Mew: Eggs Are Funny

Well, isn’t that funny A greatest-hits collection from a band with no hits. If Dexys Midnight Runners can have a best-of album, then anyone can, but that still doesn’t make this collection of previously released songs from Danish epic-rock outfit Mew any less perplexing. Before even putting Eggs Are Funny on, the questions start flying: Is this some sort of contractual obligation Isn’t it safe to assume that everyone who wants these songs already has them in one form or another But once the hand-wringing is over, the triumphant, otherworldly pop kicks in, with Jonas Bjerre singing sweetly and strangely along with driving guitar, huge hooks, and some of the oddest twists and turns yet heard from a band that ultimately wants you to sing and dance along. It’s difficult to think of another group that’s this committed to pop songcraft, and yet that colors so far outside the lines with its music, creating a sound that really is the band’s alone. Yet even its mastery of indie-prog can’t keep Eggs Are Funny from feeling a little off: Tracks from all five of Mew’s albums are included here, but somehow And The Glass Handed Kites—arguably a best-of disc in and of itself—only has two representatives (“Special” and “The Zookeeper’s Boy”), which completely ignores the fact that the equally magical “Why Are You Looking Grave” and “Apocalypso” were also released as singles back in the day. One new song, “Do You Love It” is serviceable, but only reminds fans that the jarring aspects of Mew are just as important as the melodic ones.