Around the time they were breaking up (one of the times) they were selling off the last of their records and I decided to finally pick up a copy of their only actual LP, Last Orders. I think the cassette compilation, The Adventures Of..., had just sold out on their website, but I found a copy of that on another distro about a month later. Between the two releases they cover everything Calvinball ever recorded, and I'd say both are essential parts of any collection. This album alone is great, but songs like Goodnight Sweet Prince and Brighter Lights shouldn't be ignored for not being on an album.
The band are at their best when the songs gradually explode into layers of gruff vocals and heavy guitars, as they frequently do - The Lost City of Atlanta, #OystonOut and No More Half Measures are all fine examples of that. My favourite has always been the closer, Ron Swansong, and not just for the comedy title; it's a fine way to finish a record they intended to be their last.
Format: 12", insert
Tracks: 11
Cost: £9.76 new
Bought: Band website
When: 03/02/14
Colour: Black
Etching: none
mp3s: none