Amazon.com

This is a definitive best-of from the scathingly satiric, invariably tuneful band that arose from the ashes of The Housemartins. Sadly, Paul Heaton and friends have always been too twee and clever for the colonies, though classics like "My Book" and "Old Red Eyes Is Back" deserved better. A lovely, sing-along new track, "One Last Love Song," sounds like a farewell to arms, while the limited-edition disc of B sides proves that only XTC can match them in terms of high-caliber throwaways. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A must for everyone
Arising from the ashes of The Housemartins certainly wasn't going to be an easy move (as The Housemartins were also a great band), but as this compilation proves, they pulled it off with some aplomb. Their individual albums covered here are worth getting anyway (especially 0898, Choke and Miaow), but this compilation probably takes the very best songs from these albums, so one can't complain. Every song is simply excellent, even the ones you may not have heard before. The lyrics are cynical and witty, almost Morrissey - like in parts, and the music is simply (probably) the catchiest you've ever heard! It's just a shame that some people will find themselves thinking they're 'too cool' to listen to The Beautiful South, as they think all they sing is 'love songs.' But this is far from the truth; They adress all kinds of issues such as relationships, domestic violence, lust, politics etc. better than all of the moronic Nu-metal cliched bands out there, the fans of which wouldn't know good music if it smacked them in the face with a trumpet, then created music bliss with the gorgeous strings in 'Old Red Eyes Is Back.' Anyway, before I get carried away, go and buy this if you have sense. Broaden your musical horizons. It's just a shame their second 'Greatest Hits' CD was rather a cynical marketting ploy (retracting from the fact it's still a damn good, near perfect collection of songs), as 7 of the songs here feature on 'Solid Bronze.' They could've released a 'Best of 1995 - present date,' but hey, never mind.

A must for all lovers of proper pop music!
Arising from the ashes of The Housemartins certainly wasn't going to be an easy move (as The Housemartins were also a great band), but as this compilation proves, they pulled it off with some aplomb. Their individual albums covered here are worth getting anyway (especially 0898, Choke and Miaow), but this compilation probably takes the very best songs from these albums, so one can't complain. Every song is simply excellent, even the ones you may not have heard before. The lyrics are cynical and witty, almost Morrissey - like in parts, and the music is simply (probably) the catchiest you've ever heard! It's just a shame that some people will find themselves thinking they're 'too cool' to listen to The Beautiful South, as they think all they sing is 'love songs.' But this is far from the truth; They adress all kinds of issues such as relationships, domestic violence, lust, politics etc. better than all of the moronic Nu-metal cliched bands out there, the fans of which wouldn't know good music if it smacked them in the face with a trumpet, then created music bliss with the gorgeous strings in 'Old Red Eyes Is Back.' Anyway, before I get carried away, go and buy this if you have sense. Broaden your musical horizons. It's just a shame their second 'Greatest Hits' CD was rather a cynical marketting ploy (retracting from the fact it's still a damn good, near perfect collection of songs), as 7 of the songs here feature on 'Solid Bronze.' They could've released a 'Best of 1995 - present date,' but hey, never mind.

Music to make you grin
What can you say about sarcastic, clever lyrics that discuss the joys of drinking, one-night stands, romance and the lack thereof? No matter what the topic, they always make me smile. Paul Heaton and his pals are the best imports England's sent in decades. The covers of Dream a Little Dream and Everybody's Talkin' are almost better than the originals.

A Splendid Contradiction
I was first introduced to Paul Heaton's brilliance when an old college girlfriend introduced me to the Housemartians. A few years later another girlfriend introduced me to the Beautiful South and I am forever greatful. At first listen, this seems like an album of catchy love songs...but when you finally pay attention to the lyrics, you are treated to some of the most incredibly original, thoughtful, hilarious lyrics ever penned. These are lyrics you would not expect to hear with the phenomonal music backing them, but Heaton and Co. really make it work.

However, if you can get your hands on the more recent "Solid Bronze" best of cd, I would do that since they have released some pretty great songs since this was originally released, including the excellent "Don't Marry Her"

I went to Oxford
What do I think of the Beautiful South? I think they are an absolutely fantastic band. They are one of the best bands that I have ever seen, they are absolutely SPOT ON. I remember first seeing them back in 1989 and I thought "well, there's a band" and now having just listened to their Greatest hits I was damn right all along. To confirm my opinion, they are a flipping good band. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Since I was born, I've started to decay....
...Thankfully, the above lyrics aren't true enough to stop this solid debut album from the great modern rock group, Placebo, a success.
Personally, I adore Placebo, however, they do have certain factors which make their appeal similar to marmite - you either adore them or turn away with revulsion. This mainly due to the androgyne vocalist Brian Molko, who's unique voice (sometimes called a whine)is most prominant on tracks "Come Home" and "Bionic" - probably my least favourite of the album. However, their alluring power-punk-rock feel is strong throughout, and stunning tracks "Teenage Angst", "Hang on to Your IQ", "Nancy Boy" and "Lady of the Flowers" make this a absolute must-have.

"Since I was born, I've started to decay..."
...Thankfully, the above lyrics aren't true enough to stop this solid debut album from the great modern rock group, Placebo, a success.
Personally, I adore Placebo, however, they do have certain factors which make their appeal similar to marmite - you either adore them or turn away with revulsion. This mainly due to the androgyne vocalist Brian Molko, who's unique voice (sometimes called a whine)is most prominant on tracks "Come Home" and "Bionic" - probably my least favourite of the album. However, their alluring power-punk-rock feel is strong throughout, and stunning tracks "Teenage Angst", "Hang on to Your IQ", "Nancy Boy" and "Lady of the Flowers" make this a must-have.

UMMMMMMMMMMM...... Placebo
OK I personally love this album. I mean like other people have said it is a mix of post punk and glam. But i still can't get enough of it. It is in my opinion their best album. Their other stuff like Without you i'm nothing and sleeping with ghosts are perfect examples of the Alternative genre. But this album......... it is hard to describe.The lyrics are as Placebo would say, "wrapped in lust and lunacy". The guitars and drums accompany the lyrics with eerie distorters and and powerful back up. What else can i really say except buy it.

Hang On To This Debut
Although not as good as "Without You I`m Nothing" or "Black Market Music", Placebo`s debut is a fine, consistent rock album nonetheless, one that already showcases the band`s poignancy. Their meld of glam, punk, pop, rock and some experimentation in between makes for a solid record that still sounds fresh and appealling even if the trio has done better work after its release. Brian Molko`s voice is a central element here and one of the band`s strenghts, though it disturbs some people who consider it too whiny and androginous. "Placebo" focuses teenage innocence (or the loss of it) and the process of growing up, dealing with new matches, fears and obstacles. The lyrics are interesting, deep and appropriately ambivalent, presenting lost dreams and dark futures. Even the more noisy songs here show a fragile, hurt side, expressing teenage rebellion and loss. The overall tone and sound of the album can be compared to some Smashing Pumpkins` or Suede`s material, or even Nirvana, since these are bands that deal with related themes and ideas. "Placebo" is a strong record, a good debut from one of the best rock bands around.

Entirely Accessible
I often am cautious about an artists first cd, because they seem to not have polished their craft quite enough. that is not the case here. this is probably my second favorite placebo cd of them all. the songs are just as well put together and melodic as placebo ever was. the only real draw back here is that placebo has always opened and album with a really strong song, the opener here is one of the weaker songs of the album, but this should hardly keep anyone away. unlike some of their other releases, this one should appeal to pretty much all placebo fans. those who complained 'sleeping with ghost's was too slow or that 'black market music' was too mainstream should get this cd. those in both camps, or those who like every work by this band will love this cd. a must. a great album from a masterful band. ... Read more

Album Description

1994 reissue of compilation of early recordings from 1977 byWarsaw, an early moniker for the Mancunian act Joy Division.This pressing features 17 raw, but respectable cuts, including five bonus tracks: 'Inside The Line', 'At A Later Date', 'Gutz', 'The Kill' and 'You're No Good For Me'. Others include 'Failures', 'Leaders Of Men', 'They Walked InLine', 'Novelty', 'No Love Lost', 'Transmission', 'Living InThe Ice Age', 'Interzone', 'Warsaw' and 'Shadowplay'. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Raw Punk
If you want early joy division without the processed drums, intense reverb and the heavy darkness, this album is for you. I pretty much learned how to play GOOD punk guitar by listening to this music. Raw British tone with childlike blasts up and down the blues scales make this record full of energy and great sounding riffs.

I especially like the version of "interzone" found here. It is much more stripped down and punk. The drums sound real and live, unlike that (...) drum machine tone on the later version. The vocals are similar to the Keith Morris era of black flag, high and dry.

If you are into wire (pink flag) and gang of four (entertainment) -- (and for some strange reason aren't hip to the warsaw trip), you've gotta get this.

Essential for fanatics
This is a bootleg, rather than a band-sanctioned official release. Three of these songs also appear on the "Heart and Soul" boxed set (The Drawback, Shadowplay, Interzone), and the sound quality is notably better there than here. However, the sound quality of this bootleg is really pretty good; you can enjoy the music unimpeded. There is, however, apparently a pristine sounding German bootleg out there somewhere.

The final five songs constitute the band's earliest demo, from July 1977. At that point they were called Warsaw, and you can hardly perceive Joy Division in the breakneck punk frenzy. Interesting evidence of how quickly the band evolved, but little more.

Five months later, the band (now nearly called Joy Division) recorded the excellent e.p. "An Ideal for Living," which is included in full on "Heart and Soul" and "Substance." In May 1978, they did sessions for a planned RCA album, which never saw release. This "Warsaw" cd includes those sessions in full. To my knowledge, only three (of the total eleven) recordings from these sessions have been released officially (see above). Because all four songs from the "Ideal for Living" e.p. are rerecorded here (in, I think, inferior versions), that puts the burden of value of this cd on a mere four remaining songs.

And they're pretty damn cool: a crisp (vocals all intelligible) "Walked in a Line," a slower "Transmission," a fiestier "Novelty," and a solid "Ice Age." The well-known recordings of these songs date from a year to two years later, so these are quite distinctive. If you're a fanatic, you want everything on this cd. If you're simply a big fan, these four tracks are worth checking out.

Raw version of debut album
This was an interesting release as it is the first recordings that Joy Division did under the name Warsaw before changing their name to Joy Division. Some parts of the recording are just so so but I till enjoyed for what it was (an insight for what was to come). A fantastic release worth picking up if you are a fan of Joy Division.

far better than STILL
I haven't actully heard this version, but I have the original bootleg mentioned in the Amazon critics review that this came off. My records have been in storage for 8 years so I just heard the officially released compilation 'STILL' and the bootleg after about nine years. My first reaction is to blame Martin Hanett who on STILL absolutely smothers the original takes in wash-over and wash-out production. Frankly, when you consider this was first recorded in 1977, anyone familiar with that era should realise Warsaw's demos were already far superior to 99 percent of official releases that year, both in concept and in delivery. I put it in the same category as Televison's Marquee Moon in terms of blowing me away from the first listen, and now I am in my late 40's I find that a lot of the Punk and New Wave stuff sounds dated now, but not this. Since I am writing this, I may as well throw in that I have also found the first SImple Minds ALbum (Reel to Reel Cacophony) another which has stood the test of time and should by rights be remembered as their best record. If this Warsaw album is as good as the bootleg I have, any self respecting JD fan (who doesn't already have the original) should rush out and get this.

a thumbnail sketch, also a punk era classic that never was
That's basically what this is. Lop off those throwaway tracks at the end and that's what you've got. All the songs are actually very good in this form; many of them were rerecorded when JD developed their style, and they quite frankly weren't that good in their newer forms (see "Still" which had a few songs from here), but here they sound fine.

I'd give this a 5 but I cannot because of the throwaways at the end. They're good for historical purposes and that is all. ... Read more

Album Details

Special Edition of One of Punk's Innovative and Epoch-defining Albums, Remastered with Alternate Versions of Three Singles and the Non Album B-sides. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Wire's debut is the smartest record of the '77 punk explosion, a formally seamless suite of 21 songs in 35 minutes, edited to the bone and graced with allusive, thoughtful lyrics, howled by Colin Newman like political slogans. The band's crisp, precise snap gets an awful lot of mileage out of their three-and-a-half chords, and their attack never lets up. The album's minimal structures and snarly guitar sound are still hugely influential ("12XU" has been covered many times, and Elastica's "Connection" is basically a rewrite of "Three Girl Rhumba"), and its sequence is so perfect that the band that opened for Wire on their reunion tour ten years later simply played Pink Flag straight through, including between-song pauses. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (34)

The Definitive Minimalist Art-Punk Album.
Like other punk bands Wire strived to re-focus rock from it's growing excesses, but they took that aesthetic a step further. Unlike other artists Wire's aim wasn't a return to rock's roots, but minimalism. Wire didn't approach music as a rock band, but as an art experiment. On Pink Flag, Wire eliminate every extraneous element resulting pure, angular music. While not musically accomplished (in fact, the band members admit they were barely competent technically), Pink Flag contains an astounding variety and depth of creative ideas.

While other punk bands (The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, etc.) acheived notoriety with genuine angst and shock, Wire distinguished themselves through unpredictabilty and vocalist Colin Newman's sly, oft acerbic wit (while oft incomprehensible, he's always compelling). In a sense it seems Wire's limited musicianship actually works to their advantage; since they have limited tools the band is forced to rely soley on ideas and chemistry. The 21 songs on Pink Flag rarely exceed three minutes (most are 1-2 min in duration) and rarely conform to any standard notions of song structure. With titles like "Field Day for the Sundays", "Three Girl Rhumba", "Ex Lion Tamer", and "Mannequin", many understandably view the songs as minimalist paintings tranformed into music. Arty as Wire can be at times, they're anything but pretentious. Pithy and snobbish as Wire might seem, Pink Flag is remarkably entertaining; it's intense, wryly witty, and at times undeniably funny. Wire's breadth of ideas is remarkable; they cover ground which includes proto-hardcore ("106 Beats That", "Different to Me"), tweaked power-pop ("Reuters", "Champs"), power-blues ("Lowdown"), and even spare texture experiments ("Strange"). "Mr. Suit" is the only marginal track... and it's still pretty enjoyable.

Some have argued that Pink Flag's songs are only fragments, but close analysis reveals Wire's brilliance; each song serves to convey it's ideas as expediently as possible and once this objective is reached it ends immediately. In his Rollingstone review Greil Marcus remarked about the lack of personality on Pink Flag ("You hear cleverness, wit, irony, but not personality."). While this might be accurate the lack of intimacy isn't a problem in the musical context and actually coincides well with Wire's aesthetic . One of the many things that makes Pink Flag unique is it's combination of emotional intensity and vaguely arty distance (which eventually became dominant in their later work). Wire's somewhat impersonal approach also makes Pink Flag transcendent; unlike many late 70s punk bands who focused on the sociopolitical climate, Pink Flag's more esoteric themes (both musical and lyrical) make it vital and relevant 25 years after it's release. Pink Flag is proudly touted as a profound influence by artists as diverse as Big Black, Sonic Youth, The Minutemen, Elastica ...and REM (who covered a more straight-forward version of "Strange" on their album Document). Wire would later make other ambitious and noteworthy albums (most notably "Chairs Missing" and "154"), but never made another as seminal, ageless, and visionary as Pink Flag.

Essential Punk
Quite simply Pink Flag is one of the best punk albums of all time. Personally, I think this album blows away Chairs Missing. The latter album shows a band less inclined to punk, and more interested in developing their songs and sounds. That said, Pink Flag's songs are not sloppy, they just say what they have to say and then end it--a lesson more bands should heed. Wire has so many good ideas on this album that they can afford to cut off a great track like "Field Day for the Sundays" after 28 seconds. A lesser band would have made it the centerpiece of their album.

the smartest post-punk record to ever come out in the '70s..
... or ever. the popular post-punk band Wire has released greats such as "Chairs missing, "154", and their masterpeice "Pink Flag". running twenty two songs (option R* bonus track) in only 37 minutes. i dunno if Pink Flag is truely Wire's best, because Chairs Missing offers twenty more minutes with about the same amount of songs. but if you are starting to want to get into Wire, this is the album to start on. the tracks are put in order by a God, i tell you. minus the bonus track, "12XU" is the actual ending. the album gets more amazing by each track. when it hits near "Strange" it gets amazing streaming guitars, drums, and bass. its pure brilliance.

usually, i'll be writing more about something than this. but you should have heard of this album. popular by the punk fans of the 1970s, if you haven't read some reviews. that should encourage you to buy it. and really, you don't have to even like punk to enjoy this album. i don't even enjoy punk that much, all i really enjoy from that genre is Joy Division, Elvis Costello, the Clash, and... this. you're collection is ten times better having Wire's "Pink Flag" in there.

not just a great punk record- one of the best ever made
this album is amazing and while this band is highly under rated and not well known, i think they've been extremely influencial to a lot of bands. their musical influence is equivalent to the aesthetic/attitude influence of the (...)pistols. the best band of the late seventies "punk explosion" (...).

Still amazing twenty-five years later
Wire's "Pink Flag" is an explosion of minimalist punk with no equal. The songs are two minutes or less and chock full of energy, vitality and intelligence. No other band sounds like Wire- in fact Wire never sounded like this again. This album influenced bands from REM to Nirvana and is an important one to have in any serious rock collection.

Also recommended and almost as influential are Wire's follow-up albums "Chairs Missing" and "154" also great albumns but totally different sounds.

A must have album and without a doubt one of the great rock albums of all time. ... Read more

Album Description

Released to commemorate their 2004 tour of Japan, EMI isissuing this 10-track mini-album that features allnon-album tracks,'2 +2 = 5' (Live at Earls Court),Remyxomatosis (Cristain Vogel Mix), Fog (Again) (Live),Paperbag Writer, Scatterbrain (Four Tet Remix), I Will (Los Angeles Version), I Am Citizen Insane, Where Bluebirds Fly, I Am A Wicked Child, Gagging Order plus an enhancedcomponent which features '2+2 = 5'(Live at BelfortFestival). 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

4.5 actually. Not a perfect album, but damn close
This CD takes all the best b-sides from Hail To The Thief singles. The worst song on this album has to be 'Remyxomatosis', which is just...wrong. Not all of the other versions of HTTT are mistakes though. I personally prefer the live '2+2=5', the Los Angeles version of 'I Will', and the 'Scatterbrain' remix over the album versions. The "You have not been paying attention" part of '2+2=5' is done with all the energy that the album version should've had. The b-sides 'I Am A Wicked Child', and 'I Am Citizen Insane' are probably both equal, but the latter may be a bit repetitive for some. 'Paperbag Writer' definitely takes some getting used to, and even once you're used to it you probably won't like it much. It's really eerie sounding. 'Gagging Order' and the live version of 'Fog (Again)' are both beautiful, sad songs. They make this EP worth it for me. I always stop the CD before 'Where Bluebirds Fly' because it's just messed up. It starts with a click beat then comes in with what sounds like cluster chords on some weird synth thing, and then has strings that come in over top of the frenzy, except it's slower and seems out of place. It definitely creates the feeling of bluebirds though.

Overall, I actually like this more than HTTT. If you do plan on getting this, I suggest that you don't buy it on Amazon, because I bought it for $13 canadian, and I've seen it in other stores for a max of $19 canadian.

I am citizen insane!
After quite a few listens to this album, I believe this is one of the best things I have heard from Radiohead. The remixes sound a bit strange to start with but they grow on you. This is definitely not just a buy for fans. I think it showcases how different yet perfect music the band can write. A pleasure to listen to, thanks again Thom!

Note: All the copies with errors were recalled so you should get a copy without them.

Almost 50 BUCKS!?!?
I know, I know. It's an import that's enhanced and it's limited edition. Blah, blah, blah. But come on. It's consumer rape to charge over 4 dollars per song (counting shipping). For that kind of money it had better come with a full score transcription of each tune AND cook me breakfast in bed at least once a month.

Radiohead is a great band. These songs are great. But you could buy 3 or 4 other records for the price of this thing. It's rip. And it's unfortunate because I'm quite sure that Radiohead themselves would agree with me.

Take your armor off you're not under attack
I really like this EP. Its different and definitely grows on you. A lot easier to warm to than many of their albums. I like all the songs. Favourites are 'I am Citizen Insane' and 'Gagging Order'.

This is awesome
I picked up this EP a couple of weeks ago and it blew me away. This is superior to the Airbag mini that was aimed at the US. As to the production quality, it is great. I still don't know what the other reviewers are talking about. One reviewer was talking about the 4 Tet RMX of Scatterbrain: Skttrbrain and mentioned that any skips fit right in with the song. I agree with that and I would actually argue that what might sound like skips are probably intentional. (I could be wrong.. who cares). What one might take as production flaws, I view as deconstructionist experimentation. At any rate it sounds good coming out of my speakers.

As to the multi media stuff, at first I couldn't get the video to work and couldn't open the pictures. The video will work if you have the latest version of Windows Media Player. Open Media Player first and then open the movie file from Media Player. You will be treated to a live performance of 2+2=5 that is really cool. All in all, well worth having. ... Read more

Album Description

Posthumous double-disc best of from duo whoseunclassifiable sound combined ancient world musics withindustrial electronics. Critically acclaimed throughouttheir 12-year career, both Brendan Perry & Lisa Gerrardhave gone on to successful movie soundtrack work. Thiscollection is released as a more affordable alternative to2001's lavish box-set 'Dead Can Dance 1981-1998'. 26 tracks & a 24-page full color booklet featuring liner notes, songlyrics & photos. 4AD. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Dead Can Dance
I have been listening to Dead Can Dance since I was twelve years old, I am now twenty- five. Dead Can Dance has been, for the past thirteen years, my favorite band. They do not fall under any particular genre of music. They are not "dark wave", world music, new age, or gothic. I bought this album here in Germany for fifteen euro (twenty dollars) not realizing it was an import to United States. I thought it was an import to Germany =). Although this album is worth five stars (I am partial- see above) the best album by DCD is A Passage In Time. Its a greatest hits album with two never before released titles. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When exactly Radiohead transformed themselves from an average alterna-rock band into an avant-garde juggernaut is difficult to pinpoint, but in terms of recording, they took the great leap forward somewhere around the time of their second album, The Bends. While their debut, Pablo Honey, had a few sharp hooks, there was nothing to predict the avalanche of ideas that made The Bends one of the important albums of the 1990s. This EP (which is actually longer than some bands' full albums) doesn't clarify things a bit. The acoustic version of "Creep" that ends My Iron Lung is a sensitive read, but it doesn't explain the structural leap of the title track, which sounds as if the band had relearned how to play their instruments. Most of the remaining tunes are short, quirky numbers that point up Thom Yorke's penchant for melancholy melodies. Those who treasure the art rock of OK Computer or Kid A may find these plaintive pleas for love and understanding almost too simple. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Another great mini-disc from Radiohead
A mini fallow up to the Pablo Honey album(better know as the creep album) which really takes a different jump from the soft rock Pablo Honey too a more rock'n roll sound of The Bends. The first song, my iron lung, is a song of spacey verses and a chorus of yelled vemon and ramped guitar distoration. Then fallowed by a favorite b-side of most radiohead fans "the trickster", which is a eerie song that remains me of being alone in a house by yourself with your paranoia. Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong is a very cold love song with a weired Chris Issak harm to it. Permanent daylight reflects the sound of Sonic Youth, and my favorite is a fast ballard called "lozenge of love" which sounds alot like Led Zep. "going to calf.". You never wash up is just Thom and his guitar, while lewis(mistreated) sounds alot like a stereotype of a Pablo Honey song. The acoustic creep is nothing thrilling to the ears(mostly because I've heard it over 1,000 times to date). Its a great EP and I would tell anyone to buy it.

Short, weird, and'll leave you with your mouth open for more
I got "My Iron Lung" over a year ago, and when I listened to it at first I didn't thought that it was THAT special. But since I got curious when I read over the Internet how most Radiohead fans praising this EP, I've decided to give it a second chance. After that, I can honestly say that it's a must. It's a very weird, dreamlike experience; It's sounds a bit like "The Bends", but it's way more loosenup and calm; And it's just quite undescribeable really. "The Trickster" is a very catchy and upbeat song, and I can understand why it is considered as the best Radiohead B-side ever. It's a cute little, yet powerful tune that will not disappoint. Beautiful acoustic or semiacoustic tracks like "Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong", "Lozenge Of Love" and "You Never Wash Up After Yourself" also makes this a mustpurchase; And along with the raplike "Lewis (Mistreated)" and the almost radiofriendly (Hey, it's short and almost instrumental!) "Permanent Daylight" this makes an unforgettable collection. I really don't have much to say about "My Iron Lung" (The song) since we all know how good it was from "The Bends", and the acoustic version of "Creep" doesn't make the song better or worse; But if Radiohead have decided to put them here also, we should just shut up and accept it.

Radiohead's revolution began here......not with The Bends
Released between 'Pablo Honey' and 'The Bends' and never released in the US, 'My Iron Lung' marks the transition from mediocre to outstanding.

I know that 22 bucks is kind of a rip-off for only eight songs, but every song presented on this unique import makes it worthwhile for any Radiohead fan....especially those partial to 'The Bends'.

'Trickster', in my opinion, is the best track here. I would have loved to have seen this song make it over to 'The Bends' along with 'My Iron Lung'. Here it is only enjoyed by Radiohead completist which isn't neccessarily a bad thing.

for ALL the audiences
For some people, Radiohead tends to be either too poppy with songs like "Creep" or "Anyone Can Play Guitar," or they are too electronica and *weird* with the classic album, OK Computer. But, the My Iron Lung album successfully mixes the voices of The Bends with the instrumentals of OK Computer. Any college student can relate to "You Never Wash Up After Yourself" or "Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong," and any musician, whether you like this band or not, should be able to detect the creativity and boldness in the music of this album. The power of this band, like the powers of other classic artists, is that they vary their music from album to album, and succeed in not only appealing to a different audience each time, but also retaining their old followings. The My Iron Lung album is a recording for all of these audiences, and won't stop with the OK Computer fans or The Bends fans.

Best Radiohead 'album'
I was well shocked when i first listended to this cd, as i was formally a total avid punk fan, i found radiohead boring, slow and depressing, but slowly i listend to it, and it really does grow on you! If you listen really carefully, you can hear the 3rd guitar slowly building up etc. If you hate radiohead, i seriously recomed cheching this out first as it totally changed my opinion on the band, and my music taste on the whole. All the songs are 10 out of 10, and i could not give any bad points about this album if i had to! Brilliant! ... Read more

Album Description

Under the Influence draws on the inspirations and all time loves of the world’s greatest recording artists.This newest release is compiled by the Super Furry Animals, who have released six artist albums to date that have reached gold status in the UK and been commercially and critically recognized in the US.

Super Furry Animals fanatics out there will not be disappointed to discover the sounds that have influenced the band and the resulting fifteen-track odyssey that reflects their own output of techno-folk lunacy.

Their track list selection includes Underworld, Humanoid, Sly and the Family Stone, Beach Boys, MC5 and The Undertones.Under the Influence is an indispensable album for Furries fans and anyone with a broad musical heritage. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

For people who actually like music...
Man, it's so embarassing to read these reviews.No, compilation albums such as these are not contractual obligations.And, my god, no, this isn't a disc of cover versions BY SFA.If you're the kind of person who loves music and are always on the lookout for exposure to new artists and sounds, compilation series like "Under the Influence," "DJ Kicks," and "Late Night Tales" are a godsend.The SFA's entry is no exception.Great stuff is all over this disc, songs you'd never hope to find elsewhere, all collected conveniently on one fantastically enjoyable disc.If you're an adventurous listener (and you'd think most SFA fans would be, although the previous reviews don't indicate it), you'll love this stuff.

this album is a scam
What is this about? It's like qa mix tape by SFA? It's a very cheap and easy way to throw together an album, without actually doing any work. I've been a fan of SFA since the beginning but let's just hope that this is an album they had to throw together for contractual reasons or something.

Great addition to the SFA catalog
You know, back in the day bands were covering each other's songs left and right... why not rearrange and cover a song that already speaks to what you're feeling? It's a nod to the original and keeps amazing music in the public ear. These days, everything has been done already and people still insist on trying to write more and more music that say things and make sounds that have been said and done a million times over. Regardless of that, some groups obviously accomplish breaking new ground or at least making an old formula seem fresh. The Super Furry Animals are one of those groups and with an output of songs as high as theirs, I was excited to see this kind of an album. As a musician I was also interested to see the sort of music that had influenced and driven SFA to make the music they make.

After giving it a listen I'd say this is an excellent album. Some arrangements stick very close to the original while others venture into completely new territory... that's something I like to hear.

If you aren't a fan of the Super Furry Animals already, there's probably no reason you would buy this. However, paired with the recently released greatest hits this is probably a good move for the Animals.

Ch-ch-check it out.

Okay... It isn't the Animals!
I was very excited that SFA would be releasing their new album in May 2005. I had it marked on my calendar and pre-ordered on Amazon.

It was my own fault that I never examined the album more carefully before my immediate purchase, but I realized the whole CD was just songs from other bands that *inspired* the SFAs.

While I am still interested in knowing who and what are the influences of my favorite band, I still had my heart set on hearing their *own* songs, their *own* sound. Personally, I think none of these songs or bands can even compare to the Furries, who I've loved and fan-worshipped for the past few years. I don't crave the Super Furry *style*, but the Super Furries them*selves*.

Do not buy this CD if you are looking for music from the band, it is a mere soundtrack compiled of other artists! However, listen to samples of the songs and if you like them, go for it. Just don't expect to hear the wonted croonings of Gruff Rhys! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Unlike anything you've ever heard.
Chances are, you don't have anything else like this in your cd collection. I've been listening for 13 years and still have no real comparisons. Only the "Cocteau Twins" or a darker "Enya" come to mind...but not really. Though some of their stuff has kind of a tribal sound to it, most of this collection is more gothic, more medieval. I always envision this music coming out of some cathedral, in a far away and mysterious place, hundreds of years ago. That's what's so wonderful about "Dead Can Dance". They can transport you to places other music cannot. I also enjoy both the male, and female vocals, on the tracks that have them. I honestly think that someone would enjoy most of their albums equally, but this does give you a taste of many of them. This is a good place to expand your knowledge of music through time.

Anywhere Out of The World
Dead Can Dance puts out some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Their music is a blend of middle eastern, new age, and goth music. The only other DCD album I own is "Towards the Within". The album didn't really set fire to my ears but I still wanted to hear more from this now defunct group. I found a copy of "A Passage In Time" on one of my recent excursions to my favorite record store. I really wanted to hear it when a buddy of mine on a message board I post on mentioned "Ulysses", and my curiousity was piqued almost immediately. The song itself is an enchanting haunting song that sends chills down my spine every time I listen to Brendan Perry sing. I really dug the first two tracks "Saltarello" and "Song of Sophia". What really resonates with me is the production work. Whenever I listen to Dead Can Dance, I feel like I am listening to them perform live. Just amazing. The one flaw with this album is that towards the end of the album, the music starts to sound repetitive and my mind drift towards other matter. Maybe I just shouldn't listen to it at the office and towards the end of the day when I start getting restless and bored. Nevertheless, excellent album. I definitely will have to look further into DCD's catalog.

Before Enigma/Deep Forest/Delerium there was... DCD!!
Took me a while to really get into Dead Can Dance but now I can't imagine not having them in my CD collection. I've always loved exotic, ambient and meditative music and Dead Can Dance are unlike anything else I've heard. This compilation consists of a rich mixture of tribal, choir, medievil gothic, world and ambient soundscape. I don't feel it's fair to categorise DCD as merely 'new age' or 'gothic' when it is both and a whole lot more. I've hunted for music like this for so long before I was even aware of DCD and it's all here. Very raw, minimal, sensual and soothing without being ruined by added layered synths and electronica. Stripped down and peaceful. One of the best CDs I own.

Excellent collection for casual fans!
This 1991 release "A Passage In Time" is a 16 track sampler of Dead Can Dance's dark, brooding, and must I say, even terrorizing compositions that the Perry/Gerrard duo made between 1985 and 1991. Most of these songs I think were wise choices for this collection and must I say, even with some of the songs from different albums, sometimes having totally different moods, the songs flow almost without any major road bumps. "Ulyssus", "Cantara", "Kingdom of The Blind", and "Enigma Of The Absolute" are the shinigng gems on this CD. The "Ulyssus", and "Cantara" song combo is awesome as the former merges well into the latter. The main flaw to this collection is that it completely overlooks their self-titled debut album. The two last songs "Bird" and "Spirit" were recorded solely for this album. While still enjoyable to a degree, they don't rank up there with some of their earlier classics from their 1980s works. Still, there's no denying that this is a great CD for DCD starters to own. For veteran fanbases though, I would recommend their regular proper studio albums instead but for those who love the last two songs on here, this CD is a must-have.

Definatley worth buying...
This is one of the best albums I've ever owned. It was the first Dead Can Dance CD I ever bought. It kept me company through many depressing nights, and brought me much relief. It is a graceful blend of new age, goth and other sounds that are hard to describe, and Lisa and Brendan have two of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Thank you... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a little present....
don't u love unexpected presents?? i was just browsing on amazon to check what's new, then i saw this "album"....well what do u do when u are a fan? u must get it. not only that, the cd is great.... enjoy it (while it's still available) ... Read more

Album Details

The First Collection of the Former Take that Singer's Solo Output Collects the Key Singles that were Released in Conjunction with his Solo Albums "Life Thru a Lens", "i've Been Expecting You", "Sing When You're Winning" and "Escapology". The Album also Includes the Number One Single "Eternity", Along with Two New Tracks "Radio" and "Misunderstood" which is Featured on the Motion Picture Soundtrack of "Bridget Jones Diary 2" as Well as Three Tracks Not on the UK Version: "Better Man" and Exclusive Spanish Language Versions of "Angels ("Angeles") and "Better Man" ("Ser Mejor"). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Great pop music is driven as much by raw emotion as it is classic textures. While this Scottish band excels in the latter trait, Texas has grappled with finding its own voice ever since making its 1988 debut. White on Blonde is the perfect example of an album that sounds right, but feels wrong. The band may borrow key traits from pop history in constructing its gentle blues style, but it woefully fails to give its songs any resonance. From the Motown influenced "Black-Eyed Boy" to the delicately gritty "Halo," the grooves fall into place just fine, but the sentiments ring hollow. Singer Sharleen Spiteri's voice--radiating warmth and soft-focus edginess--is still sweet on the ears; and the band's impenetrable sound will make radio programmers get down on their knees and praise the album-oriented rock gods. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Breathless, simply
I own all 5 Texas CDs, and this is the most unique. The last track, "Breathless," is amazing. For those of you who own this, please take the time to listen to "Breathless" for its yearning sexiness and infectious energy. All though I have listened to every song several times, this is not an album I can play in its entirety. If you are a non-Texas fan, I would recommend either Southside or Mothers Heaven for your first album as those are more raw and passionate (and unique). Sharleen's voice is so good that I had to give WOB (White on Blonde) 4 stars. Without her talent, I would be disappointed for it seems Texas gets off their creative track in WOB. Perhaps its just because I'm spoiled by the genius of Southside. But Breathless and track 5 (Put your arms around me) make WOB worth the money. And Ms. Spiteri's talent takes the rest of these songs and makes them something worth noticing!

If you're gonna buy Texas, buy this.
Where to start? If you've heard and loved the singles from White On Blonde, you won't be disappointed with the content of the rest of the album which maintains a high standard throughout. Spiteri's singing is near-faultless and the band seems to have an instinctive feel for their music - from the lethargic 'Put Your Arms Around Me' to the pacier 'Black-Eyed Boy' instrumentation and vocals help to give the album a distinctive sound. Yes, it is dangerously middle of the road, the but somehow the band pulls it off, neither challenging the audience too little or too much. To my mind contemporary music doesn't get much better than the closing track 'Breathless', it was worth getting the album for that alone.

this album had to grow on me.
texas is one of my favorite bands but this album had to grow on me as i prefer the earlier work-southside, ricks road and mothers heaven. if you dont own these albums and love texas as i do then BUY them! i saw them at the roxy in los angeles in the early 90s-incredible concert, sharleen has such a powerful presence and voice. a beautiful album and still one that i could listen to everyday and not tire of.

A pop masterpiece and one of the best British albums ever!
Texas are one of the most important and significant bands to come out of Scotland ever. Frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri is a rock Queen, they have sold millions of albums and had some of the biggest radio hits of the past decade, but it wasn't always as easy as that. The band's first single was titled "I Don't Want A Lover," and crept into the UK top 10 back in February 1989. After that the band released many albums and singles - all of which flopped and failed to make Texas anything more than a commercially poor band. That all changed in 1997.

As a new year opened in the form of 1997, Texas released their album "White On Blonde." The album was a critical and commercial masterpiece which topped the British charts for weeks, sold millions of copies, spawned five Top 10 singles, and still ranks high in many charts as one of the best British albums ever. This is the definitive Texas album, and nothing they have done before or since it has quite matched up to its popularity and appeal.

White On Blonde opens with an untitled intro that lasts for a mere 34 seconds. It's a swirly concoction of beats, breathing and cultural influences and prepares the listener for what is to come. "Say What You Want" follows, and is arguably the band's most popular song to date. In the United States, barely anyone will have heard this song, but over in the United Kingdom, I think everyone over the age of 10 has heard this song at least a thousand times! The song peaked at No.3 in the UK in January 1997, and has some very catchy hooks and sunlight vocals from Sharleen. "Drawing Crazy Patterns" is an album highlight, where country beats and a catchy guitar blend with perfectly with the raw and unaltered vocals of Sharleen. The guitar breakdown after two minutes is a particular memorable part. "Halo" is one of Texas' biggest hits to date and peaked at No.10 in the UK back in April 1997. The song comes out of no where and slowly builds up its guitar riffs and melodies to peak towards the end in a glorious display of Scottish vocal power and lyrical supremacy. It's quite amazing, and rightly so one of the most played radio hits in the past decade.

The beautiful ballad "Put Your Arms Around Me" slows down the tempo with some very emotional and heartfelt lyrics from Sharleen. The instruments are perfectly matched and time seems to stand still after the third minute, right up until the end. The song was released in November 1997 and peaked at No.10 in the UK. "Insane" is an absolutely phenomenal song! This was released in March 1998 and peaked at No.4 in the UK. The song starts off in a rather average fashion, but as the first verse trundles on, you get a wonderful sense of the atmosphere that fills Sharleen's voice, along with the haunting trumpet and soaring strings. You can sing along to this so much, and the chorus is just anthemic. The whole song just lets rip after the third minute and loses control. "Black Eyed Boy" is the feel-good, live life to the full kind of anthem that was played at football stadiums all over Europe through the late-90's. It was released in August 1997 and peaked at No.5 in the UK. The brash instruments and loud screeching vocals are haunting and the lyrics - while not making very much sense - perfectly capture your mood and lift your spirits.

"Polo Mint City" is a short interlude that pretty much continues on from the one that started the album, while "White On Blonde," the album's title track, is a definite album highlight. Sharleen's voice is very sweet and girly. It's being forced that way to begin with, but the chorus changes all that. She sings with such honestly and soul. "Postcard" is what you could call - for Texas - a hard rock anthem. The beat is raw and explicit from the beginning. Sharleen's voice isn't quite the best it could be, but you won't really care when you're bopping your head to this! Another short interlude follows, before "Ticket To Lie." This is yet another brilliant song, with some great and very visually effective lyrics from Sharleen. Her voice has a unique quality that makes it so loveable yet so diverse and different. "Good Advice" slows down the tempo to an almost haunting pace where Sharleen's voice is sort of muffled and subdued, like she's trying to tell you something, but quietly so no one else will hear. The album closes with the superb "Breathless." The strings on this song are what you instantly notice first, and they infiltrate the whole song with that British 90's post Brit-pop phenomenon that captured the nation. An excellent ending.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

White On Blonde is definitely Texas' finest album to date in my opinion. I have none of their albums prior to the release of this album, but I have "The Hush," "Greatest Hits" and "Be Careful What You Wish For" which are the three albums that followed White On Blonde. None of then match the masterpiece qualities than this album so proudly displays, and I don't think any album by them in the future will! When I was a preteen back in the late 90's, all the songs that were released from this album were played non-stop on British radio stations for years. I loved the songs, but I was too obsessed with the Spice Girls to care about buying one of their albums! Anyway, I'm glad I bought White On Blonde earlier on this year. It's a masterpiece, and your collection isn't complete without it! Americans, do something bold and discover the criminally underrated Texas!

This Album Sparkles
Upon listening to this, it's like being hit with rays of sun. Although unrecognized in North America, this album is constantly ranked high on 'Best Of' polls in The UK, and deservedly so. 'White On Blonde' is sparkling feel-good pop for those who have lived life...an ode to the human experience with an undercurrent of maturity. Front and center is the wonderful range of Sharleen Spiteri's voice, who straddles between Deborah Harry, Diana Ross and Black Box Recorder's Sarah Nixey. The fact that many on this side of The Atlantic haven't had this album grace their ears does a great disservice to this undiscovered, yet celebratory gem. ... Read more

Album Details

1992 Collection of 20 of the Best from the Band that were the Standard Bearers of the Punk Movement in the UK. Includes Detailed Notes by Surviving Band Members John (Johnny Rotten) Lydon, Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

What Do You Mean You Don't Own This?
The Sex Pistols were the most important band of the 1970's and to the face of rock and roll music as a whole. The Sex Pistols Kiss This Album, covers the entire Never Mind the Bollocks Album all the way through the Great Rock 'N Roll Swindle years. The album contains the four singles as usual Anarchy in the UK, God Save the Queen, Pretty Vacant, and Holidays in the Sun, but also their B-sides, I Wanna Be Me, Satellite, Did You No Wrong, and No Fun. Anarchy In the UK and God Save the Queen remain timeless punk anthems, the always enjoyable and offensive Bodies remains one of the Sex Pistols best songs. Sid's version of My Way is a punk guilty pleasure as well is Silly Thing. There are even early cover songs such as Stepping Stone and No Lip on here as well. Kiss This is a superb album that captures the Sex Pistols is all their brilliance; the band that the 1970's and rock and roll were waiting for. My only complaint is where is Belsen Was A Gas, I know they never officially recorded this song, but it remains one of my all-time favorite Sex Pistol songs, whether the lyrics are offensive or not.

Forget "Never Mind The Bollocks"
This is a great collection, in fact although there are loads of collections of their work these are the ONLY songs you will ever need by the Sex Pistols, save for some live cuts. The olny reason not to get this would be iy you just want the prestige of having Never Mind The Bollocks because of its greatness, in which case theres convincing you but this ones got ALL of those songs plus the decent post-Rotten tracks and Sid's My Way which alone is worth the extra. Plus, I just wanted to say that I got mine in Australia with the bonus live disc (this one doesn't have it) and i gave the album 4 stars because I'd feel ripped off if i didn't (which you won't.)

Sex Pistols (Import) Kiss This
This is an awesome collection of the Sex Pistols. With twenty great songs from 'Anarchy in the UK' to 'Silly Thing', (which was created especialy for The Great Rock N Roll Swindle) It has songs from all 'Phases' of the Sex Pistols, songs with and without Sid Vicious, Johnny Rotten Lydon), Malcolm McLaren, and Glen (the Pistol original bass player). It's definetly worth the money.

Even Less Bollocks - The Ultimate review
An amazing album consisting of Sir Rotten and co's early rawness and the anarchy filled Sid Viscious era. If you already have 'Never Mind The Bollocks', there is no harm in spending a few quid (or bucks) on this punk rock masterpiece. This neighbour annoying musical specimin will only leave your CD player when your Granny comes round. Remove any sharp objects from your room, reach for the safety pins Dorothy, cos hey punk! IT'S POGO TIME!!!

KNOW THIS: THIS VERSION IS NOT THE 2 CD ONE!
While this is absolutly one of the best CDs I have spent money on in quite some time, the second disc (live recordings) mentioned in the first review is not included. Imagine my dissapointment.

Aside from that, the Sex Pistols remain the greatest punk band of all time and this disc has just about everything they ever did. There are liner notes for every single song (which actually come straight out of John Rotten's 1995 book, "Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs", which is a fabulous auto-biographical recount of the whole mid-seventies maddness. Go read it.)

And if you don't have a Sex Pistols collection, this is it. Learn them, know them, adore and remember them.

Now piss off. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

It speaks volumes about the mid-'70s music scene that the Clash's explosive debut was viewed as too provincial and raw for U.S. consumption upon its original English release in 1977. No matter--between Joe Strummer's marble-mouthed howls of righteous rage on songs like "Career Opportunities" ("The ones that never knock"), "I'm So Bored with the USA" ("Yankee dollars talk to the dictators of the world"), and "White Riot" ("I wanna riot / A riot of my own"), and the furious instrumental assault led by guitarist Mick Jones, the Clash became a hot import strictly on word of mouth--and helped establish the band as one of leaders of rock's punk revolt. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (55)

you have to understand punk in 1977...
I can see why someone would find this album disappointing, especially if they were looking to Rock the Casbah as some sort of crowning achievement of the band. But this album is an absolutely brilliant and perfect document of a certain cultural era: the tower tenements and back alleys of London's desperate teenagers in the mid-to-late 1970s. Unlike Never Mind the Bollocks, this doesn't sound absurdly dated today; instead, it's still angry, still seething, still raw, still crude - all in the best way. There are a few weak numbers (on both the UK and US versions) but also some absolute Clash classics: I'm So Bored with the USA, White Riot, Career Opportunities, and the stunning assimilation of reggae on the cover of Police and Thieves. If you're talking about the US version, you've also got White Man in Hammersmith Palais, one of the best things the band ever recorded. An album that speaks for an era.

Also, just a note in regard to one of the previous reviewer's comments about the "weak" lyrics on Garagaland: again, context is very important here. This song was written as a direct response to a review of their Screen on the Green performance, in which the reviewer commented that they were a "garage band who should be swiftly returned to the garage, preferably with the motor left running". Thus it was a sarcastic celebration of the garage band aesthetic and a way of throwing the review back in its writer's face. Also, it contains one of the Clash's most signature lines: "the truth is only known by guttersnipes."

Indeed...

THE GREATEST PUNK ALBUM OF ALL-TIME?
Quite possibly the greatest punk album of all-time, "The Clash" is light years apart from the much aforementioned "Never Mind the Bollocks." The Pistols were a raw, vigorous, and uncompromisingly snotty group, but in the end, they lacked ambition and true talent. The Clash are still the only band that ever mattered, and this album is living proof. The production is generally shoddy, but it adds to the album's overall appeal and relentless intensity. There is a substantial difference in the quality of the album's production from track to track; this is mainly attributed to the fact that four of the album's original songs were replaced by non-LP tracks for the US release. Never mind the fact that the intro to the band's cover of the Bobby Fuller Five's "I Fought the Law" has been shortened, and that the opening drumbeat to "Janie Jones" is missing. I will not say that this is the Clash's best album -- I still believe that "London Calling" is their greatest achievement, and one of the most remarkable albums ever released. But the band's self-titled debut hits the bullseye on every track, ripe with political angst and never-ending fury. By far, the greatest and most influential band of the past half-century.

The UK version is an easy 5 star album
Despite having some excellent songs, the US version is not to be preferred over the UK version. The latter hangs together much better as a whole--the first song 'Janie Jones' sets the tone and the album never lets up. The US version, on the other hand, is a mellower, less organized, affair. It just doesn't feel like the seminal early punk album that the UK version in fact is. (Even the US version of 'White Riot' is less rough around the edges as its UK counterpart.)

I bought the UK version, the Singles album and Super Black Market CD and was able to generate the US version playlist on my iPod.

Frankly, though, it stinks that they didn't just put ALL the songs from both US and UK versions on a single dics. For shame Sony.

Punk Rock Brilliance from The Only Band That Matters
The Clash are definitely my favorite of the originating artists of Punk rock in the late 70's, and this is definitely their definitive contribution to Punk Rock. Every song is filled with distorted guitars, driving beats, simple bass lines, and lyrics inspired by repression, angst, hatred and confusion. This is by far one of the most essential albums ever and if you care to know where punk roots begin look to this album along with the first Ramones album and maybe "Nevermind the Bullocks..." From the Sex Pistols. The Clash are one of my favorite bands of all time, and I think they deserve a great deal of respect for all they've done for music. It's kind of odd to think that The Clash might have not been as politically involved as they would come to be, as the song "I'm so Bored With the USA" was originally going to be a weepy love lost song called "I'm so Bored With You". Thank God for Joe's political revamping of that song, else The Clash may have been very different. I could go on and on, but I think I'll just leave you with the message that you should definintely check this album out, it's an excellent document of punk history and the legacy Joe Strummer and The Clash left behind them.

What is this?
What is this? The remaster? You should have it on vinyl anyway. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Probaly the best Oasis single ever released
It's a shame Oasis singles aren't released more in the U.S. It's also a shame "Whatever" hasn't been heard by the average american. It's truly one of the best songs they've ever written and this single is one of the only ways to get it.

"Whatever" is a great song. It's such a powerful emotional acoutic ballad. Noel really shows his song writing abilities and he is truly one of the top songwriters penning songs today. He is very underrated and I just about garuntee you'll love him too if you hear "Whatever."

"(It's Good)To be Free" is a great song. You can find it on The Masterplan album. I think it is truly an underrated Oasis song. It's penned by Noel and has a very catchy chorus. I like this song a lot.

"Half the World Away" is another song off The Masterplan. It's a beautiful written song by Noel. It's another great acoustic song. I saw him play this one live and people where crying as he sang. It's a great song.

"Slide Away" is another great Oasis song. It's off there debut album Definetly Maybe and it's one of there classics. It's a great love song and the version of it on this is song by Liam and is the same one on Definetly Maybe. The acoustic version song by Noel on MTV Unplugged is the best version you will ever hear, but this one is a close second.

This is a great Single. All the songs are quality singles and I would reccomend this song to anybody. It's not just something for an Oasis fan. These are all deep emotional songs that anyone can enjoy. It's Definetly a must own for Oasis fans and you should check it out.

I'm in love with Oasis, what can I say!
Noel Gallagher became God to me the day I heard Whatever for the first time... I could not believe why a song as brilliant as Whatever was not included on an Album, but that is what makes the song so special. I honestly think Whatever is their finest work... It makes me feel so good and powerfull that I could listen to it over and over again non stop.
Half the world Away, It's Good to be Free, Slide Away!!!!!! Can't get any better than this Mate !!!!! I'm sure Slide Away will get your head tuned up, a perfect mix of Rock and romantic lyrics sung by the best in the world: Liam of course!!!!!
Half the world Away and It's Good to be Free feature main vocals by Noel, the Genius behind Oasis. The first one is brilliant, I love it when Noel goes Acustic!
It's Good to be Free starts with powerfull feedback and then it explodes in to your stereo!!!
Come on! if you are in to good music BUY IT!!!
Thank You Luis (my older bro)!!! Best present ever!!!!!
I'M MAD FOR IT!!!!!!!!

Though not an album Best oasis single
This is by far the best oasis single very released. Its very cleaver with its lyrics and the music to go with it is alittle to bit of a want to be beatles (eleanor rigby) but its still a great song. ... Read more

Album Description

Unavailable in the U.S., this is the Scottish trio's 1985compilation of rarities and cuts then available only on 7in&12 singles. An excellent overview of their early works, itincludes an exclusive remix of 'Wax And Wane', plus thecult favorites 'The Spangle Maker', 'Aikea-Guinea' and'Lorelei'. 10 tracks total. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Scanty overview of the band's work from 1982-85
This compilation of earlier tracks could be a nice addition to your CT collection. It's not a comprehensive compilation and it's not entirely satisfying for old fans like me, but it's a good place to start. You should get this album for this reasons: "Mille.." once was featured on a compilation tape of the British pop magazine NME in 1984. The remix of "Wax and wane" is exclusive to this album. "The spangle maker", "Pearly.." and "Pepper tree" are all taken from their fantastic EP release "The spangle maker". Unfortunately, "Pink opaque" also contains their worst track ever, "Musette and drums", and there are very few songs from their first three albums. It's perhaps true to say that a double-disc retrospective would've been a more appropriate affair, because the Twins had several changes in sound during their first years. But "Pink opaque" is quite an o.k. album, because it contains some very good songs.

Really cool compilation
A bunch of early 80's Cocteau Twins works compiled on this album. I have a copy on cassette, that amazingly, still works, which is how I have this album. I think all of the songs are great, in particular The Spangle Maker (one of the best CT songs ever), Aikea-Guinea, Pepper Tree, and Musette and Drums. This also includes the rare Millimillenary, which is a pretty cool listen, and a mix of Wax and Wane. This is a cool album to have for the Cocteau Twins fan.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...
I love this album for turning me on to the Cocteau Twins when I was 17 (back in 1987). It just keeps going from there! My favorite here has got to be "Pearly Dewdrops Drops" which is just gorgeous...I still listen and get excited to this day. Somewhat different from their later stuff as other reviewers have mentioned, but still wonderful.

Perfectly half-formed
This compilation has apparently been deleted and replaced by "Stars and Topsoil", which is unfortunate as the latter album seems to over-emphasise the "more accessible" ambient-tinged side of the band. "The Pink Opaque", though short (even for the LP era), better reflects the diversity of the Cocteau Twins' music.

Tracks like "The Spanglemaker", "Wax and Wane", "Hitherto", "Lorelei" and "Musette and Drums" proved influential on the goth movement, whilst other tracks, especially "Aikea-Guinea", could be said to anticipate shoegazing/dream