21 Singles is a perfect, understated title for a compilation that nonchalantly illustrates just why the Jesus and Mary Chain are revered by post-punk partisans and are considered so influential. Sure, Psychocandy is the masterwork -- ground zero for noise pop and shoegazing, a record that helped shift the course of indie rock in the second half of the '80s -- but to reduce their career to just that one record isn't fair, since the albums that followed found the Mary Chain exploring interesting ground, whether it was swirls of feedback and noise or dark, haunting soundscapes. Although albums like Darklands and Honey's Dead were consistent works in their own right, the group was often best heard through its singles -- and, collected together on this stellar collection, they form a strong canon. Again, Psychocandy remains their masterpiece, but for a summation of their entire career this is first-rate, giving all their best on one collection that is essential for any post-punk or alt-rock library. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
"Gave bands permission"? Do you think about what you're writing before you hit submit? Using lots of distortion is just another tool bands use, sometimes to great effect, and, yeah, sometimes bands use it to cover up for having no ideas, but you can't blame Nirvana or Pearl Jam for all the awful garage rock of the 90s.
I'm no fan of Jesus & Mary Chain, but at least I actually understand why I don't care for them, instead of spewing pretentious crap. What's it like being too lame for Pitchfork?
Possibly as overrated as My Bloody Valentine, the Jesus and Mary Chain gave bands permission to hide their mediocrity behind walls of distorted guitars and non-sensical lyrics. "Just Like Honey" was the only song they ever released that could be considered a genuine "single", so calling a record "21 Singles" may at least prove that the Jesus and Mary Chain have a sense of humor.