UMUR "26 Songs" is a compilation album release by US heavy rock/metal act the Melvins. The compilation was released through Ipecac Recordings in March 2003. The album features 25 tracks and a full playing time of 70:53 minutes. Tracks 1-10 are culled from the "10 Songs" EP from 1991, which was actually itself a compilation/re-release of the band´s 1986 pre-album 6 track EP. The 6 tracks from the latter mentioned release are tracks number 11-16 on "26 Songs" (the versions of the tracks are different, from the ones which appear on the "10 Songs" EP from 1991). Tracks number 17-19 are outtakes from the 1986 EP sessions. Tracks 20-24 are unreleased tracks and some demo versions of tracks which appear on the 1986 EP. Track number 25 titled "Ever Since My Accident" is taken from the various artists 1991 "Kill Rock Stars" compilation. So all tracks originally appeared on limited edition releases. While some tracks appear in 3 different versions on this compilation, all versions are different enough to be a worthwhile listen.

Stylistically this is unmistakably the sound of early Melvins. Raw, noisy, sludgy heavy rock played with great conviction and skill, and featuring a great organic groove. So it´s the fans of the first two Melvins albums that´ll enjoy this the most. The sound production varies a bit as the tracks are culled from different sessions, but all tracks are listenable and powerful sounding. The demo recordings are for example among some of the best sounding tracks on the compilation.

Upon conclusion "26 Songs" is a nice collection of early recordings by the Melvins, which will appeal primarily to fans of the early part of their career, but also more broadly to fans of raw, organic, and heavy rock/metal with a live "garage" atmosphere. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is deserved.