Crystal Days: 1979–1999 cover

Crystal Days: 1979–1999

Echo & the Bunnymen · 2001

303 min · 72 tracks · post-punk

A lush tapestry of atmospheric guitars and haunting melodies that define the post-punk era.

Why this album works

'Crystal Days' not only achieved commercial success but also reaffirmed Echo & the Bunnymen's influence on the post-punk landscape, demonstrating their lasting appeal with tracks like 'The Killing Moon' and 'Lips Like Sugar.' The album received positive critical reception, being praised for its curation of both well-known hits and rare tracks, solidifying its place as an essential collection for fans and newcomers alike.
Career context
Upon its release in 2001, 'Crystal Days: 1979–1999' served as a comprehensive retrospective of Echo & the Bunnymen's career, showcasing their evolution from their debut in 1980 through to their resurgence in the late '90s. This compilation came after a lengthy hiatus following the band's breakup in 1998, marking a significant moment of reflection and celebration for both the band and their fans.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Monkeys (original version) 3:04
  • 2 The Pictures on My Wall (original single version) 2:51
  • 3 Read It in Books (original single version) 2:59
  • 4 Villiers Terrace (John Peel session) 4:13
  • 5 Rescue Standout 4:26
  • 6 Simple Stuff 2:35
  • 7 Stars Are Stars 2:47
  • 8 All That Jazz 2:47
  • 9 Crocodiles 2:40
  • 10 The Puppet 3:07
  • 11 Do It Clean 2:48
  • 12 Show of Strength 4:50
  • 13 Over the Wall 6:06
  • 14 A Promise 4:04
  • 15 Heaven Up Here 3:43
  • 16 All My Colours 4:02
  • 17 Broke My Neck (long version) 7:17
  • 18 No Hands (John Peel session) 3:11
  • 19 Fuel 4:05
  • 20 The Subject 5:09

Disc 2

  • 1 The Back of Love 3:15
  • 2 The Cutter 3:52
  • 3 Way Out and Up We Go 4:03
  • 4 Clay 4:16
  • 5 Heads Will Roll 3:33
  • 6 Gods Will Be Gods (alternate version) 5:30
  • 7 Never Stop (Discotheque) 4:46
  • 8 Watch Out Below (John Peel session) 2:50
  • 9 The Killing Moon (All Night version) Standout 9:13
  • 10 Silver (Tidal Wave) 5:12
  • 11 Angels and Devils 4:23
  • 12 Crystal Days 2:26
  • 13 Seven Seas 3:20
  • 14 My Kingdom 4:06
  • 15 Ocean Rain 5:18
  • 16 All You Need Is Love 6:41

Disc 3

  • 1 Bring On the Dancing Horses 4:05
  • 2 Over Your Shoulder 4:07
  • 3 Lover I Love You 4:20
  • 4 Satisfaction 4:11
  • 5 New Direction (original version) 4:23
  • 6 Ship of Fools 4:04
  • 7 All My Life 4:10
  • 8 The Game 3:51
  • 9 Bedbugs and Ballyhoo 3:29
  • 10 Lips Like Sugar (single version) Standout 4:37
  • 11 People Are Strange 4:32
  • 12 Rollercoaster 4:05
  • 13 Don't Let It Get You Down 3:52
  • 14 I Want to Be There (When You Come) 3:39
  • 15 Nothing Lasts Forever 3:56
  • 16 Hurracaine 4:21
  • 17 Rust 5:24
  • 18 What Are You Going to Do With Your Life? 5:10

Disc 4

  • 1 In the Midnight Hour 3:30
  • 2 Start Again (live) 3:26
  • 3 The Original Cutter (A Drop in the Ocean) 4:00
  • 4 Heads Will Roll (summer version) 4:25
  • 5 Bedbugs and Ballyhoo (original single version) 3:38
  • 6 Zimbo (live) 4:57
  • 7 Angels and Devils (live) 3:04
  • 8 She Cracked (live) 2:54
  • 9 It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (live) 3:33
  • 10 Soul Kitchen (live) 3:50
  • 11 Action Woman (live) 3:21
  • 12 Paint It Black (live) 3:15
  • 13 Run, Run, Run (live) 3:59
  • 14 Friction (live) 4:44
  • 15 Crocodiles (live) 6:06
  • 16 Heroin (live) 5:43
  • 17 Do It Clean (live) 8:18
  • 18 The Cutter (alternate version) 4:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata