Mental As Anything - Chemical Travel (1998)

While the band was on indefinite sabbatical while pursuing side projects, there had been no new Mentals product for nearly four years. Knowing that too much time away could hurt any band no matter how big or small, the Mentals new management company and their label decided to issue this collection of B-sides and album tracks as a companion to their greatest hits package released seven years earlier. Beginning with "C.Y.O. Dance," a track from their debut EP (released prior to their first full-length, Get Wet), this collection features all the classic Mentals trademarks: expert musicianship, top notch songs, and unbridled energy. Though there is not a hit single in the bunch, Chemical Travel is every bit as fun and enjoyable as any of their albums. Rarities like "Assault and Flattery," "L'Amour No More," and "Wouldn't Try to Explain" sound great next to key album tracks like "Fiona," "Some Feelings," "Talk to Baby Jesus," and "Not Enough." ~ Stephen Schnee