, makes for the perfect crescendo.  A powerful chorus about being young and carefree and ferocious drums and guitar playing. This sound defines the band mad it had to be on the album.

Side B begins with another ‘St Jude’ track ‘Aftershow’ a slow building track which grows and grows, another song about a relationship this time between two friends who are not as close as they first thought. ‘Small Bones’ is next and this is Liam Fray at his romantic best. A song that sums up his feeling for a particular lover, it sounds just as good live as it does on this record. ‘Smiths Disco’ brings a bit of swagger with its acoustic beat. It also reminds the listener that it’s ok to listen The Smiths still despite Morrissey and his beliefs. ‘International’ is the penultimate track a song very close to my heart. I believe it’s one of the bands best, it tackles mental health and loneliness in a beautiful and unique way, lyrically this track is a highlight. ‘What Took You So Long’ ends the record just like how the band end live. With a huge mass sing along. A catchy chorus and pulsating beat.