5 comments about Crossroads.

1. TYPICAL 1980'S CD BOXSET.
   
   This was your typical 1980's boxset, when CD technology was first emerging. It contains about 60% previously released material, and 40% unreleased material (many of which should have never been released). Personally, I was not a fan of these releases, but I bought them anyway because the CD selections at the time were very limited.
   
   Since this is an 1980's boxset, the sound quality is poor. Well, it isn't horrible, but it isn't very good. The sound is a little flat and muffled. It certainly, is not very good by today's CD standards.
   
   The sound quality on most CD's 1980's CD's was not very good. Sure they sounded better than cassette tapes (which were the most popular media of the time), but they did not come close to the sound of a good quality LP. It is why there were so many vinyl snobs at the time. But then, the CD's didn't have the pops and noise that even brand new LP's could have.
   
   It should be noted that many of the CD's from the 1980's, into the early 1990's are now being remastered for better sound. This boxset could really use it, but I doubt it will happen. Again, the sound quality is not horrible. If you were going to just load this into iTunes and play it on your iPod, it is probably acceptable. However, it you want a true retrospect of an artist's career, it deserves better sound quality.
   
   Since this CD was released in the 1980's the time of each disc is close to 74 minutes, without going over 74 minutes. (At this time, the maximum length of a CD was 74 minutes...I'll explain below).
   
   As you can see from reading the song titles, this set contains a sampling of Claptons work from the 1960's to the mid 1980's when the boxset was released. Most things are covered here, except Clapton's adventures as a guest musician on many other people's albums.
   
   Of note is about 3/4 of an album that would have been the second Derek and the Dominoes studio album. And that probably almost makes buying this boxset worthwhile.
   
   In the 1980's this boxset was an interesting buy. But, now, you can get the whole Clapton catalog on remastered CD's with much better sound. You can buy the things you like and forgo the other stuff. If you want a Clapton boxset, I would suggest getting Crossroads 2 instead.
   
   Why were CD's only 74 minutes and they are now 80 minutes long? The real time of a CD is 74 minutes. But, there is a manufacturing tolerance to the bit size and sampling speed. So, to get 80 minutes out of a CD, manufacturers just use the upper end of the spec limit.



2. It's a sad actuality that neither Eric Clapton, nor one of the many bands he was in, ever generated a "Sgt. Pepper" album. Why is this? Probably due to the fact that Clapton moved from one band, on to the next, and on to the next, etc. I think his best shot for a big album would have been with CREAM but, egos being what they were, this super-band unfortunately didn't last all that long.
   
   So here's what we're left with, "Crossroads" is a superb Eric Clapton compendium album, a body of work completed in this great guitarist's lifetime... with a little help from his friends. This album is the one you want if you plan to own only a single Clapton CD -- it pretty much contains every ACTUAL hit he ever had. Yes, some will say that this one or that one was a big hit (mostly guitarists will say this), but I'm talking about what was popular and played a lot on the radio during The Great Days, and some since that time.
   
   Here's MY list, all of which are on this CD set: For Your Love, (Yardbirds); I Feel Free, Sunshine of Your Love, White Room, (Cream); Layla (Derek and the Dominoes); After Midnight, Let it Rain, I Shot the Sheriff, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Lay Down Sally, Wonderful Tonight, Cocaine (Eric Clapton). These were SUPER-hits. Yes, I'm aware that the very name of this album is "Crossroads" -- but that song simply never caught on. When it came out, it fell into quick obscurity with the D.J.s across the country.
   
   Sadly, Blind Faith held incredible potential but pretty much only produced really impressive studio jams -- they were a bit aimless. And Clapton's period with John Mayall produced nothing notable. There were some other brief bands but I've covered the important ones.
   
   As far as I can tell, the NEW "Complete Clapton" CD release (being heavily marketed now) apparently bypasses Clapton's time with The Yardbirds -- if that's the case, they should have called it "INcomplete Clapton" because if it's missing "For Your Love," then it's a beautifully packaged ripoff!!!
   
   Complete Clapton
   
   So, what I'm telling you is that there are a ZILLION Eric Clapton compendium CDs on the market, under his name and sometimes under various band names. For some reason (probably copyright limitations), most of these omnibus albums each contain a few hits and are otherwise glutted with Clapton boogie-jam leftovers. These (often bootlegged CDs) typically proclaim 'The Best of Clapton'... not so. Honestly, they could have scaled the "Crossroads" CD down to the Big 12 and it would have been fine with me.
   
   I've given you the BIG hits and they're all on this CD. I've been a guitar player since Clapton first got rolling so I've been heavily influenced by his brilliant artistry -- I'm just a little sad that The Big One never happened for him, given the large number of hits he's generated, with one band or another.



3. Great album. My boyfriend loved it as a birthday gift. Haha, he plays it all the time now. :)



4. This is an excellent boxed set to get, especially if you can find at a reasonable price.
   
   However Clapton has done such a lot of good stuff since 1988, that it now represents only about half his career. So theres nothing from Unplugged, From The Cradle, 24 Nights, Me and Mr Johnson, Riding With The King etc etc. Its also worth baring in mind that Claptons 80's stuff was frequently over-produced and his choice of material was veto'd (the album August being a good example) by the record company. If in doubt have a listen to the samples on disc 4.
   
   That said its still a great collection:
   The Yardbirds, John Mayalls Blues Breakers, Cream, unreleased Cream at the BBC, unreleased Derek and the Dominos, previously unreleased live solo recordings. This gives you 73 tracks on 4 cd's. The unreleased Derek and the Dominos stuff is superb. Apparently not only is it unreleased its also unfinished. Well I'll tell you if thats how unfinished sounds, there are a lot of record companies out there who have no idea how to produce records, because these tracks sound fantastic.
   
   The box is LP size (thats 30cm square for the younger generation) and the booklet that comes with the box is informative and well written. The artwork for the cover is by Ronnie Wood.



5. Although this set doesn't go past 1988 (the year it was released),"Crossroads" includes some of Clapton's best material with the various bands he was a member of (The Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos) and solo. While some of these previously unreleased and rare tracks have since shown up on some other reissues, this is the only place (to date) to find early versions of "Tell the Truth", "Roll It Over" (both produced by Phil Spector and one track featuring George Harrison & Dave Mason on guitar. These were produced during the "All Things Must Pass" sessions)and the tracks from the unfinished second Dominos album.
   
   The sound quality on this set is quite good. The masters aren't as compressed (if at all) compared to the reissues of Clapton's back catalog. As a result the CD doesn't sound quite as "loud" (much of that volume on the remasters is due to the dynamic range being squashed and the masters EQ'd taking much of the musical "punch" out of the music) as the Clapton remasters. Detail is very good on most of these tracks and although with some restoration on the Yardbirds tracks at the beginning because of the fragile nature of the masters they were pulled from. Overall, Bill Levenson and his team did a terrific job here.
   
   This is a terrific set with a nice mix of live material, songs that Clapton performed on ("Comin' Home") and recorded as a solo artist. While his guitar didn't blaze quite as hard on the studio recordings for many ofhis solo recordings, this was a phase in Clapton's development where he was developing and focusing on his singing as much (if not more)than focusing on his guitar playing. That's not to say that he doesn't play well, it just sounds different than his hot, crazed playing for Cream and the tortured blues solos as a member of Derek and the Dominos.
   
   The booklet has notes by Rolling Stone writer Anthony DeCurtis (interesting note--Clapton was so devasted by a critical Rolling Stone article about Cream that it helped convince him to break up the band. The article was completely out of line but managed to push Clapton into something that would have happened eventually given the volatile nature of the egos in Cream). Although this remaster is nearly 20 years old, it still sounds extremely good. Unlike many remasters, this was remastered pretty flat without all the compression and goosing that many remasters feature that make things louder but worsen the sound quality.

5 comments about Oh, By the Way.

1. Oh, By the Way
   I bought this Pink Floyd Oh By The Way set for around $173 from Amazon, in July of 2008. I have no problems with the set, as was mentioned in other reviews. The labeling for Ummagumma and The Wall are OK. All inserts are included. I did not know about the Japanese mini-sleeves released in 2001 before I made this purchase. Who knows whether those will ever be released again or how much they might cost? I notice in some photos that the box is blue-colored. Mine is brown. Was there a North American set and a UK version? Is this an Import? Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase.



2. What is on this band's mind? I was looking forward this season to a 40th anniversary of Saucerful in both mono and stereo with some outtakes and the rest of the singles, Point Me, It Would Be Nice, etc, Careful and Julia in mono, how 'bout it? But Noooooooooooo...Hey a great seasonal buy: Jethro Tull Living in the Past original replica and re-mastered both for the first time ever and This Was w/BBC and mono mixes. See guys?



3. Among the known mistakes listed, the label misprint of Ummagumma and the misprint of The Wall 2nd sleeve, my box also don't have the Wish you Were Here postcard. I have contacted EMI asking an solution.
   
   Too many mistakes in a EMI/PF product. The rest is in good state. Also missing an CD with extras and Relics replica. A book with career pictures should be nice too.
   
   Some remasters are not so good, like AMLOR.



4. before you buy this you should have a look at the store or somewhere.
   I expected it in higher quality. the quality is not as good and nice as the Shine on Box



5. Why even bother with this box set, especially for $170-plus? Oh yeah, two coasters. In 20 years, it might be worth $250 to collectors in a sealed state. Stick with the remastered releases and save your money. If you are looking for collector-quality Pink Floyd releases, then go after the Mobile Fidelity releases of AHM, DSOM, Meddle, and The Wall. Heck, even Japanese vinyl releases are more worthwhile than this tripe of a boxset. This here is a rip-off.

5 comments about Led Zeppelin.

1. my husband was very satified with this product and it made the perfect father's day gift.



2. This is a very good collection of Led Zeppelin tunes, and the remastering by Jimmy Page highlights the guitars (surprise surprise). An outstanding collection for those who don't want or need the full albums. But beware, Atlantic Records is releasing a new compilation, "Mothership" in November 2007. Overall, this set is much more comprehensive with its four CDs than Mothership's two CDs. Mothership will also be available in an edition with a bonus DVD, but according to news reports that will also just be recycled material from the earlier issued Led Zeppelin DVD. This set, along with the full DVD, is probably better, because you get more Zep. But very casual fans may find "Mothership" adequate.



3. Let me make clear at the outset that this review is NOT intended to be critical of Led Zeppelin as a musical group, and hopefully avoid some terrible comments and negative feedback. I like Led Zeppelin. I have every song they ever recorded. Wonderful band. Unfortunately, no matter how great of a band they are, that can't save this boxed set from being truly awful.
   
   Honestly, I can't begin to understand the inspiration behind this collection. It's four discs of music containing almost - but not quite - everything the band ever recorded, including some off-album tracks that can be harder to get. Certainly, this set collects the majority of the desirable Led Zeppelin tracks, but unfortunately, it also collects a large amount of other detritus that will only be of interest to the dedicated fan and will most likely be skipped over by the casual listener. I don't know what the audience of this boxed set is supposed to be, but the odds are you aren't it.
   
   Aside from being a somewhat scrambled set, this box carefully avoids collecting all of the tracks from even one of Led Zeppelin's original studio albums, no doubt in a ploy to force listeners to purchase another CD or 10. The completist will be dissatisfied with the fact that there are gaping holes in this collection, while the casual fan or an individual just looking for radio hits, in addition to finding a couple of notables missing, will find much, much more material here than he could ever want. For a short while, the Led Zeppelin Boxed Set Volume 2 2-CD set served to complete the box and turn it into a complete collection of studio recordings, but that box has long since gone out of production, forcing anybody who finds that they like the majority of the music on these 4 discs to either lay out for the 10-CD boxed set or buy the CDs individually, and in both cases utterly invalidates their purchase of this set.
   
   I can't recommend this set to anybody. Led Zeppelin is a terrific band - II, IV, Houses of the Holy, and still more are all classic rock recordings - but this boxed set has an audience of exactly nobody. For dedicated fans, I recommend that you go out and get the 10-CD complete recording set, and for casual fans, I would recommend one of the many other 1 and 2 CD greatest hits compilations, or just going straight to the original recordings to get a taste of what the group is all about. This box, however, will ultimately satisfy nobody.



4. I bought both Vol.1&2 Box sets and I really regret doing that, the songs are in no particular order and growing up hearing Zep songs your used to certain songs running together such as "Heartbreaker" into "Living loving maid" or "you shook me" into "dazed and confused" you get none of that classic line up on here. Led Zeppelin were an ALBUM band and their Classic music should be listened to as they intended it to be heard, one album at a time. I plan in the future to buy all of the individual albums.
   I highly recommend anyone else to go that direction also.



5. The order arrived 5 days late, and my emails to inquire about it went unanswered. So when it did arrive, I was a little upset. The packaging of this collection is exactly like that of an old LP collection, and I immediately thought "Oh great, they sent the wrong media!". But it turned out to be right. There are some minor flaws with the CDs (this is not their fault either) in that they play correctly, but iTunes could not convert 3 songs on 2 different discs. To get around the problem, I had to use another program to rip the songs to hard disk, then import them.

5 comments about The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

1. The first song Purple Haze was the same arrangement Jimi Hendrix did when I saw him in 1967. What an incredible compilation. Exceptional for any Jimi Hendrix collector!



2. I bought this boxed set after my old Hendrix CD's mysteriously disappeared. I thought the set would replace the classic albums, but every track is an alternate version. With the exception of a "Star Spangled Banner" (which bears NO resemblence to the awesome Woodstock version) the cuts make acceptable -- and occasionally superior -- substitutes for the classic Hendrix hits.



3. This is a must have it you like Jimi Hendrix. This set includes studio songs and several unreleased live songs, which I have never heard before. Included is a 79 page book loaded with pictures and information on the band. This is one of the best CD sets that I have ever purchased and added to my collection. Enjoy.



4. este es un gran ejemplo de como realizar un box set..... excelente compilacion, temas ineditos, booklet grandioso, sonido atronador, y encima estamos hablando de un conjunto de composiciones maravillosas, que aun pueden elevarnos muy por encima de la alarmante mediocridad a la que nuestros oidos se estan acostumbrando hoy en dia....si no tenes nada de jimi, COMPRALO..si tenes algo, COMPRALO.. si tenes todo..COMPRALO IGUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. you are a timeless legend jimi!!! you are the god of the electric guitar!!! and furthermore you will always rock!!!

5 comments about Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968.

1. Plenty of great songs. Some I've never heard before. A few I don't want to hear again! Well worth the investment!



2. The Sonics, The Standells, The 13th Floor Elevators, etc... -Long before the modern "The" garage rock revival (think White Stripes, Black Keys, Strokes, Hives, & their ilk), these bands rocked rowdy American youths. This collection is essential! The companion booklet was a fascinating read. I know proudly claim The Choir, The Outsiders, & The Human Beinz as fellow Buckeye staters. Think of it as the beginning of a long, strange archeological dig. Hear The Premiers' "Farmer John" today & find yourself searching out the out-of-print 45rpm tomorrow. $40 for (4) discs? Yes, please!



3. This box set is a must for 60's garage rockers. The sections represent the era well. They are also the original recordings. a delight to have in a collection of garage rock.



4. There have been many classic albums that I would have loved to have listened to on their release but was too young: Led Zeppelin iv, Sgt Pepper, Dark Side of the Moon (you get the idea). However, I can imagine what that may have been like when I took a punt on this box set after seeing a great review in a British music magazine. Having not really heard music from this genre/era before it was an absolute revelation to me and took me to a new level in my appreciation of rock and pop. As a teenager in the late 70s in Britain I grew up with the punk ethos of the Pistols, Clash, Damned, Buzzcocks, X-Ray Spex etc... and found a similar vibe in the music on this box set. As with the other Nuggets compliations you get a real impression that this has been lovingly and painstakingly put together by people who really know the music. So as you can guess I cannot recommend this too highly. If you don't know this stuff you're in for a treat, it'll be a thoroughly welcome addition both to your collection and your musical knowledge.



5. I first heard this collection on vynl in the early 80's and when I wanted to once again hear and now own it, I was so happy to find it on Amazon and for such a great price. The CD's the shipping everything was and is excellant

5 comments about Troubadour: The Definitive Collection 1964-1976.

1. TROUBADOUR: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION 1964-1976 contains the absolute cream of Donovan's crop of folk-turned-psychedelic folk-rock style, quickly moving from his early days as the British Dylan to a more psychedelic sound that was perfect for the flower-power era. The folk years are only represented by four or five songs, as Donovan quickly moves into more hippie-oriented turf. Even though I've never even tried any drugs not ordered by a physician, I must say that these songs are great whether your stoned or clear-headed. The fact that Donovan, like so many other post-1964 rock artists, opposes Indonesia's trumped-up 2005 drug-smuggling conviction of a young Australian tourist makes TROUBADOUR: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION 1964-1976 an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.



2. There are a few songs I have on vinyl that are worth using to make this a three CD set, but this'll do.



3. No doubt about it, this is a good set.Fantastic for the price but for one downfall. The majority of the songs are reproduced in mono not stereo.
   I personally feel that this is a definite problem. Donavon's music is deserving of better treatment than this.
   The most off putting thing about it, is that this information is not made known, I was unable to find any mention of it in the product description.
   Needless to say I was very disappointed when I received my copy and played it.
   Perhaps for those of us that want a better version there will be one available in the future. In the meantime I will keep the CD (I did consider returning it)and make the best of it.



4. Donovan was and always will be among the top 5 favorites of mine. I am very selective with music and I agree with many reviews here that Donovan deserves the highest respect as a song writer, singer and artist. (True humans often get dismissed in the jungle of crazy ideologies).
   I was searching for his 'Happiness Runs' song and ended up downloading 2 CD's and some...Here I am, staying up all night listening and remembering our fragile humanity with this great Soul's sensitive, brilliant yet simple melodies. Blessings to you, Donovan!



5. I was so disappointed in this CD. Only a few of my most loved songs are on it. It was a gift. I was just dying to hear it. The songs I am not familar with I disliked, I am sorry to say. I guess this old hippie is too old to know how much he changed since the 60's. If I was to pick a gift over again, I would buy his first two albums. Sorry that I do not have more information. I only listened to it once because I thought it was cheaply done and thrown together. Truthfully, I couldn't bare to listen to it again unless I edited out most of the songs.

5 comments about Playback.

1. all of tom pettys good songs are found in this collection, although they are spread out on the different discs. the first thing i did was rip them all and make two discs with songs i like. but yes i would say this set is definately worth the money even though i got a deal by buying it from one of amazons merchants.



2. GREAT BUY IF YOU LIKE TOM PETTY. NICE HEARING NEW STUFF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD A MILLION TIMES. 5 STARS IN MY BOOK.



3. Playback contains all the classics which made Petty and the Heartbreakers famous, as well as the lesser known songs. A sure bet to please even the most discriminating Tom Petty Fan.



4. I bought this after reading "Conversations With Tom Petty". I really like TP & the HBs and have every album/CD, so it's no surprise that I quite enjoy this set too. Fun hearing different takes on songs I know and hearing new material as well. Perfect for the TP fan-



5. Let me start out by saying Tom Petty is a national treasure when it comes to music in general and rock and roll in particular. The man has consistently written and recorded great songs for more than 30 years, both solo and with the Heartbreakers. The Heartbreakers are simply one of the finest rock and roll bands ever; Petty and crew don't receive the credit they deserve for whatever reason. It's seems since he's so consistent that people take him for granted, which is a shame. Even his latest, Highway Companion, holds some wonderful music. This box set holds a whole lot.
   
   You can't beat this box set for the cost. It covers Petty and the Heartbreakers career from 73-93 and it includes almost all the hits, a great selection of album cuts, and many songs that were never released for one reason or another. The most glaring omission I found was "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." It's here in demo form, but not the hit version with Stevie Nicks.
   
   As with all box set, you can complain about what track was left off, but there's so much great music here that you can't find anywhere else. Disc Six "Nobody's Children" is a treasure-trove of unreleased songs. I was skeptical about this set because it's six discs, with three of them rare or unreleased material, but the unreleased material stands up to what came out.
   
   You'll find Petty's version of "Ways to be Wicked," which Lone Justice recorded. The version here rocks! The set has several gems from the "Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)" period, and, just as much of that album, rocks harder than much of the Petty's other material. Some other gems include "You Get me High," "Turning Point," and "Keeping me Alive," both of which were left off the Long After Dark album. Also, there is a fantastic accoustic version of "King's Highway" that you can't find anywhere else. It's such a beautiful song, and this version really highlights the lyrics. It rips the version on Into the Great Wide Open to shreds.
   
   If you're trying to figure out if you like Petty and the Heartbreakers, then obviously a greatest hits is the way to go. If you like it, then grab this because it sums up his early career a lot cheaper than buying all the discs. If you are a fan and don't own this, then get it! You won't regret it because it has too much good music to ignore.

5 comments about Good Vibrations: Thirty Years of the Beach Boys.

1. For a contemporary comparison try Nick Worrall's debut album, it has been compared to the classic 'Friends' album and is FREE to download.



2. I haven't even listen to all of the CDs, but what I have heard brings back great memories of what I couldn't find anywhere else on CD. It's a great collection of work along with behind the scenes studio recordings. Recommended for any Beach Boys casual or die hard fan.



3. I purchased this 5 CD set for my husband as a Father's Day gift. He's enjoyed listening to it. It's a excellent CD and includes the many Beach Boy hits and extra material never released. Extremely great value for the money and I encourage any Beach Boy fans to make it a purchase.



4. This box set covers the first thirty years of the Beach Boys. Of course, much more space is devoted to the group's early glory days than to the uneven later years. The first four discs cover the high points of the band's career, featuring their most popular songs with a few rarities thrown into the mix. Disc 5 is all rarities, with backing tracks without vocals and such, which will appeal to serious Beach Boys fans but may be of little interest to the casual listener. As a big fan of the Beach Boys, I liked all of it.



5. I got these for a friend who is a beachboy fan. He loves them. It has a great information packet and has all the original songs including demo songs that were never released.

5 comments about US Singles Collection Box.

1. how many times can the same material be re-packaged and sold? any beach boys fan has all of the material here, most likely several times over. the packaging is way cool but contains, once again, the same old tunes. please, give it up already. ENOUGH!!!!!



2. The merits of this set as laid out in strictly musical terms already have been discussed. This is essential pop music and would be an awesome addition to any collection. Beautiful package, cool book and the sounds . . . well, let's just say that they are as fresh and innovative today as they were way back when.
   
   For many of us, however, this set is much more than the temporal sounds that emanate from the tiny, round aluminum circles contained herein. Within this box is the sound of a different America and a different world; a sound from a time that saw everything as a possibility, and the future as some sure-to-be-terrific adventure. The Beach Boys represent this time, this America, maybe better than any band in the history of popular music. With 40-odd years of hindsight, however, we now see how much both America and the Beach Boys have changed - and lost. Never a band to hide its (sad) emotions, the poignancy this reverse view of time elicits is staggering when you hear the music literally jump out of this box and into your ears. Packaged as updated 45 singles, the set further removes the listener to a more innocent time; a time before albums were 40-minute statements and taken as whole works of art. Once upon a time the Song was the Thing, and the Beach Boys ruled that very magical universe.
   
   The Beach Boys traveled many diffcult roads during the years that followed their heydey as chronicled in this collection. Brian went nuts. Dennis lost the fight of his life, succumbing to the evils of excess. Carl lost to an even more insidious enemy, as cancer removed his angelic voice from this world and carried it to its most logical venue. Thankfully, then, we have this music to remind us just how talent, heart, desire and true love of craft can translate into the finest canon of popular music ever committed to tape. I say this with no apologies to the Beatles, the Stones - or anyone else.
   
   So, the Beach Boys (despite both Mike Love's & Al Jardine's most pathetic attempts) are no more. And neither is America - at least not the one we once knew, or the one we once dreamed of. Buy this box, load your multi-disc tray and shut your eyes, however, and you are quickly transferred - if only temporarily - to a time when for both the Beach Boys and America, anything was possible.
   
   Presumably - and hopefully - there will be a second collection of Beach Boys singles, none of which will be as celebrated as the songs contained in this set. Nevertheless, some great songs followed, and many of them had very little to do with the Genius of Brian Wilson. When/if that set appears, we can then discuss its merits as the soundtrack to the Downfall of America, the End of Innocence and the withering-on-the-vine of America's most important and influential band.



3. For a contemporary comparison try Nick Worrall's debut album, it has been compared to the classic 'Friends' album and is FREE to download.



4. It's absolutely disgraceful how Capitol treats its Beach Boys fans regarding the release of their stereo mixes. Every few years we have to purchase yet another redundant collection of songs just to get a few new songs in stereo. Last year it was "The Warmth of the Sun" (You're So Good To Me, All Summer Long), in 2001 it was "Hawthorne,CA" (Heroes and Villains, Dance Dance Dance), in 1998 it was "Endless Harmony" (California Girls), in 1996 it was "Pet Sounds", and on and on. This latest collection is the most absurd yet: $132.98 for two new stereo mixes (When I Grow Up To Be A Man and She Knows Me Too Well). At this rate the stereo Good Vibrations will cost $10,000 in 2025!! There's no reason (other than greed) why they couldn't have included "I Get Around" and "Help Me Rhonda" in stereo here as well. Bootlegs of these recordings exist with just one or two overdubs missing. There are many good homemade stereo versions of Good Vibrations out there on the web. PLEASE, Capitol, release these recordings while we are all still alive to buy them!!



5. If you're a serious Beach Boys fan, then this Singles box set if for you. I've struggled a long time to assemble my own set of the mono Beach Boys singles and it's not easy. This set makes it all perfect. The original mono mixes for the singles (and one EP) and then bonus tracks of stereo mixes or other rarities. Plus reproductions of all the single picture sleeves. I do wish they had included The Beach Boys first single on the Candix label as a bonus disc. I can't wait for Volume 2 which should include Caroline No as released by Brian Wilson.
   
   Also I can only hope that this set is a template for a possible release of The Beatles' singles on Capital Records.

5 comments about Back to Mono (1958-1969).

1. Just like O.J. ...... The fact that Phil is now involved in a huge murder trial does not diminish what was accomplished years ago........a great box set from one of the most creative producers ever. You will recognize almost every track....Yeah , so maybe the guy is guilty (that's for a jury to decide)... it does not take away his accomplishments of the past . Just like O.J. and his football records



2. I was amazed to see this great box going for less than 20 bucks; no doubt because of Phil's present difficulties with the law. What a load of garbage! This is, was, and will forever remain great great music crafted by a bona fide genius producer. If some dumb record company (and we all know where their taste comes from) wants to prejudge Spector and lose money by "giving away" this box, that's OK by me!



3. Please....RE-MASTER THIS THING!! A great, great collection that would sound wonderful coming from an AM radio. As it is, reproduced through a decent sound system, it can be tough to listen to. The Phil Spector "Definitive Collection" has much better sound, but is much more incomplete. This'll have to do until Phil works out his legal problems....one way or another, I guess.
   
   It pretty much goes without saying, this is docked a star for not being re-mastered.



4. Spector made a few great records, but his "genius" is probably a little overstated.
   
   All his best work is here including the girl group classics by the Ronettes and the Crystals (which you probably won't find on other compilations as Spector is averse to licensing his work to third parties).
   
   One track every person must hear before they die is Ike and Tina Turner's "River Deep Mountain High".
   This song is so mind-blowingly overwhelming, it's astonishing the effect it has.
   People would never have heard anything like this at the time, hence the lack of sales/airplay, but now it's an obvious classic.
   Turn the volume to maximum!
   
   Overall, though it's not worth the list price of $74.
   Get it on special or secondhand. There aren't enough essential tracks to be worth the full price and the sound quality is less than superb.



5. This box set has been around for while and is a great bargain at $18.98, marked down from $75. Four discs of Spector-produced tracks, when he was at his peak, including the famous Christmas album. The Ronettes, The Crystals, Righteous Bros.and others in the Wall Of Sound which changed pop music forever. It comes in an LP-sized box with a large, nicely-done book of the lyrics. A must-have for any student of rock history or the nostalgia-seeker. The Christmas album alone is worth the price. This box set takes us back to a more innocent time when he was a teen millionaire and many would say, a musical genius.