2 comments about This Is Space.

1. Main reason I'm giving this 4-CD box set release a five-star rating is because of the 'real $teal' asking price.Looks to be a re-pressing of the Cleopatra's earlier titles,'Space Daze' 2-CD,it's follow-up 'Space Daze 2000' and a bonus CD for disc four,which is a full length release by Klange(never heard of them),but they seem to be like 'dreamy ambient'.Not a bad find.No matter,on the first three CD's,you get key tunes and some 'deep album tracks' of the greats,like Kraftwerk, The Orb, Legendary Pink Dots, Delerium, Ozric Tentacles, Hawkwind, Tangerine Dream, Nik Turner, Future Sound Of London, Melting Euphoria, Dilate among many others. Over five solid hours of music here. Great to listen to on a Saturday night when you have nothing else going on.



2. Cheers to all who can appreciate this distinctly strange, anti-pop music. This is a superior compilation, each disc spanning well over 70 minutes, (is the bonus ambient CD still included?) and it connects one with so many roots which a casual listener as myself did not know to exist. The selections of self-proclaimed "ambient space-rock" range from clearly melodic rock (as with Roxy, Eno) to danceable electronica (DIN, Anubian Lights) to inaccessible dissonance from Aphex Twin. All is otherworldly, and it will transport the listener to a new, bizarre soundscape with every track. An outright steal now, but you'll probably end up buying some of the excerpted albums, which I suppose is the ploy of any compilation.

5 comments about Between Thought and Expression: The Lou Reed Anthology.

1. "Between Thought and Expression" is a good starting point or survey of Lou Reed's career while on the RCA and Arista labels, but much like the man himself it can be erratic and challenging and is far from a complete picture. Reed has made a career out of challenging people's perceptions of him as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician and if anything this box set will reaffirm that! Reed played an active role is the song selections and sequencing rather than having outside individuals tamper with how he is projected to the world; typically him isn't it? Many of Reed's most memorable tracks (I can't really call them hits; he never had that many) are all here and included are many other surprises including "Metal Machine Music" from the widely panned eponymous release. Along the way "Between Though..." shows Lou Reed's (dare I say) maturity as an artist and showcases his considerable songwriting talents. Daresay that "The Original Wrapper" is no "Sweet Jane" but then again Lou was, and is, all about challenging who you perceive him to be. Yes, there are tracks I'd like to have had included here and others I could do without, but this is good enough for a start. Prepare to be challenged!



2. Lou Reed's solo career is notoriously erratic, and for anyone looking for a good introduction or a good summary, this is your best choice. A three CD set over three hours long, it has almost everything going for it. Everything's been remastered by Bob Ludwig from the original sources (in many cases, much better than other currently available CD's), the extensive liner notes by Rob Bowman is very well-written, incorporating a great deal of input by Lou himself, and the track selection by Lou and Bowman is very good. Every studio Lp recorded from 1972 (Lou's self-titled solo debut) to 1986 (MISTRIAL, his final Lp with RCA) is covered as well as a handful of choice live cuts and rarities. Every important aspect is given equal representation, from tender confessionals ("Think It Over"), raging confessionals ("The Blue Mask," "The Last Shot") political anthems ("Voices Of Freedom"), avant-garde experiments ("The Bells"), and even expert pop ("My Friend George").

   This is almost everything you'd want from Lou Reed's RCA/Arista output (later Sire/WB albums like NEW YORK and MAGIC AND LOSS are worth owning), but it's not definitive. A few key tracks are missing, at very least, "Perfect Day" from TRANSFORMER, "I Wanna Be Black" from STREET HASSLE which Lou was hesitant to include, "Families" or "All Through The Night" from THE BELLS, a few more tracks from THE BLUE MASK and LEGENDARY HEARTS, and "I Love You Suzanne" from NEW SENSATIONS (his finest pop hit ever).

   It's a minor complaint, because TRANSFORMER is a popular album, THE BELLS is love-it-or-hate-it (some think it's one of his best, others think it's a career killer), and THE BLUE MASK, LEGENDARY HEARTS, and NEW SENSATIONS are three rock-solid albums, arguably Lou's best run, so anyone who misses those tracks will probably buy the albums.

   Normally I wouldn't recommend a three-CD box set as a first purchase, but in used condition, this set can be found CHEAP. Look around on ebay, or better yet here (as of this writing, there are THREE complete sets selling here for less than $10). Why pay $12 for one of Lou's subpar single disc collections, or a two-disc "NYC Man" when you can get this set for less? A nice introduction, after this set, check out THE BLUE MASK and NEW YORK, and if you still want more, check out TRANSFORMER, LEGENDARY HEARTS, and NEW SENSATIONS for Lou's more accessible side, and THE BELLS, BERLIN, and MAGIC AND LOSS for Lou's darker, somewhat more experimental side.




3. One could argue that Lou Reed peaked early in his career. His first band the vaunted Velvet Underground's influence re-wrote rock and roll's codes of values (at some level at least)in their short exsitance of 1966 through 1970. Their four studio albums have defined a style which still has impact today, some thirty years after they broke up. Though Lou's solo career never reached those daunting levels consistantly, this box shows that some of that early magic has continued well into the 80's.

   Reed's solo career has been filled with numerous peaks (THE BLUE MASK, BERLIN, TRANSFORMER), valleys (METAL MACHINE MUSIC, MISTRIAL, ROCK AND ROLL HEART) and a whole lot of in betweens. This collection contains the highlights from his good albums and rescues a number of great tracks from his lesser works, and has a generous helping of good, quality unreleased and rare tracks to boot.

   Any VU or Lou Reed fan would be well advised to check this out, especially if there are gaps in your collection. I'm sure that anyone would add and subtract certain selections, as I would, but overall this is of excellent quality.




4. Those still trying to ward off the 'Ecstasy' CD can put down their crucifix's and play a little reminder of when the old groaner could turn out the odd diverting ditty. His voice has been likened to the creaking door of Frankenstien's castle, and he can be self indulgent with it live, often irritatingly refusing to keep time. Here, the live cuts keep this under control. 'Berlin' needs to be heard as a whole and room could have been made there for a couple of other rarities. Overall, ain't got no complaints.



5. Lou Reed's recorded catalog is frustrating for the average music buyer. He has plenty of great songs that are buried onto mediocre or ill-conceived albums. Fortunately, "Between Thought and Expression" contains many of his best moments from before the release of 1989's "New York" album. The best part is that it contains six cuts from his best 1970s album "Berlin" and mercifully contains only a short snippet from the atrocious double disc "Metal Machine Music" album that nearly destroyed his career. His biggest hit single "Walk on the Wild Side" is here along with his smokin' extended live version of "Sweet Jane." The only truly regrettable exclusion is "Wild Child" which is one of his best songs. Overall, this is a fine anthology album from one of rock's most eccentric figures.

5 comments about Just Say Sire: The Sire Records Story.

1. I remember when Sire showed up and started signing up every group worth signing up in NYC in the '70's. They did the same in the U.K. And marched on to one-hit wonders worldwide. I, too, own nearly everything they produced from the late '76+. Some are on vinyl, others I replicated on cassettes, some are irreplaceable. I could quibble with what's left out. I view these box sets as portable greatness to take to parties, cruising in the car, on the boat, or anywhere where I can't grab ahold of the original. I invested so much in vinyl & cassettes I can't begin to replicate ALL of it anymore. I'm old and tired. I need something to remind me why I loved the music in the first place, that sends me back to the Closet of Death for my Lps and singles. Seymour Stein did the era proud. I wish more labels showed as much support for original music & let the Billboard Charts be damned! Sire was one of a kind. And if a Madonna (a long shot back in the day when she was a Danceteria regular) or Ramones or Talking Heads sold a few records, great! For each superstar, he signed cult faves like Radio Birdman and the Saints. Somebody had to. He did. Who's doing it today?



2. The "Just Say Yes" series, from 1987-1994 provides a better cross-section, and more rarities than this boxset. The series was an annual sampler of the label's artists. This is somewhat akin to a sampler of those samplers...



3. I have "Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box (Totally) [BOX SET]", pretty good but overpriced at $100.00; "No Thanks! The '70s Punk Rebellion [BOX SET]", previously my favorite box set (and a great book included as well); "Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the '80s Underground [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]", ho-hum; but this Sire set is the best. While it has a bit of early 90's alternative, it reaffirms that Sire was at the peak of attracting the best in the early and main punk years. And, they included great songs from these great groups that are not rehashes of other "pop" collections. Best value for your alternative $ in my opinion, it's the best I have spent yet. The book is pretty good too. But, go buy "No Thanks" if you still have some OTB on your credit card after you get this.



4. I only recently heard about the release of this box set, and it's long over due. EVERYONE from the 80's owned something from Sire, you couldn't avoid it. They were essential to Americans who didn't have ready access to the pricy imports. They signed The Smiths, Aztec Camera, The Undertones, The Cure, The Pretenders, Echo & The Bunnymen, etc.. My only wish now is that they release a box set of the Just Say Sire series, or how about a reissue of Return Of The Killer B's? Even Belle & Sebastian wrote a song about label founder Seymour Stein. Nuff said.



5. The Good
   To be fair, I only have a nineteen track sample to review this set with, but I do have the complete track listing. Sire Records broke more big names in multiple genres than you might think, and include some (I need to stress some) of their biggest hits on this set.
   
   You get Madonna's earliest cut "Everybody" plus her most controversial "Like A Prayer", The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Rock N Roll High School", The Pretenders "Back on the Chain Gang" and "Brass in Pocket", Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House" and "Once in a Lifetime", The Cult's "Fire Woman" and "She Sells Sanctuary", The Cure's "The Love Cats" and "Let's Go to Bed", and Depeche Mode's "People Are People" and "Enjoy the Silence".
   
   There's more, but you get the point. In addition to artists that went on to long and fruitful musical careers, this box set also includes those who went down in history as `one hit wonders', but still got a lot of mileage out of it either way; Soft Cell's "Tainted Love", M's "Pop Music", Barenaked Ladies "One Week", and Seal's "Crazy". Yeah, you can fight me on the Seal & Barenaked ladies, but you know I'm right.
   
   The Bad
   The majority of this box set focuses on more obscure, underground, or virtually unknown artists; Yaz, The Bluebells, Ofra Haza, Everything But the Girl, Telex, Plastic Bertrand, The Rezillos, The Normal, The Mighty Lemon Drops, Book of Love, Belly, The farm, Spacehog, Apex Twin, and there's a lot more. I'm sure some people know who these bands are, but I'm willing to bet you don't know all of them.
   
   The Verdict
   Let's face it, box sets are rather pricey. When you make the decision to buy one, you're going to expect to hear a lot of songs that you know and love. Just Say Sire is a great archive of what the record label has accomplished over their lifetime, but it's really only appealing to those that were a part of it. There is a decent selection of tracks that any music lover would recognize, but there are far more that they wouldn't.

No comments about Masters of Rock.

5 comments about Nights of the Iguana.

1. Whoa!Never even knew about this 4-CD box set release until I saw it in a local specialty shop.Apparently,Iggy's best work on the French label Revenge.But,didn't Revenge release several Stooges archive recordings?Either way,if you happen to be a major fan of the Igster,you should get plenty out of this box set,but DO keep in mind,there are four(4)complete gigs for your listening pleasure here.Was great to check out the 'Wild Animal 1976-77','Hippodrome-Paris 1977','Live At The Channel-Boston-1988' and 'Live At The Ritz-NYC 1986' shows once again.Good for anyone who has a lot of time on their hands.Well assembled box set.Makes it sound so exclusive,doesn't at times?'Box Set!!'



2. Ok,ok,ok....live albums can be a challenge,especially when non-bootlegs(of good quality) are few and far between.
   Here you have 4 examples(1 cd each) of concerts which well represent the more vital/raw music Iggy spewed forth during the 70's and 80,s.
   The songs represented are excellent.The sound quality really quite good on cd#1, cd#3, cd#4...with cd#2 being the most confrontational to the discerning ear (hey,just like Iggy!).
   Still, all things considered, this is the best place to go for one-stop shopping on live Iggy for as little as $26.00 plus s&h.



3. Ok Brute, get a clue..and don't enter your review twice to lower the rating. THIS IS IGGY LIVE, not the Culture Club, and the sound is RAW AND NASTY the way Iggy should be. What a great historical collection of his live career. And the book is beautifully done with text in French and English with great historical information about the Igster. Get it if you find it! Very great performances of some lesser found live tunes like the Passenger and Sixteen!



4. I don't understand the comments about the lousy sound? There are only 2 official label US releases of any Iggy Pop recordings I can think of: the "King Biscuit" cd which is the same concert as the '88 Channel Concert presented here and the "Live In NYC"
   which is the same show as the cd #3 "Ritz" Concert from 1986 included in this set. The sonic quality presented on this box set is much better than those 2 US releases. Disc #1 is also quite good. The only exception is disc #2 recorded at the Hippodrome in Paris in 77. The source tape for this concert could be classified as "very good"; hardly distorted. But since when was Iggy Pop criticized for "sound quality"? It's all about Iggy's performance; and this set provides a pretty good career overview spanning a 12 year period. Iggy's vocals are right on; with the '88 Channel concert being the best.
   Each cd features a different band line-up. The first disc features David Bowie on keyboards and the 4th disc rocks with former Hanoi Rocks guitarist Andy McCoy.
   I would recommend this set for real Iggy fan's only. A new-comer would best be served by "Nude & Rude" as a springboard into Iggy's long career.
   This set was made in France and the booklet has both French and English text? So what? The pictures included are excellent.
   With so few really good "official" Iggy Pop recordings out there this is a definite must for any fan. "Real" Iggy fans will listen to this set over and over! I guess if you could only listen to it once you're not a true Iggy fan to begin with.



5. I have listened to this French collection thought to be representative for the work of Iggy Pop over the years. However, I am deeply troubled by the massive destructive sound that dominates the whole box set. This is no amusement, only crashing and distorted sound. I do regret that I bought this box set. The regular CDs are much better and listenable than this massive moan. In addition, the French behaviour of doubling the text in the booklet is disturbing. A big miss. The star is for the 3rd and 4th CDs which both have a clearer sound and less distorted uptake. You listen to this once.

5 comments about Product.

1. I find myself torn with this collection. It is great to have all of these albums and singles collected in one nice concise package. But why was this set not remastered along with the rest of their stuff in 2001? So if one wants the better mastering, one has to rebuy these albums individually. ADKOT goes for $50 used! EMI, please remaster this box set!



2. Even though I had all of their albums, I bought this--when it came out in 1989 in a big 12" size; now it's a CD-size--for the CD quality, and especially the added Live at the Lyceum 8 tracks and the Parts 1-3 e.p. The booklet may suffer in its reduction to CD package size, but it's well-written, and, of course, excellently illustrated with a sidebar about the integrated artwork and adverts that were conceived as part of the Buzzcocks' campaign. You'd expect no less from Shelley and pals, with him influenced by art school and tech education both. It all looks and often sounds so raw by our standards nearly thirty years on, but this appealing combination of savvy and awkwardness is the foundation of all that the band was, sonically, lyrically, financially, and visually. With the later release of an expanded bootleg Time's Up with the Spiral Scratch ep in 2000, that and this are pretty much the nearly complete works, with the exception of radio sessions and the inevitable slew of live concert tapes.
   
   While the later work did, as the notes certainly explain, pale by comparison with the earlier successes, it does not sound so bad on a fresh hearing. I actually like the "recorded underwater" sound of the late ep tracks, and their spaced-out, washed-bleached dessicated quality captures, if the sad dissolution of the band, then also their quintessential determination to soldier on amidst despair and ennui--something shared with co-founder Howard Devoto. With so many bands later influenced, if not always crediting, this pioneering group of four men from Manchester who make music, this is an essential purchase. IMHO this music outlasts the calculated if naively sincere agitprop of the Clash, the manufactured rebellion of the Pistols, the earnest anthems of the Jam, and the ramalama bang bang of the Ramones. The Buzzcocks brought sophistication, in their promotional, lyrical, musical, and even sartorial abilities, into the pop-punk scene without compromising their commitment to gender-liberating, likable, and cleverly insinuating music that captured the agression of the late 70s while taming it with its self-reflexive examination of romance. They scrutinized their times and assumptions, but also had fun.



3. This is a psctacular set containing the original buzzcocks' albums in full. Who needs anything more?



4. This is a monster 3 cd set that covers all 3 studio albums singles and a live show. This however does not have any material with Howard Devoto on vocals (stuck with Pete Shelley I'm afraid). Howard was only in the band for a while before forming another group on his own. While does not have spiral scratch its still worth looking into if you like these lads from Manchester. The first disc covers the albums Another music in a different Kitchen and Love Bites while Disc 2 covers the the album A Different kind of Tension and the Singles going steady comp. The 3rd disc features a 24 minute concert from the Lyceum but it is not the whole concert(I am still looking for it) This release was titled Many Parts (Live at the Lyceum) This also features the fantastic I look alone and also the last 3 singles as well. This is a very handy cd set to have if you like the Buzzcocks.



5. I don't think anyone who loves music and gives the Buzzcocks a serious listen with love and enjoy their music. Their name gives the impression that they were rawer and rowdier than they in fact were. They didn't produce great albums, but they did produce one absolutely great single after another. The value of this set is that is proves that the Buzzcocks didn't pen just a few good songs, but a bevy of them. One might think that SINGLES GOING STEADY contained all their great songs, but PRODUCT proves they produced many, many more. In many ways, this is a perfect set, providing proof to the public about just how superb a band these guys were. The set also comes with a great booklet.

   Two things keep the set from being just about perfect. First, its name. Has there ever been a more dreadful title than PRODUCT? Bland, uninteresting, and not keeping in the spirit of the Buzzcocks songs. Second, and this is by far the greater sin, the album neglects the four songs off their EP SPIRAL SCRATCH, which is probably the most famous EP in the history of rock. It does contain a live version of "Boredom," but the other three songs are not represented at all. These four songs are among the most crucial that the Buzzcocks recorded, and it is tragic that they couldn't secure the rights to include them on this set.

   Still, these two flaws do not keep this from being a great set, and one that ought to be in the music library of every serious fan of alternative and punk music.

1 comments about I Wanna Punk Rock: Step Forward Singles Box Set.

1. In case you haven't heard these Classic songs before,you Need to. I Rate the Bands as"the Models" being the downright best, followed by the Cortinas, Chelsea, and Sham respectively. Great music athems of a great generation. The only thing out of place is the last 7 tracks by someone called lemon kittens. It is the worst racket sound I have heard in a long time, I cannot figure out why those lemon kitten tracks would be on this release.

1 comments about Greatest Cowboy Movie Never Made.

1. Some stats: 'Greatest Cowboy Movie Never Made' (2006) 4cd box (printed lyrics included) liner notes booklet has album x album commentary.
   
   CD#1 TT= 65:18 'The Monkey Puzzle' plus 5 bonus tracks
   
   CD#2 TT= 60:41 'Out Of The Jungle' plus 5 bonus tracks
   
   CD#3 TT= 37:50 'A Little Madness To Be Free' (no extras)
   
   CD#4 TT= 61:57 'A Gallon Of Rum Is A Harsh Mistress The Morning After- Live From Oz' (recorded in Sydney, 1981, unknown location)
   
   When you examine the post 1978 Saints you'll find that Chris Baily jumped around with different recording labels as he toured and gallavanted around Europe. As a result, there are more recordings with varying sound quality around, so to find this collection, remastered, is heavensent.
   
   The 1977-1978 Saints, 'All Times Through Paradise', 4cd box set (the early years) is the first.
   This follow-up (Greatest Cowboy Movie Never Made) to that super box is the second in line as the whole Saints catalog gets the remastering treatment.
   It will be up to the buyer wether the individual albums will suffice, or to spring for this set. Hardcore fans and completists' will most likely go for this format, and in my opinion it is the better way to go.
   All the remastered tracks sound terrific, and the different takes of several tracks (about 25%), while overtly repetitious to a Saints' novice, are actually quite interesting for the fan.
   The fourth cd is arguably the best recording I've ever heard of live Saints, absolute RAWK, with engaging banter between Baily and audience.It was recorded during 1981, supporting the release of 'The Monkey Puzzle' that same year. Recording is exceptionall clear.
   
   For the hardcore interested, overall there are:
   
   1) 4 variations of 'Simple Love'
   2) 3 variations of 'Dizzy Miss Lizzy'
   3) 3 variations of 'Miss Wonderful'
   4) 3 variations of 'Call It Mine'
   5) 2 variations on 9 trks
   6) 26 tracks represented once.
   
   The 2cd compiliation 'Big Hits From The Underground' and/or the 2cd compiliation 'DM Blues' can also compliment nicely if these boxes prove to excessive or pricey, and serve as a decent intro to the Saints ouevre.
   
   All in all, if you enjoy the post-punk Baily/Saints, and wanna hear 'em live also, THIS is the best all be told for the avid collector, and get ready for box number #3!
   For the 1977-78 punk-rock Saints, the 'All Times Through Paradise' box set has EVERYTHING.
   
   Minus 1/2-star for the brevity of cd#3...could'a added something!
   
   The pix featured for this box on amazon here is incorrect, box is all black with "The Saints" written across in white (not longbox). Four cds' come in cardboard sleeves of original pressing covers.Booklet packs alot of info(small print), pix, lyrics..., about 25 pages.

4 comments about Back & There Again.

1. This box set comes in a paper sheath and has the following CDs:
   1. Pirates of Destiny
   2. We Have Cum for Your Children
   3. Mini Album
   4. The Swindle Continues
   
   Each CD does not have the original back tray inserts from the real issues, but has matching inserts for all four CDs to make it look like more of a box set.
   
   PIRATES OF DESTINY has a mix of live and studio tracks, plus a lot of interviews. It is an interesting listen.
   
   WE HAVE CUM FOR YOUR CHILDREN is another mix of live and studio tracks, with a couple interviews.
   
   THE MINI ALBUM is only five tracks. These are from the first session Dave Goodman did with the Pistols in 76.
   
   THE SWINDLE CONTINUES has eight tracks. These are from the session Dave Goodman did with the Pistols in 77. When this was issued on vinyl originally, it had eight tracks from the "Ex" Pistols.
   
   All four CDs come from Dave Goodman tapes. The problem is that none of them complete any one period. If you want to get the most complete set, get the SEX PISTOLS BOX that contains all of NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS, with almost every demo. The ones that are missing are believe or not, on CDs 3 and 4 of this set (except one track), so it is a good addition to that box. You can also get the reissue of NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS with SPUNK that contains the missing tracks from that box. This edition of Spunk has the best sound.



2. This could be almost be called "Jock Box 2" (how many have Jock Box 1, the 6 disc vinal box set?). Just another rehashing of old boots that have been around in various forms for years. In fact, I believe one of the discs is actually track for track exactly the same as "We've Cum For Your Children", one of the classic boots released retail years ago. If you haven't already bought the rest of the bollocks (grin), go for it. If you have the older stuff, this is just more of the same!



3. This box set is worth it for the rare studio sessions alone..thier early recordings were a lot more psychedelic than you might imagine...A voice of a generation........



4. The Sex Pistols are DEAD they were a fair band with a Great manager but they need to stay where they are and thats in the past we dont need 100 albums with all of 15 songs on them repeated over and over

No comments about Flesh, Fangs and Filigree.