Shark EP

Shark EP (1996) Throwing Muses

Shark is one of my all-time favorite EPs.

It is perfect in every way.

I love the packaging, but the best thing is the songs. It is made up of re-named re-recordings of some of the best songs from Throwing Muses's 1996 LP Limbo.

At the time, Limbo was supposed to be their final album. They were splitting up for lack of money. Limbo is, by far, thier greatest record; it contain their strongest songs and they never sounded better.

I'm pretty sure that "Shark" (2:52) is different from the LP version; it sounds tighter and more violent.

(The song contains elements of an early TM song called "Clear and Great" that was written in the early 1980s and re-recorded for their In A Doghouse collection along with "Catch" and "Lizzie Sage".)

Track two is a new version of "Tar Kissers" called "Tar Moochers". While the album version is loud and distorted, the EP version is more country-sounding and clear. The drums, in certain sections, are jarring and urgent. I love both versions so much that it's hard to decide which is better. I think it's a tie.

"Serene Swing" (3:10), the re-recording of "Serene", also switches identities here. On the album it's almost a ballad. Here, it's all a wash of electric guitar. I definitely prefer this version to the original.

The last song, "Limbobo"(I love the new name), is one of Throwing Muses's best songs ever. It sets its own mood and atmosphere.

The song starts with some kind of mechanical drum sound and then fills with a growling, grumbling bass buzz. It's scary and hypnotic- it sounds like pure evil. The vocals slide in along with a softer guitar sound.

"Limbobo" is like the flipside of Throwing Muses's version of "Amazing Grace" from the Counting Backwards EP. Instead of ending where it could, it goes on and on, making it one of TM's longest songs (7:19). You listen and wish it could go on forever but it's kind of a relief when it does end.

The Shark EP contains four of the best songs that any band could hope to record. It's a shame that few people ever got a chance to hear the Limbo LP and even fewer will ever hear the Shark EP.

You should seek out the Shark EP. It's amazing and you won't be disappointed.