Critic's Review
John Dougan, All Music Guide
Much of the earliest material recorded by the Rifles (covering the years 1982-1984) is difficult to find in its original form, but these two records do an excellent job of anthologizing those heady post-Birdman/Saints days. Mostly speedy (guitars, guitars, and more guitars!) and poppy, there are some hilarious songs ("Let's Get Married"), some that show a strong '70s influence ("God Squad"), and some that indicate the band's growing maturity ("Back in the Red"). Although they would make better records, the exuberance and excitement of this music, as well as its power, hasn't diminished a bit since the day it was recorded.
