B-Sides & Rarities
by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Mar 22, 2005
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    70
    For Cave fans who have been patiently and exhaustively compiling this stuff in all sorts of dodgy ways, this set is a righteous archivist's gift.
  2. Almost Cool
    80
    Although there are a couple tracks that are a bit more padding than needed, but overall this is a career compilation that's definitely worth having.
  3. Blender
    60
    When Cave is bad he's unbeatable, but when he's good he's darn near awful. [Apr 2005, p.133]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Pitchfork
    78
    Proves a better retrospective than the equally matter-of-factly titled The Best of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
  6. PopMatters
    60
    It's a seldom-heard rendition of the familiar.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    90
    If... you’re already a fan, this is definitely worth a listen, not only for the interest value, but for the multiple songs which are simply brilliant Bad Seeds moments.
  8. Playlouder
    70
    As with most such collections you're going to get good, bad and extremely ugly, and this is no exception. The fact it spans three CDs seems a bit indulgent considering some of the material should be consigned to an incinerator never to be heard again.
  9. Uncut
    70
    A fascinating document of exactly how far he's travelled. [May 2005, p.117]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Under The Radar
    80
    Despite its problems, B-Sides... is still a satisfying collection of Nick Cave's work over the years. [#9]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Paste Magazine
    80
    With phenomenal sound quality and scarcely a weak track in the lot, B-Sides & Rarities ought to satisfy Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds fans with its fascinating, if fairly familiar, tale.
  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Even their B-sides are full of dark magic. [2 Apr 2005, p.50]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Junkmedia
    80
    Newcomers may want to start investigating with something less daunting, but even the casual fan of Cave's work will find this collection indispensable.
  14. ShakingThrough.net
    74
    While two discs might have been more effective, the sheer overkill of this collection is par for the course for Cave and his supporting players.
  15. Lost At Sea
    80
    This will definitely please the archivist fan of Cave and the Bad Seeds and intrigue everyone else. [Avg of grades of 7, 8, and 9 for the three discs.]
  16. Mojo
    70
    An aptly schizophrenic alternative history. [May 2005, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. The Wire
    70
    There are, unsurprisingly, great contrasts in material and quality. [#254, p.54]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. Trouser Press
    70
    If this collection weren't intended as a nearly comprehensive catch-all, it could have benefited from being pared down to two discs. Nevertheless, it offers a convincing alternative overview of Cave's work, covering all the stylistic points and diversions on his epic journey.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Ricko
    Dec 16, 2021
    7
    It might not be for the "Best of" brigade" but for big fans of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, this is a must have. Of course not all of it isIt might not be for the "Best of" brigade" but for big fans of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, this is a must have. Of course not all of it is top table material but so much of it is good quality and worth having if you’re a fan. 56 tracks to explore, could argue that is could be trimmed but that's not the type of release this is. It's about giving the fans access to the deep cuts.… Full Review »
  2. mojoetoo
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    I find the tracks on this three disc set are essential additions to my Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds collection. Well-recorded and performedI find the tracks on this three disc set are essential additions to my Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds collection. Well-recorded and performed nearly all the songs are deserving of A listing and placement on an otherwise ordinary studio release without the B moniker. I wish all performers/groups would release this type of material. For example Radiohead includes a lot of extra material on their re-issues and likewise I find true first rate gems in their extra material as well.… Full Review »
  3. SallyR
    Apr 1, 2005
    10
    I laughed, I cried, I howled in delight at the thought of absorbing the three discs in this whomping box of love, pain, death and dark humor I laughed, I cried, I howled in delight at the thought of absorbing the three discs in this whomping box of love, pain, death and dark humor over the coming several months. I am planning special road trips to dark and wild environments just so I can howl along with Nick and the Bad Seeds as industrial landscapes, stark deserts and majestic abysses roll past my eyes! Brace yourselves, and buy it now...… Full Review »
See all user reviews »