Singles Collection, Vol. 1+ 2

Not that Thee Oh Sees’ frontman John Dwyer needs to prove his prolificacy, but this generous 24-song offering might be considered the pudding wherein the proof resides. Singles Collection, Vol. 1 + 2 compiles nearly every single the San Francisco garage rockers have released, as well as a few previously unreleased tracks. “Carol Anne” opens, worshipping at the altar of Billy Childish—should you get to witness one of Thee Oh Sees’ live performances, you’ll notice Dwyer is unapologetic in appropriating Childish’s sound, style, and stance. But unlike a proper album, this compilation showcases the many other sides of Thee Oh Sees’ personality. “The Freak Was Clean” shows a band that seems to be able to write a catchy and clever song as easily as drinking water or breathing air. “Bloody Water” casts a light on Dwyer’s amazing guitar-playing skills, which is no easy feat when his preferred weapons of choice tend to be cheap Japanese pawnshop guitars from the '60s. The mellower side of his songwriting surfaces in “I Agree” and “In the Shadow of Giants.”