Icehouse - Great Southern Land (LP)

All Music Guide

While not as comprehensive as it could have been, Great Southern Land does contain a few of Icehouse's better songs, but as a best of it comes up way short. Taking tracks from Icehouse, Primitive Man, Sidewalk, and Measure for Measure, this 11 song compilation does present listeners with a firm feel of the band (smooth, engaging vocals atop rich keyboards and electric guitar), but at the same time leaves plenty of material out. Not included here are their two catchiest songs, both from Man of Colours, "Crazy" and "Electric Blue," replaced with a dance mix version of "No Promises" when the original would have been better welcomed. To it's advantage, Great Southern Land starts off with the vibrant "Touch The Fire," expressing the relaxed power of Iva Davies voice. Other stand-outs include "Hey Little Girl" and "Can't Help Myself," proving that the comparisons to Roxy Music can't be avoided. The best song on the album is by far the title-track, which conjures up mysterious yet beautiful i...mages of Australia as a continent tucked away from the rest of the world. This album acts as a firm starting point when it comes to investigating Icehouse's sound and style, but is inconclusive as far as a hits package is concerned. - Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide Read more Less