Only Shallow is My Bloody Valentine‘s (MBV) sole single release from Loveless, unless you count earlier versions of some album tracks on predating EPs. Slightly baffling when considering the incredibly consistent, high quality of every song on Loveless. Perhaps it’s a magnanimous move, as no one should be discouraged from purchasing the entire album. Truly a band beyond reproach.

Still, the standard of B-sides ensure there are actually three tracks here. First is obviously the titular “Only Shallow,” which is also the opening to the band’s previously mentioned magnum opus, Loveless. Though unchanged from the final album version, it justifiably remains one of the band’s greatest and songs and perhaps their most popular. The roaring guitar chaos trades verses and style with Bilinda Butcher’s sensual, comforting vocals. Underneath it all lies a simple yet catchy guitar riff that keeps the track grounded in conventional structure despite its ambitious textures.

The second track, “Sugar,” is exclusive to this single, which is a shame because it stands among MBV’s better work. It’s not on the level of any Loveless song, but it’s a must-have for any fan. Bonus points for featuring a triangle instrument, often among music’s more-neglected noise-makers. Unassuming, light, and almost childlike. What else could be as sweet as sugar?

The final track, listed simply as “Instrumental,” is actually a re-release of the B-side of the band’s 7-inch single of the same name. Surprisingly, this instrumental samples Public Enemy’s “Security of the First World.” A shoegaze band sampling a hip hop group. You’d only see it here.

Other than that, the instrumental isn’t too interesting. When it was first released, it showed the band experimenting with the primary sound they would use on their first album, Isn’t Anything. Here, however, that era of the band’s sound has passed and the track sounds out of place. It’s easier to appreciate the track in chronological context with the original single’s A-side so you can get an interesting piece of the band’s experimental genealogy.

The brilliant title track and backup B-side “Sugar” make this single well-worth a spot in your collection. But while on that note, why not get the entirety of Loveless? You’d still get the title track of this single as well as many other amazing tracks of equal caliber. As said before, the instrumental is better heard in its entirety on the 7-inch single, so the only thing here you can’t get in a more convenient format is “Sugar.” Regardless, “Sugar” alone is worth getting this single, because with a band as genius and spare of material as My Bloody Valentine, you should take everything you can get.

Addendum: Following the release of 2012’s EP’s 1988-1991, “Sugar” and “Instrumental” are now more easily obtained. As it so happens, that compilation also contains the other half of the Instrumental single. The amount of incredible material on the collection comes highly recommended, even if its title has a goddamn apostrophe in “EPs.” I will compromise my morals just this once.