Across Six Leap Years

Unreservedly recommended, but for the uninitiated and obsessives only. [Nov 2013, p.86]

Across is nonetheless a very fond retread around the outskirts of a dank, delectable career.

If there's a criticism here it's in the way these songs don't stray far from the original pieces, instead working as tasteful updates that add a dab of cohesion that was never needed in the first place. It's a treat for fans, which is really all a project like this is ever going to be. But it also highlights a continuity in their work.

None of these versions are really necessary, at least for listeners (it sounds as if making the record was both important and cathartic for the band), and while it’s as good a place for newcomers to start as any and superfans will probably enjoy teasing out the small differences, it’s the least essential thing Tindersticks have ever released.

Across Six Leap Years serves the weirdest of purposes, pleasing (presumably) both band and fans. Many of these reworks are so slightly different as to possibly only truly satisfy the former, but no matter.

Taken as a ‘new’ complete album it could do with stretching out a little and lighting the occasional fire under the occasionally maintained for a touch too long strolling pace, but it works absolutely fine as a way of shining new light on often overlooked but clearly internally beloved outposts of their two decade career of rainy nights and velvet-lined plush bars at last orders.

This LP's strength is as a document of change rather than a retrospective.

Other versions are so microscopically different from the originals that you wonder why they've bothered. [Dec 2013, p.71]