Smile

Smile features Ride's first two EPs, Ride and Play, which were released in the U.K. in early 1990. While Ride is considered one of the shoegaze movement's finest bands, these early recordings emphasize its raucous garage-rock roots. There's still plenty of reverb and an unrelenting wall of sound. But there's also an energetic looseness and reckless abandon to the performances, making this an endearing debut. "Drive Blind," in particular, grabs ahold of several guitar effects until the sound washes out into pure psychedelic bliss. The chaotic wall of sound, partly inspired by Phil Spector, nearly obscures some truly wonderful melodies. Mark Gardener and Andy Bell harmonize and soothe the ravaged beast that is the band's uncompromising instrumental work. The guitars hit pure mania for the dramatic solo that closes "All I Can See." "Close My Eyes" uses shrieking feedback to further its point. Alongside My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, Ride is essential listening from the '90s shoegaze scene. The 2001 edition of the album features excellent remastered sound.