5 comments about Jóga.

1. 1. Joga(Howie B. Main Mix)-This track is a variation on the album version with very few minor differences (namely extra beats and a few new noises at the end). The beats are more "thumping" than on the album version, but the strings are retained so it sounds just as beautiful.
   2. Joga(String & Vocal Mix)-This is basically an orchestral version of the album track. very nice.
   3. Joga(Buzz Water Mix)-a toned down mix. Mostly vocals and some soothing keyboard and distant beats (which you can barely hear, sounds like when someone is wearing headphones and you can barely hear the beat of the song they're listening to). Further into the song, they put in a kind of annoying noise.
   4. All Is Full Of Love(Choice Mix)-This is the album version without the harpsichord. I bet the majority of people couldn't tell the difference though.
   5. Joga(Album Version)
   6. Sod Off-WONDERFUL non-album track with very powerful strings. This is Bjork putting her foot down.
   7. Immature (Bjork's Version)-a very stripped down version of the album track except with newly recorded vocals. Think acapella with piano. I actually like this version a lot.
   8. So Broken-another fantastic b-side. this one features acoustic guitars. nice.
   9. Joga(Alec Empire Mix)/10. Joga(Alec Empire Hardcore Mix/11. Joga(Alec Empire Hardcore Mix-all 3 of these sounded the same to me. It's basically just NOISE with scattered vocals. Ruines the song, totally useless.
   So aside from the last 3 tracks and the unecessary "all is full of love" version, this CD is worth getting, mostly for the B-sides



2. This contains ALL the remixes of jóga, and all the other songs from the three-part jóga single.
   The howie b. remixes are great, the buzzwater remix is beauteous, the string and vocal mix is gloriously stripped down to its orchestral roots...and the original is the strikingly beautiful song we know and love...and the Alec Empire remixes are...Noisily energetic and gorgeous:>
   The Choice mix of all is full of love, however, is unnecessary and without much discernable difference from the orignal at all. But besides all that, the extra songs, such as Björk's groovy, semi a-capella version of immature, the dramatic Sod Off, and the heartwrenching and beautiful So Broken, really aid in taking one on a glorious musical journey.
   This is a great release no Björk fan should be without.



3. This little CD is a mini gem that comprises all of the Joga singles into one EP, if you will. There are 2 great mixes of Joga one is done by Howie B., the other is the Buzz Water mix. They are minimalistic mixes and are a nice counterpoint to the menace at the end of the album. The B-sides are of mixed quality. Sod Off is excellent in parts, but is incredibly grating in others, the song is a puzzler. So Broken is a guitar driven song that has Bjork go way off the handle with the vocals, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Lastly, here comes Alec Empire. The hardcore master comes and offers his services; basically the songs are Alec going into a self-indulgent rage of hardcore beauty. If you started the song a minute in, there is no way you'd know it was a remix, but it doesn't matter. They're still pretty damn solid, and I like the way the vocals are worked into the remix. Overall, if you're willing to pay an admittedly steep price, you should get your money's worth.



4. This CD is a must for two reasons: 1) So Broken: One of Bjork's all-time greatest B-sides (and true fans will know what an honor that title is), with beautiful, soaring flamenco guitar in place of the usual sonic oddities under Bjork's always beautiful lyrics and vocals. 2) The Alec Empire Joga, the scariest, most engrossing, most unbelievably different Bjork reconstruction ever. Don't be thrown off by it, it's a dificult piece, but I promise you it's all there, just keep listening. To be perfectly honest, I've had this disc for some time, and couldn't even begin to tell you about many of the other tracks. Those tracks are so standout they eclipse everything else. Buy it buy it buy it.



5. This song is pure poetry-evocative of so many emotions. Highly recommend you see the video representation of this song as well. My favorite mix is the Buzz Water mix.

5 comments about Surrounded.

1. Bjork in 5.1, need I say more! Her beautiful music in all it's glory coming at you from 6 speakers. If you are new to Bjork this box set is a bargain. Rather than purchase her albums individually, you get them all here, re-mastered in 5.1 & DTS for a pretty good price. If you are already a fan, then you need this. Each album features the original sound in stereo on one side and the entire album again in DTS & 5.1 on the other. If that is not enough for you, each disc also includes the videos from each release (also in 5.1) and a very entertaining behind the scenes look at the making of `triumph of a heart." The music sounds fantastic and I think it's awesome that the art work and packaging of each disc has not changed. My only gripe with this set is that there is nothing to look at while the music (DVD side) is playing. Bjork's duel disc version of her latest release (Volta) displays various promo shots in a slideshow while each track plays. This would have been an awesome addition to an otherwise excellent collection.



2. Not since Kate Bush have I been so impressed with a singer/performer like Bjork. She brings passion and pure joy to everything she touches. This box set is a must (and it includes DVDs of her videos). But Bjork is best experienced live - get all of her DVD concerts! That is where she truly shines. I especially recommend the Royal Opera House DVD.



3. Esperé bastante tiempo para comprar este Set, pero el reciente concierto de BJORK aquí en Bogotá Colombia me movió a comprarlo de inmediato, ya antes tenía todos los cds y dvds antes, pero, voy a eplicar por qué este set realmente vale la pena.
   
   Vale la pena por que la musica de bjork tiene muchísimas dimensiones acusticas, y simplemente no has escuchado nada, si no lo escuchas en DTS 5,1. Imagina los compases iniciales de PAGAN POETRY, en los que aparecen como cascadas estos pequenos sonidos.... no en un recorrido de izq - derecha... sino pasando lentamente desde tu espalda a la izquierda, luego sintiendolo frente a ti y posteriormente su eco a tu derecha alejandose....
   
   simplemente increible, escuchas con muchisima claridad cada instrumento.. es mas.. compare el cd normal contra el DVD DTS y de lejos.. la claridad del sonido y su distribución espacial te permiten escuchar cosas que antes eran inperceptibles.
   
   Esta colección es mi regalo de navidad: para mi.. y creo que no saldre a vacaciones.. por que debo encontrarme otra vez con toda la obra de Bjork.
   
   Algo adicional, es que en esta edicion el audio de los videos (vienen todos los video clips de bjork hasta antes del joga) están mezclados en DTS 5.1
   
   Si no puedes escuchar la senal de DTS, recuerda comprar el cable de fibra optica para conectar tu reproductor al Home Teather, esa es la solución.



4. Okey, I've read so many negative reviews about this product I want to share my experience this this box-set.
   
   
   First off, the bad things:
   1. If you don't have a DTS/Surround 5.1 system you're not going to enjoy the experience of being "surroundede" by the music. These days those equipments are not so expensive and you can have one for 200 bucks or less.
   
   2. Is a must to have a DVD player of Stereo system capable of reading DualDiscs. In my house I can play the DVD-audio side on my DVD player but not the CD side (!). I also use my computer to hear music and it can read both sides. Just in case, I own an IntelCore iMac. I strongly recommend to TEST your own equipment with dualdiscs BEFORE you buy the box set. Lend a friend's dual disc. Try it on your stereo, your computer, your laptop until you are SURE that there's not gonna be any problem with this kind of problematic media.
   
   
   The GOOD things:
   1. The sound is KILLER! The DTS sound is rich and powerfull. I only have a CHEAP Sony 5.1 DTS system (3 frontal speakers, two side speakers, and a non-active subwoofer) Some problems with the sub side but the rest is crystal clear. My favorite album is Vespertine... the surround arrangments enhance the atmosphere of the songs (like in Cocoon or Heirloom) THhe channle separation is perfect to make your house rumble. crank the volume in Pluto and prepare to be slammed against your wall.
   
   2. Package is sweet: Hot copper stamping over a holding carboard case. The printed art is Bjork-ish and I really love it. You have all jewel cases arranged inside, protected from dust and humidity. Some guy mentioned the "special" Dual-Disc version. Well, that version is cool (rounded corners and a curved side) but is a big problem to put that thing on a CD shelf. Think about if before buying.
   
   3. You got all the Björk discograhy/videography (even the weird Drawing restraint soundtrack) in one box. Is not pricey of you are patient and wait (like me) to have a discount from Amazon. I purchased it for 80 bucks (plus shipping). Great deal, considering I live overseas and don't have free- shipping benefits.
   
   
   My final balance: To me this is a great oportunityt to get all the Björk's studio music and videos, nice packaged and with a fantastic 5.1 sound. Please, before you buy this set do some test on the equipment you own. In that way you won't be dissapointed once it's in your home and you can't play the (damn) discs. This is what I did and I'm now very happy to have the entire collection of one of the most versatile and original artists in the world.



5. So it is no question that Bjork is not your typical mainstream artist. She is unlike anything else. She has the voice, the mind, the need, and the power to create and design, beautiful art, whether it is musically, or visually.
   
   In Bjork's new (__Surrounded) you will find everything from the "Debut" in '93 until her latest "Medulla" in '04. Every record on the collection has been re-mastered on the DVD side. They each, except for Selmasongs and Drawing Restraint 9, include their accompanied videos. Those beautifully made videos that can only come from the master mind that Bjork is.
   
   It is no doubt that Bjork grows with time, and this collections shows it. The videos, the music, the arrangements, it all changes, into the world called Bjork. The collection is definitely worth the buy, worth the money and worth the try. Even if you are the biggest fan, or most importantly, have all the CD's, (__Surrounded) is the way to go.

1 comments about Sound + Vision.

1. This is the Canadian Box Set that is so rare and hard to find. Containing 49 songs from 1969 to 1980, there are great cuts, rare B-sides, live recordings, unreleased singles and previously unreleased material. The box itself is a 12" X 12" standard with a 3-D see-through cover and also contains a lengthy booklet with history, notes, and rare photographs. The fourth disc is a CD-ROM with a fun interactive version of "Ashes To Ashes" with a "make your own video" program for the song, "Black Tie White Noise".

   Disc 1 contains unreleased versions of, "Space Oddity (Demo)", "London Bye Ta-Ta", rare B-sides, "Wild Eye Boy From Freecloud", "Round & Round" and cuts from "The Man Who Sold The World", "Hunky Dory", "Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust", "Aladdin Sane" and "Ziggy Stardust: The Movie".

   Disc 2 contains unreleased versions of, "1984/Dodo", "After Today", "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City", cuts from "Pin-Ups", "Diamond Dogs", "David Live", "Young Americans" and "Station To Station".

   Disc 3 contains the German version of "Heroes" ("Helden"-worth the set alone) and cuts from "Low", "Heroes", "Live From Stage", "Lodger" and "Scary Monsters".

   The cuts are all some of Bowie's best and some never made it to single status. This is a really great find for fans and collectors.

5 comments about Singles Box, Vol. 4.

1. I must say, this is one of the best collections I've ever heard. There's enough here that you're not going to tire of it, and it contains songs from what many believe may be DM's best era.
   
   A few highlights...tough to pick just a few since there are so many goodies...I'll limit myself to 3:
   
   "Strangelove" mixed by Tim Simenon/Mark Saunders. Anyone else catch the riff from "People are People" in here? This is just one of the amazing mixes of the song.
   
   "A Question of Lust" live. It's not every day you hear Martin sing live, and this song is done perfectly here. I also like the way it ends, savvy DM fans will recall that the original on "Black Celebration" fades out.
   
   "Enjoy the Silence" Quad mix. This song compares with the "1812 Overture" in terms of being epic. Not only is it almost the same length, weighing in at over 15 minutes, it encompasses so many moods. I feel the best part is the orchestral--yes, orchestral--rendition of "ETS" in the middle of the song.
   
   You can't go wrong with this collection. Even if you aren't into DM, you're bound to find a few tracks you will fall in love with.



2. I couldn't be happier with this box set. It covers what I think is the begining of Depeche Mode's best period. There are a few remixes included here that I don't have on the original CD maxi-singles that I bought at the time of original release so I am thinking they might be from vinyl 12" releases or promo releases. The best thing about these mixes is that they don't stray too far from the original. Some may have slightly altered arrangements or tempos, but they aren't remixed beyond recognition, as so many modern mixes are. The vocals remain mostly intact, and the songs' original feeling and mood remains pretty much the same. Some would question the reason for purchasing such an expansive boxed set of singles when not that much variety is present in the mixes of the songs. For me, the biggest reward is often in the b-sides of the singles, and the live tracks. DM's b-sides are often as good as ( if not better than )their a-side counterpart, and this box set is a true treasure chest of undiscovered gems. One highlight is the Quad Mix of Enjoy the Silence, here presented in an almost suite-like manner, with seperate, completely different moods. It was previously only available in the US on 12" vinyl. Another is Dangerous, which is so good it should have at least been an album track. The vast quantity of great songs is a real testament to the abilities of Martin Gore, probably one of the most overlooked pop songwriters around . Overall not a bad price for half a dozen singles with well over 50 songs. An absolute must-have for a serious DM fan or collector.



3. Wonderdful continuation on the box sets of Depeche. the Only thing missing is the US 12" release of Behind the Wheel/Route 66 megamix!! Why is this track alwayd overlooked. it's far superior to the Shep Pettibone mix or the destroyed singlemix! This mix keeps the darkness of the original Lp version and combines it with the sinister cover of Route 66. other than this travesty, the box is complete from Depeche's shining years.



4. Una muy buena colección. el box set 4 trae muy buenos temas, además de traer unas remezclas espectaculares.
   No duden en comprarlo.



5. "Singles Box 4" is a box set that covers Depeche Mode's material from 1987 to early 1990. During this time, the Mode released six singles ("Strangelove," "Never Let Me Down Again," "Behind the Wheel," "Everything Counts," "Personal Jesus," and "Enjoy the Silence"), all of which are packaged here in their original artwork with all the b-sides and remixes as they were originally released. That means there are no unreleased cuts, no bootlegged remixes, or the like. Everything in this box set has been previously released. From 1987-90, Depeche Mode were establishing themselves as platinum superstars in America, where they released three albums: "Music for the Masses," the live disc "101," and the breakthrough smash "Violator." Highlights include the Phil Harding remix of "Strangelove," Shep Pettibone's slick remix of "Behind the Wheel," the house update of "Everything Counts," an excellent acoustic re-recording of "Personal Jesus," the should-have-been-a-single b-side "Dangerous," and a deep house re-working of the group's first American Top Ten hit "Enjoy the Silence" (the Bass Line). In terms of liner notes, there isn't much to report, though the CDs do come with a booklet that gives the complete tracklisting. No lyrics, no photos. On the plus side, it looks like these singles have been remastered, as I noticed some improvement in the sound quality. If you're a DM obsessive, then these singles are a must-own. Not only are they well-packaged, but they cover one of Depeche Mode's most exciting periods of their career.

2 comments about Race Against Time: The Clay Years.

1. Like the title says, unless you're a die hard GBH fan, this is pretty much all the GBH you need. The way I describe GBH to people is "chainsaw punk." Back in junior high I used to sit in class with my headphones and listen to GBH for 30 minutes straight. To me they sounded like chainsaws and after I'd take the headphones off, I could still hear the sawing in my head for a few minutes. Pure bliss for a 14 year old sitting in spanish class.



2. Simply an awesome collection of the raw, underproduced music that defined a slice of generation that helped guide what PUNK rock is all about. Not for Wankers!! Cheers to one of the GREAT ones!

1 comments about The Big Stiff Box Set.

1. Heart Of The City -Nick Lowe 1 of 25 1 of 4
   Between The Lines -Pink Fairies 2 of 25 1 of 4
   All Aboard -Roogalator 3 of 25 1 of 4
   Styrofoam -Tyla Gang 4 of 25 1 of 4
   Boogie On The Street -Lew Lewis & His Band 5 of 25 1 of 4
   New Rose -Damned 6 of 25 1 of 4
   Silver Shirt -Plummet Airlines 7 of 25 1 of 4
   White Line Fever -Motörhead 8 of 25 1 of 4
   Neat Neat Neat -Damned 9 of 25 1 of 4
   Less Than Zero -Elvis Costello 10 of 25 1 of 4
   (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction -Devo 11 of 25 1 of 4
   England's Glory -Max Wall 12 of 25 1 of 4
   One Chord Wonders -Adverts 13 of 25 1 of 4
   Marie Provost -Nick Lowe 14 of 25 1 of 4
   Whole Wide World -Wreckless Eric 15 of 25 1 of 4
   Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll -Ian Dury & the Blockheads 16 of 25 1 of 4
   Problem Child -Damned 17 of 25 1 of 4
   Suffice To Say -Yatch 18 of 25 1 of 4
   Police Car -Larry Wallis 19 of 25 1 of 4
   Let's Loot The Supermarket Again Like We Did Last Summer -Mick Farren & the Deviants 20 of 25 1 of 4
   Sweet Gene Vincent -Ian Dury & the Blockheads 21 of 25 1 of 4
   One Way Love -Damned 22 of 25 1 of 4
   Reconnez Cherie -Wreckless Eric 23 of 25 1 of 4
   Yankee Wheels -Jane Aire & the Belvederes 24 of 25 1 of 4
   Romeo & The Lonely Girl -Ernie Graham 25 of 25 1 of 4
   Solitary Confinement -Members 1 of 26 2 of 4
   Whoops A Daisy -Humphrey Ocean & the Hardy Annuals 2 of 26 2 of 4
   I've Got A Heart -Realists 3 of 26 2 of 4
   The Baby, She's On The Street -Jona Lewie 4 of 26 2 of 4
   I Think We're Alone Now -Lene Lovich 5 of 26 2 of 4
   Be Stiff -Devo 6 of 26 2 of 4
   Take The Cash (K.A.S.H.) -Wreckless Eric 7 of 26 2 of 4
   Old Rock 'n' Roller -Mickey Jupp 8 of 26 2 of 4
   B.A.B.Y. -Rachel Sweet 9 of 26 2 of 4
   Lucky Number -Lene Lovich 10 of 26 2 of 4
   Who Listens To The Radio? -The Sports 11 of 26 2 of 4
   Gimme Your Heart -Subs 12 of 26 2 of 4
   Frozen Years -Rumour 13 of 26 2 of 4
   I Go To Pieces -Rachel Sweet 14 of 26 2 of 4
   Say When -Lene Lovich 15 of 26 2 of 4
   One Step Beyond -Madness 16 of 26 2 of 4
   You Caught Me Out -Kirsty MacColl 17 of 26 2 of 4
   Out Of Luck -Pointed Sticks 18 of 26 2 of 4
   Lie To Me -Dirty Looks 19 of 26 2 of 4
   You'll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties -Jona Lewie 20 of 26 2 of 4
   Yesterday's Love -Any Trouble 21 of 26 2 of 4
   Butcher Baby -Plasmatics 22 of 26 2 of 4
   We Got The Beat -Go-Gos 23 of 26 2 of 4
   Drive Friendly -Motor Boys Motor 24 of 26 2 of 4
   Please Don't Bend -Desmond Dekker 25 of 26 2 of 4
   Buena -Joe King Carrasco & the Crowns 26 of 26 2 of 4
   Girls Are Always Right -Any Trouble 1 of 23 3 of 4
   Baby Come Back -Equators 2 of 23 3 of 4
   Thunderbird -Nigel Dixon 3 of 23 3 of 4
   Stop The Cavalry -Jona Lewie 4 of 23 3 of 4
   What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted -Colin Blunstone & Dave Stewart 5 of 23 3 of 4
   Swords Of A Thousand Men -Tenpole Tudor 6 of 23 3 of 4
   Going Left Right -Department S 7 of 23 3 of 4
   Do You Believe In The Westworld -Theatre Of Hate 8 of 23 3 of 4
   Wunderbar -Tenpole Tudor 9 of 23 3 of 4
   Pretend -Alvin Stardust 10 of 23 3 of 4
   It's My Party -Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin 11 of 23 3 of 4
   Loud Music In Cars -Billy Bremner 12 of 23 3 of 4
   Lost Platoon -Dancing Did 13 of 23 3 of 4
   Language Problems -Electric Guitars 14 of 23 3 of 4
   Danube -Bridget Novik & M 15 of 23 3 of 4
   Clapping Song -Belle Stars 16 of 23 3 of 4
   Who Likes Jazz -Via Vagabond 17 of 23 3 of 4
   Sign Of The Times -Belle Stars 18 of 23 3 of 4
   Breakaway -Tracey Ullman 19 of 23 3 of 4
   I Love You -Yello 20 of 23 3 of 4
   Hayrick Song -Eddie Tenpole Tudor 21 of 23 3 of 4
   Like Dust -Passion Puppets 22 of 23 3 of 4
   They Don't Know -Tracey Ullman 23 of 23 3 of 4
   Terry -Kirsty MacColl 1 of 24 4 of 4
   Pick Me Up -Inspirational Choir Of the Pentecostal First-Born Church Of the Living God 2 of 24 4 of 4
   Move Over Darling -Tracey Ullman 3 of 24 4 of 4
   Dark Streets Of London -Pogues 4 of 24 4 of 4
   A New England -Kirsty MacColl
   Pair Of Brown Eyes -Pogues
   Free Yourself -Untouchables
   Here Is My Number -Makin' Time
   I Spy (For The FBI) -Untouchables
   Dirty Old Town -Pogues
   The Wild Colonial Boy -Ruefrex
   Religious Persuasion -Andy White
   Only Love Can Break Your Heart -Mint Juleps
   Brilliant Mind -Furniture
   Don't Wait Up -Dr. Feelgood
   Killer Joe (Right Cross) -Tommy Chase
   Whenever I'm Gone -Prisoners
   Irish Rover -Pogues & Dubliners
   Dancin' All Night -Enemy
   What Is Woman -Eskimo Disco
   Barking Up The Right Tree -Producers
   Broken Houses -Tranzmitors
   That Sound -Any Trouble
   Wit And The Wisdom Of Ronald Reagan (Extract). -Ronald Reagan

1 comments about New York in the 1960's.

1. There is little to add to an appraisal of this compendium that Brian Duguid hadn't already said, in his glowing 2001 Wire review of the original three separate CDs included in this (actual wooden) box set. But here goes...
   
   Originality, as a concept, as an example, is borne out by precious few cultural artifacts. The aggressive experimentalism demonstrated by Cale and his peers is without precedent in rock and roll. It is no exaggeration to state that Cale, in these works assimilated and digested all the disparate sources of prior inspiration and influence--European symphonic tradition, serialism, Indian classical raga, American pop and blues, as well as Cageian modernism--and formulated them into stunning new realizations of what pop music could be.
   
   No one outside of this small enclave was making sounds like this, in any genre anywhere else, and no one would until years later. Certain distant echoes surface: Alan Watts's 1962 "This Is It" from California, long called the first psychedlic record, is intriguing but not terribly similar and lacking Cale's feral drive and epic sensibility. Obviously many others were active in experimental jazz and classical forms, but shut off by choice from the world of rock and roll, and cloistered away from pop culture entirely.
   
   These private recordings reflect an inner soundworld of such depth and richness they offer a completely new framework for hearing. One's approach to music is affected irrevocably. The notion of intense listening commences here--with Cale and the contributions of MacLise, Conrad, Jennings and others. After 45 years, the tapes of "Stainless Steel Gamelan" (a four-handed hammering/arpeggio of an electric guitar) or "Hot Scoria" (an enveloping, frenzied wash of sound) invite awe. The keyboard drones of "Sun Blindness Music" and "The Second Fortress" retain a mesmerizing quality of both the ancient past and distant future. Surely among Cale's best work.

5 comments about B-Sides & Rarities.

1. I don't really consider myself a diehard fan of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds but I do like a good deal of his work. I recently picked up a copy of B-SIDES & RARITIES from my library because I wanted to re-acquaint myself with his music (it has been a few years since I have listened to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds). It did not take me very long to remember why I like Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. I just love Nick Cave's deep baritone voice. I am often reminded of one of my favorite singers Voltaire. I enjoyed most of the songs on the album, like the beautiful cover of "What a Wonderful World" and a different version of "Where the Wild Roses Grow" (minus Kylie Minogue). There were a small handful of songs I wasn't too keen on but otherwise this anthology of rare and unheard tracks by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is a nice reminder to Nick Cave's talents as a singer/songwriter.



2. This is Nick Cave's very own favourite album by the Bad Seeds, and this also happens to be my favourite album of all time. I purchased these three discs for about 16 dollars, making it my first Nick Cave CD of purchase. I listened to it all, and it was just perfect.
   
   I've bought a lot more Nick Cave albums since then, in which he has turned out to be my number one favourite artist, but i always look back on this one as my ultimate favourite.
   
   The 3-disc compliation of b-sides and rarities are all good enough to be sprawled across his other albums, but at the same time im happy that this compliation was made. There is too many songs to highlight, but stand-outs included the bluesy jam of God's Hotel with great lyrics, the acoustic versions of Deanna, City Of Refuge, The Mercy Seat and Jack The Ripper, a great upbeat tune called Come Into My Sleep, a magnificent cover of Rainy Night In Soho, Sail Away, and so so SO many more.
   
   This album showed me how good music can get. I highly recommend you should buy it, right now.
   
   p.s although this is under a kids review, i'm not a kid



3. They may be called B Sides and Rarities but there is nothing sub par about these songs. And even plucked out of different eras and line-ups, they actually form a sort of cohesive, deranged, drunken blues and poetry whole.
   There are album offshoots, some unashamedly beautiful like Train Song, acoustic versions and jazzed up remixes of classics, like Red Right Hand, Deanna and Scum, there are cover songs and crazy jam session on a theme, both of which apply to Leonard Cohen's Tower of Song, plus live gems like God's Hotel - just listen to what the band does in the background!
   For old faithful, this is a treasure box, even if you thought you had it all. I had almost all of these on CD singles and such, but one was rendered inaccessible by technological progress- the track from the X Files soundtrack; it was hidden before the first song and impossible to play on computer CD players. And it's nice to have the whole collection handy on three CDs.
   For new fans this could actually be a great, offbeat introduction to the wonderful world of the Bad Seeds: dark humor and great songwriting, with a touch of inspired insanity, in one cool package. Just sample "The Ballad Of Robert Moore And Betty Coltrane", a three minute Quentin Tarantino movie rolled into a song, and you will be exploring Cave in no time.



4. Meestal zijn B-sides en rarities een collectie bijeengeraapte rommel die niet verkocht raakt van een artiest die 'fin-de-carriere' is... maar dit is zeker een uitzondering. Alleen al voor de compleet geflipte versie van O' Malley's bar is het zijn geld meer dan waard. The ballad of Robert Moore and Betty Coltrane had eigenlijk ook op Murder Ballads moeten staan...
   The Tower of song is beter dan de originele versie. Gewoon supergeslaagd!!



5. What I love the most about this 3 disk set is volume III.
   That disc alone is what made buying this worth it. To start it
   off, you have "My little empty boat". I fell in love with this
   song the first time I heard it. I wonder why he never put that
   on of his regular albums. It may be one of his best. The rest of the disc reflects a part of his life that is more personal.
   It's calm. I haven't liked his last albums that much, but when
   I heard this, I was like what the f---. Why was he waiting so
   long to put this stuff out. Volume III is mature. And I don't
   mean there is sex and violence in it. It's sophisticated.

5 comments about The Complete Studio Recordings.

1. Got this for my son for Christmas, and it got here on time, he loved it !!! Thanks



2. I saw the Doors with Jim twice live. No other group gives me such a visceral reaction as this band. I have every legal recording of the Doors music in duplicate. I also went to visit Jim's grave in Paris. I love the Doors.
   In my opinion, this is the definitive set to have. The remastering is vibrant and rejuvenates the music. The packaging (cd sized original lp jackets with original inner sleeves) has allowed me to store my old lps for safe keeping. Talk about "desert island records"... get a second copy "for the road".



3. I've been an admirer of The Doors' hit songs for as long as I can remember. Most of the songs are very catchy if you're not careful, particularly "Light My Fire". The vocals of Jim Morrison will always live on in the minds of Doors fans. I've always been impressed by some of the songs Morrison sang that sounded very touching since he lived in a world of drama during his short life. The last song he recorded with the band, "Riders of the Storm" ended with his voice fading away in the storm as if he was sadly saying good-bye. As I repeatedly listened to the end of that song, I realized right there he was on his way toward the world of immortality.



4. Contains all the Doors great albums, plus a rarities disc, whatever you could want in a Doors box is here!! Get the LIVE Box aswell!!



5. What's particularly noteworthy about this remixed box set is not only the much improved audio (for the best example of this, in my opinion, check out the intro to the remixed "Riders On The Storm") but the revelation of some of Morrison's previously censored lyrics.

   For example, in "Break On Through To The Other Side," instead of Morrison singing "She gets . . . she gets . . . she gets . . ." as in the original version I've heard a million times, he now sings "She gets HIGH, she gets HIGH, she gets HIGH," and the manner in which Morrison unexpectedly _screams_ "high" creates a strange new effect, so that the song really gains something through remixing.

   Also, in the digital remix of "The End," you can now _clearly_ hear Morrison's repeated use of the "F" word during the song's climax, just as you can hear it in the "Apocalypse Now" soundtrack; it's not buried under the music like on the original album.

   There seem to be three or four Doors "best of" CDs out there, but if you have to get one repackaged collection, this should be it!

5 comments about The Stiff Records Box Set.

1. Look over the list of artists on the CD, the ones you recognize - go out and buy all their CD's. While STIFF was great in the late 1970's as the conveyor of UK/Euro indie music - most of the best artists moved on - what's left is an interesting time capsule of that the last 70's and very early 80's. There is reason Humphrey Ocean & the Hardy Annuals or Mick Farren are forgotten. At the time, they were loud and brash and a nice antidote to the soft rock era of the 1970's but from that emerged Costello, Nick Lowe, and hundreds of artists you can name & remember ... and of course, leaving most of these guys & women behind ... so if you're a completist collector, you'll want these tracks but for listening beyond the names you recognize? Not so much. They are pretty much out-dated minor league stuff and the sound quality is not that great here so for a lot of reasons, you're better buying artist specific CD's or a more accessible collection of pre-new wave tracks that contain the "one-hit" wonder tracks anyway.



2. Disc 1 & 2 are the whole reason to buy this, with a few cuts from disc 3 thrown in as a bonus. Probably more economical to have your old 45 RPM versions converted to CD (and keep those goofy quips engraved in each record's blank space next to the label).



3. Stiff is one of those wacky labels that always seemed to sneak by just under the pop radar.

   I received this set as a gift a few years ago, and couldn't be happier about it. This collection is so full of unknown bits of whimsy and little-known cuts by more popular artist that it starts to become more of a treasure chest than a "best of."

   Ian Drury of "Sex and Drugs and Rock & Roll" fame appears as vocals on several other cuts including "Kitchen at Parties." This collection is full of simmilar fun little nuggets.

   So much of the "alternative" music scene that was largely contained by British borders seems to be archived here, and it's fun to tap into it. Americans (such as myself) who always thought that the band Madness was largely a one hit wonder will be surprised by the spastic "Baggy Trousers," a song I enjoyed so much I have purchased several Madness CDs since hearing it.

   While Elvis Costello originally got his start on Stiff, he has only one song here - probably a god thing, as we all have a good idea what he sounds like - leaving more room for the lesser known artists of Stiff.

   There is a charming wackiness to this collection and to the whole Stiff attitude. This is a great collection for exploring what the Brits were doing while we tollerated Dexy's Midnight Runners.

   Oh! Special bonus: There is a fabulous (FABULOUS) cut of Desmond Dekker's "Isrealites" on disc three. This along merits purchasing this set.




4. Strange...I remember trying to search for this boxed set earlier in the year and coming up with nil for my efforts. Then, after accidentally finding it in a New York record store and acquiring it right away, I find it on here. Must be my mind playing tricks on me.

   In any case, I'm not old enough to have lived through the era from which these songs sprung, but the appeal of the music easily traverses the generation gap. I haven't even yet explored all of this set and it's already been some of the most fun listening experiences I've had while listening to "older music": Elvis Costello, The Belle Stars, Nick Lowe, Kirsty MacColl...and personal favourite, spunky popster Rachel Sweet. Vivacious and highly entertaining. My only complaint is that the liner notes are somewhat flimsy. Though full of the kind of tongue-in-cheek humour that, apparently, Stiff Records was famous for, the result of the non-journalistic approach is that there's very little real information on the music, the history, the label, and the context, hidden by the cheeky writing and witticisms. I for one would've liked some more detached, professional journalism to inform me of the significance of this music such as in that Amplifier article I had read (which led me to look for this boxed set in the first place). So on the packaging front, much is left to be desired. But the music is uniquely appealing, a world of its own.




5. I was in my teens when this kind of music was played on the radio , I lived in ex Yugoslavia and I was reading a lot about the new wave and all those stuff i England. I loved those groups but I never actually had a chance to listen all those recors ( I Lived in ex Yugoslavia for Gud`s sake ) , now I lived in Sweden and have money to buy records but I am not 13 , 14 , 15 years old anymore and the music doesn`t mean EVERYTHING to me. This box remaind me what music can do with your life and how it is to be 17 again . By this one , no metter how old you are , this is history.