Here we have a superlative CD rarity from New Zealand pop giants THE CHILLS: Stand By, a title released in 2004 on the group's own label, never issued in the States, now long out of print. Perhaps the best-known and most adored band of the late 80’s/early 90’s Flying Nun scene, The Chills cut amazingly good pop records for nearly forty years until the death of frontman Martin Phillipps in 2024. With singer/songwriter/guitarist Phillipps the only constant member of this endlessly reshuffled group, the Chills offered thoughtful and nicely understated songs that often glided on dark, quiet undercurrents of sadness and unrest. In a music scene dominated by wildly overblown emoting and ham-fisted “sensitivity,” the Chills embodied an aesthetic of subtlety that is pure refreshment to the weary ear. Like the very best pop, the songs of Phillipps reveal their charms slowly... but once entrenched in your head (usually around the fourth play or so) you will find yourself reaching for their records again and again. Stand By consists of songs that appeared in The Chills' live set (with a couple from Martin's solo excursions) that had never been captured in the studio. Phillipps decided, while making plans for the band's next full-length, that these eight tracks needed to be "recorded for posterity and released for your enjoyment." Stand By has just what you expect and need from The Chills, rolling out great song after great song for your listening pleasure. Compelling tunes, thoughtful lyrics, great playing and singing from all. It's not where to get your first taste of these guys, but fans absolutely need this. The CD shows very slight wear, but looks great and plays flawlessly.