Whether or not you like this release from Queens of the Stone Age will depend very much on what you thought of Kyuss and the early QOTSA tracks. This is a re-release/remastering of the first QOTSA LP with four bonus tracks… 14 tracks in total. Josh Homme’s vocals on this recording are a hybrid. At times you can definitely hear his Kyuss sound and at other times the unique QOTSA sound and approach comes through. It is both so much different to the band’s contemporary sound but so much the same if you account for Homme’s vocal qualities and the emphasis on guitar riffs in almost all of the recordings.

I came to like this band when I heard “Feel Good Hit Of The Summer” from their second album Rated R. If you compare the songs from their second effort to those of their first, you are most likely to notice an obvious development regarding the formation of a more individualistic sound on the newer contribution though the band is still recognisable. I think it’s fair to say that the lyrics on most songs are understated and always the instrumental side is highlighted. QOTSA are a guitar band and the playing in these songs is exceptional. One has to listen carefully to hear the brilliant drumming, but it’s there, and definitely adds to the quality of this fairly experimental recording.

Of course many may disagree when I say that the standout track from this album is “How to Handle a Rope”. It has a kind of Foo-Fighters edge and an obvious chorus, which could make it a commercial success if they were to ‘plug’ it on radio. This is amazing seeing as the first LP was released in 1998, but proves that some songs are timeless and can win over the youngsters as well as jog good memories in QOTSA fans of yore. The bonus tracks are a mixed bag. “The Bronze” has a sixties surfing sound, and therefore seems very retro whereas “Spiders and Vinegaroons” is futuristic and almost a-tonal in certain sections but also has a folksy feel achieved by stamping and clapping. To say it’s interesting is an understatement.

Probably the only song I truly didn’t enjoy listening to was “These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For” (bonus track). I’m not sure what the purpose of the song is and as it’s an instrumental piece I couldn’t get any clues about its intent from the lyrics. There are enough tracks however, to compensate for this less appealing track, and I’d bet my bottom dollar that QOTSA fans would be thrilled to hear old favourites such as “Avon” and “Mexicola” in all their clear, crisp remastered glory.

Review Score: 7/10