Oceans Songs is probably the one to get, followed by Horse Stories. Really, they're all pretty good. The LP version of Oceans Songs comes with a bonus CD that has a few additional songs on it, so it's worth going that route for sure if you're even remotely a vinyl person.

I reckon 'not crap' - but the best LP is Whatever You Love, You Are.

i agree. they're one of my favorite bands to see.

i didn't like the last one (or "whatever you love..") but horse stories, ocean songs, and the s/t are great. i think that's all the dirty three i need at home, so i'm happy.

even if you don't like their records, or think they're boring, you should see them when they come around.

I can't comment on recent stuff, but I say decidedly not crap due to Horse Stories and seeing them live seven years ago. I commented that Warren Ellis would be a rock star if the world was right, to which my friend Shawn replied, "He is a rock star, just without the money."

We teased Mr. Ellis after the show. We kept needling him about Australian artists and does he like them? He was unflappable throughout. "AC/DC?" Of course. Um, "Men at Work?" Maybe, I don't remember. I'm pretty sure he said he liked Kylie Minogue. Got him on Air Supply, though. He then signed my bare chest.

The new album, Cinder, may be their best yet.

Who else had got tickets for the Ocean Songs show in London?

These guys make you weep.

Hope (right?, on Horse Stories, its not at my disposal) is one of them songs that needs to played at my funeral.

Ocean Songs (thats done by Albini, right?) is an amazing sounding record. Probably my favorite Albini recording.

I will look like an ass if i am wrong about him recording that...

Double Post.

Sorry.

Stupid, stupid man.

I am so comforted by the fact that the Dirty Three have received a unanimous Not Crap, because I couldn't even begin to describe how much I love this band. I challenge anyone here to find a reason why or how they could possibly be called crap.

NOT FUCKING CRAP

Not crap, but there are some waffles goin' on.

Their records are pretty simmilar for the most part, to the point that a person's first Dirty Three record is their favorite. The first one I got was "Whatever You Love, You Are" and it is a great, great album. I've heard virtually everything else they've done, but I am still attached to this one record.

Before going to see them live, I read a lot on the internet about Warren's introductions before songs. Then upon seeing them live, I found that he does pretty much the same intro before these songs. A little different, but it did seem a bit "scripted" in a way.

But, that was still one of the most amazing shows I've ever seen. They closed with a nearly 20 minute version of "I Gave it up to the Stars and the Night Sky" that is still the most moving performance I have seen live. Zack from Low was playing bass with them on that tour, and he broke several strings at the end of the song.

So, Dirty Three, NOT CRAP, except for the albums sounding the same and the predictability of your on stage introductions.