Living on in style
Stuart Briggs | England | 02/12/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The description above mentions aficionados, but I reckon any music lover would take this to their heart. In the five days that I've owned this album it's been the ONLY one I've played - it's that distinctive. Stuart's voice is just magnificent on some of the most wondrous tracks (not simply Big Country songs) that you'll ever be lucky enough to experience. So why only 4 stars? Because the reworkings or demos of old songs are not that special, we've heard them before and some are too weak to even endure. But, at the end of it all, this work underscores the point that, like Offspring, Big Country are too innovative and certainly too awesomely talented to ignore. If Tony Butler's going to drip feed us albums of this class then I can't wait for Rarities IV."
As good as any studio album
Thomas O. Morrison | Ogdensburg, NY United States | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Right from "Ages of a Man" to the end this rocks. Even as a "Rarities" collection, I think it stands up as a pretty fine album. A little rough at times it shows a slightly different view of the band. Of particular note is the alternate version "1000 Yard Stare" which I personally like better than the commercial version. This version is stark and even more haunting. Highly recommended to all Big Country fans (especially if you don't know which "Rarities" to jump into)and for anyone looking for a great album with rough edges."
Excellent songs
michael bragg | glen jean, wv United States | 06/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although some songs have been heard on other albums, two of the songs are spectacular. "You Lose Your Dreams" and "Golden Boy Loves Golden Girl" are some of my favorites on this album, plus "You Lose Your Dreams" is one of my top favorite Big Country songs."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1