The
Braid
catalog expanded with surprising regularity after the
emo
pioneers broke up in 1999. Among their posthumous efforts,
Movie Music, Vol. 1
and its sequentially titled companion piece are perhaps the most collectable of these postmortem offerings. This first volume is a complete collection of songs from the group's many 7" singles.
was notorious for keeping much of their best material off of the full-length releases, so this collection is of no small interest. Like volume two,
is chronologically sequenced, thus allowing listeners an opportunity to chart the band's growth. Established fan favorites like
"I'm Afraid of Everything"
and
"Now I'm Exhausted"
are not only release highlights, but also career standouts. With 17 tracks of relatively consistent songwriting and performing,
is highly recommended for both new listeners and collectors looking to avoid purchasing the many singles necessary to duplicate this track list. This is one of
's strongest full-length discs. ~ Vincent Jeffries