In the Beginning compiles the first three singles in their entirety by 14 Iced Bears, along with eight previously unreleased songs that were recorded during their BBC sessions with John Peel. Four demos and live tracks are also included. The collection is essential for 14 Iced Bears completists, as it serves as a document of the band's initial, enthusiastic recordings. The band's punky and poppy melodies went on to influence bands like the June Brides and the Aislers Set. Power pop songs reminiscent of the Wedding Present follow an up-and-down tempo, with slowed-down ballads and pop-punk songs trading turns on the 22-song disc. Whimsical songs like Unhappy Days and Balloon Song conjure up images of the London music scene of the mid- and late '80s. The band's first two singles were released on Television Personality member Mark Flunder's Frank label, and their third single was released on the then-new Sarah Records label. Their jangly style of guitar pop was recorded by John Peel during two BBC sessions in 1986 and 1987. The two live tracks on the disc, Jumped in a Puddle and Gave You My Coat, were recorded live at the Enterprise club in London in 1986. The disc's last two songs, Ring the Far Bell and I Don't Know Why, were from the band's first demo recording circa 1985. In the end, the disc offers a history lesson about a band who somehow managed to blend chaotic pop, psychedelia, and punk into an inventive and influential career. ~ Stephen Cramer, Rovi

1		Inside
2		Blue Suit
3		Cut
4		Balloon Song
5		Train Song
6		Like a Dolphin
7		Lie to Choose
8		Come Get Me
9		Sure to See
10		Unhappy Days
11		Balloon Song
12		ShyLike You
13		Train Song
14		Cut
15		Miles Away
16		Spangle
17		Hay Fever
18		If I Said
19		Jumped in a Puddle
20		Gave You My Coat
21		Ring the Far Bell
22		I Don't Know Why