Momus - Slender Sherbet: Classic Songs Revisited (2021)

Slender Sherbet is a collection of re-recorded versions of songs from Momus' '80s albums (up to but not including Hippopotamomus), when his songwriting voice and misanthropic worldview were solidifying. This collection gathers a great many of the high points from those years, but the songs aren't necessarily improved in their new versions. There are some interesting variations and reworkings, but too many of the re-recordings feel tossed off compared to the old ones, whether in the more lackadaisical vocals or the less detailed arrangements. However, given the scarcity of Momus' frequently brilliant Creation albums, this may be the only way for American listeners to hear these songs. Which means that Slender Sherbet takes on much greater stature, as a primer of Momus' early career, than the immediate results might indicate. ~ Steve Huey