GENRE; Experimental
LABEL; Omnivore
RATING; 4/5
Completely Necessary is a fascinating and long‑overdue anthology from The Necessaries, a New York City band that existed briefly from 1978 to 1982 but left behind a remarkably vibrant and varied musical legacy. Released on January 23, 2026, this collection gathers 37 tracks, with 28 previously unissued recordings, offering both longtime listeners and newcomers a comprehensive portrait of the group’s evolution.
The Necessaries emerged from the downtown New York scene at a time when punk was splintering into new wave, post‑punk, and art‑rock. Featuring notable members like Ernie Brooks (Modern Lovers) and Peter Gordon (Love of Life Orchestra), and most famously Arthur Russell, the band never fit neatly into a single genre — something they later described as a deliberate refusal to be pigeonholed.
Musically, Completely Necessary is an exciting mix of post‑punk energy, clean power‑pop hooks, and avant‑garde experimentation. Tracks like the jangly, urgent opener “Rage” and the melodic “More Real” showcase tight songwriting with catchy guitar work, while songs such as “Sahara” reveal adventurous instrumental textures.
While some songs lean into familiar styles reminiscent of late ’70s rock and new wave, others feel surprisingly forward‑looking — at times foreshadowing indie rock developments that wouldn’t arrive until years later. Even less polished tracks contribute to the anthology’s charm, giving a sense of a band constantly experimenting and redefining their sound.
Overall, Completely Necessary doesn’t just archive a forgotten band — it reframes The Necessaries as innovators whose restless creativity deserves rediscovery. Whether you’re drawn to punk’s raw edge, pop’s melodic pleasures, or post‑punk’s adventurous spirit, this anthology offers something rewarding.
