"Chains Changed" Throwing Muses

Chains Changed (1987) Throwing Muses

Probably Throwing Muses best single release is Chains Changed. It features three classic TM songs (and an ok Tanya Donelly song). The first track, "Finished" starts off strong (though the second part of it sounds a little dated). The second song is "Reel", which was written and sung by Tanya Donelly. The problem with a lot of TD's Muses songs is not that they have too much of a "pop sound", the problem is that she tries too hard to sound like Hersh, especially on songs like "Raise The Roses" from the Doghouse Tape which is, like Chains Changed, on the In A Doghouse collection.

The third song is "Snailhead". It's just a weird, pumped-up song that's fun to listen to. The last song, "Cry Baby Cry", might be the best TM song ever. Personally, I would've editted out the intro, but whatever. The song is very exciting and even though the words make little or no sense it doesn't matter- I think the song is all about being a teenager and is the perfect expression of it. Also, like "Snailhead" it's just fun to listen to.

I like the design for Chains Changed and the photo is simple and interesting. If you get the chance, pick up In A Doghouse. It's got the first TM album, the Chains Changed EP, The Doghouse Tape, and five old TM songs re-recorded with the newer line-up.