Don't really know what to make of these Lost Sirens...probably have to give it a second listening.
Coolest thing so far for me is the Sergio Leone reference in Californian Grass : For a few dollars more!

I like the outro of Sugarcane with that very Steven Morris sounding hi-hat action going on, I presume that is him actually playing and not some programmed percussion..

Also, during Californian Grass I can hear the sound of a phone ringing out at 3:58, I presume that is meant to be there along with the other sound effects at the end of the song..

I finally got to see a copy today. Yes :)

so i have soaked these tracks up over the last few days and here are my thoughts.

1. I'll Stay with You -- a really like this one for what it is, late era NO with guitars. I like the vocals and enjoy the chorus. It bounces along like a brother of 'Turn'.
2. Sugarcane -- it grows on you. Very poppy isn't it? It feels very Electronic to me.
3. Recoil -- I actually think this should have replaced Working Overtime as the last song on the album. It's dour and downbeat and has elements buried in the mix that remind me of the latter half of Republic. One of my favorites from the disparate collection of tracks. Love the melancholy conveyed by the piano work. add the ocean crashing over the outro and boom Sirens is done.
4. California Grass -- love the fact Barney went lower register, love the verses, but good the chorus is brutally composed. Half finished track that could be great if he spent more time on the lyrics. The entire grocery store couplet needs to go. the track itself is pretty solid for me.
5. Hellbent -- we've heard this one, reminds me of Brutal at times. I actually like singing along to the chorus in the car. I have since it came out. Especially after a long day of work.
6. Shake it up -- i have no clue what the band was going for on this track, but i have to say, I love it. The chorus is absolutely brilliant and catchy as all hell in my opinion. I found myself humming it at work the other day (a good sign something stuck with me). I think the song really shines after the first verse which was a bit different.
7. I've Got a Feeling -- probably my favorite track, I listened closely to the lyrics and for some reason feel like this is Barney's break letter with Hooky. Also why do I feel like it sounds like Blue by Monaco a little? Or someother Monaco track I can't place immediately? It's the vocal and lyrics that get me on this one.
8. I Told You So -- I'm in the minority and always liked this track -- I like it even better on Lost Sirens. It is monochromatic and dense. Love the drums which to me seem to be front and center in the mix.

Its a hodge podge really, but as others have said, you can craft a decent album out of this and WFTSC. Enjoyable. Makes me want new music from the current lineup. Curious to hear what Gillian would bring to the table. Interested to see if she'd balance the testosterone.

I think it needed Tom Chapman on Bass

After reading the production credits to Lost Sirens, I've decided the Mac Quayle mix of Guilt is a Useless Emotion from the US release of WFTSC is indeed another Lost Siren and I've included it on my Lost Sirens track list in between I've Got a Feeling and I Told You So. Fills out the album nicely; it's quite G 'n R Use Your Illusion I & II having alt versions of songs on companion albums!

Yeah, s'alright really. No surprises but nothing nasty either.

Very brief review from the Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/enter...t-the-vault-3348930.html

After first listen I was quite impressed.

The signs weren't good to start with. Ill stay with you sounds identical to here to stay musically. And it starts "hey you".

I'm sure after a few listens these songs will stay in my head.

Just had my first listen and its alright, I told you so is a genuine surprise. i really like this new version
I was expecting it, but some of barney's lyrics are bloody awful. I think he was in a bigger lyrical slump in 2005 than even on Raise the Pressure. Are the lyrics to the first two tracks unfinished? Or are they the best he could do?

Agreed. We love NO despite and because of their limitations, but seriously, it's hard to believe a man of that vintage and experience (a certified Godlike Genius no less) can sign off on those 'will-this-do?' kinds of lyrics.

Sorry if I missed it earlier, but apart from the nice syllabification opportunities it provides, what actually is Californian Grass? Is it a pot reference - surely not? Is it a metaphor for a nice place to relax in the sun? Or is it, just, you know, don't analyse things too much...maaan. And what's he buying for a few dollars more at the grocery store (*blush*)? I can't make it out. A drink?

Ace track though :)

Maybe the line "for a few dollars more" is meant as a reference to Ennio Morricone who I think has been in the past mentioned as an influence on the band..

I'm sure someone will now tell me that both versions of Hellbent are the same now, and I'll think I'm going mad...