5 tracks of spoken word and poetry, including some from MC's who normally flow in a more straight ahead style: Rha Goddess "My Pen (rmx)", Saul Williams "Twice The First Time", Bobbito The Barber "The Cucumber", Mike Ladd & Company Flow "Bladerunners" and Mos Def "A Soldier's Dream". LP, Vinyl record album

Perhaps the most beloved of albums by Mercury Rev – and also their most unique! This is a band that was just about the least predictable group to appear on a major label during the early 90s "alternative" feeding frenzy – certainly one of those great bands whose influence and impact extends far beyond however many records they sold at the time. Deserter's Songs has textures picked up from classic ornate pop, waltzy numbers and dreamy atmosphere to spare– paired with off kilter vocals and a freewheeling, creative sensibility. A classic! Includes "Holes", "Tonite It Shows", "Endlessly", "I Collect Coins", "Opus 40", "Hudson Line", "The Happy End (The Drunk Room)", "Goddess On A Hiway", "The Funny Bird", "Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp". Deluxe edition comes with the bonus disc, Deserted Songs, featuring home demos, early rough versions, alternate mixes, and remixes by Bill Laswell and DJ Nickel. CD