Tindersticks - Donkeys 92-97 (1998)

Tracklist

01. Patchwork (Single Version)
02. Marbles (Single Version)
03. Her (Original Version)
04. City Sickness Explicit
05. Travelling Light
06. I've Been Loving You Too Long
07. Plus De Liaisons (French Version)
08. Here
09. Tiny Tears
10. Bathtime (Single Version / Remix)
11. A Marriage Made In Heaven (Orchestral Version)
12. For Those... (Orchestral Version)

As indicated on the cover, Donkeys is a collection of singles, rarities, and unreleased recordings. For the hardcore Tindersticks fan on a budget, it might come as a bit of a disappointment, as the nearly endless well of Tindersticks B-sides from limited releases are barely touched upon here. The absolute gem on Donkeys is their (typically brooding) version of Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You too Long," which was released as a B-side to "Travelling Light." Other highlights include the French version of "No More Affairs" ("Plus de Liaisons"), an orchestral version of Stuart Staples' duet with Isabella Rossellini on "A Marriage Made in Heaven," their single for Sub Pop (a cover of Pavement's "Here"), and their very Velvet Underground-inspired debut single. It's a solid chunk of music, and as an introduction to the band, it serves well. But since Tindersticks are a remarkably consistent band, the beginner can pick their starting point by blindfold and come out a winner virtually every time.