Outtakes albums - those collections of leftovers from earlier recording sessions, usually released to get product out while the band takes its time with the latest recordings. These are the ones that got away, so to speak, and are meant to be a collection of “gems” that otherwise would have never seen the light of day and would go unheard, collecting dust on the archive shelf.

Many of the outtakes albums that have been released should have stayed on the shelf, the songs being obviously second-rate, or the performances half-hearted, resulting in a disappointing album that generally leaves the listener angry and disgusted. On the other hand, there is the rare outtakes album that actually contains great songs, great performances, and lives up to the premise that the outtake album is a special look into the deep psyche of the musician or band that opens the door to a more radiant understanding of the artistry and soul of said musicians.

Landing resoundingly in the latter category is Yarn's new album, “Leftovers, Volume 1.” Without a doubt one of the most listenable outtakes collections I've ever heard, it really is a disservice to the record to label it as an outtakes album. As explained in the liner notes, these recordings were made during their first studio sessions in Brooklyn in 2006 and 2007. Over the course of the sessions, the band recorded more than 40 songs, obviously being forced in the end to choose a quarter of those for release at the time. But songwriter Blake Christiana's talent doesn't leave a lot of room for writing crappy songs, and “Leftovers, Volume 1” is testament to that. Fact is, there is not a bad tune on this album, and even some of the best outtakes albums can't boast that. Highlights include the opener, “Heartache For So Long,” the very sweet and tender “Honeybear,” and the raucous and outrageously funny “Let Me In,” a song that, sadly, due to FCC regulations, will never be heard on the radio.

With “Leftovers, Volume 1,” Yarn proves beyond a reasonable doubt that they are for real, a great band that writes great songs, and makes us wonder with gleeful anticipation what gems "Volume 2" will hold.

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