(Like) a 2 in 1 deal
Ben Cartwright | Seattle, Wa. | 09/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of their many compilations, Culture Club's 1999 "Original Gold" is really 2 CD in 1 package: "Kissing to be clever," and a 1998 Disky version of their "12" Mixes plus," their singles collection w/out "Gusto Blusto."
Although George admits that instead of singing/writing songs he really wanted on 1982 debut "Kissing to be clever," I still say what may be a "track-filler" to you may be an inspiration to another. Time Frame 1-9) 4:40, 3:35, 2:35, 3:11, 4:23, 3:51, 3:17, 4:27, 3:36. Unlike the black/white cover version of this being sold on Amazon (see my review for that), this has words to the songs and time frame.
The "12" Mixes plus," I'll be quoting the brief descript. with my own.
The misty "Move away (12" mix)"7:28 "The extended mix of their 'comeback' single which reached No.7 in Spring of 1986." The dance of of "It's a miracle/Miss me blind (US 12" mix)"9:11 "Glorious remix segueing two of the best songs from "Colour By Numbers." "God thank you woman (extended version)"7:05 "The band's last single, issued in unhappy times (May '86) but on reflection a great record which the remix enhanced even more." The joy of "I'll tumble 4 ya (Us 12" mix)"4:38 "The band's third American Top hit, this remix appeared on the 'b' side of "Karma Chameleon" 12" in the UK." The beat of "Love is cold (you were never no good)"4:23 "'b' side of "Do you really want to hurt me?" Liquidy raggae vers. of "Do you really want to hurt me?" Dub version feat. Papa Weasel3:8 "The 12" Dub version with a 'crucial' bit of rapping!" (At first George didn't want this as a single because it was so personal to him.) Raggae vers. of "Everything I own (P.W.Botha mix)"7:12 "Boy George's first solo single-took just two weeks to hit No.1. Great 12" version." The warm, heart-touching, enchanting "Colour By Numbers"3:58 "Title of the band's most successful album ever featured on there! Became 'b' side of the Top 3 hit 'Victims'." The dance of "From Luxury to Heartache"4:23 "Similarly, titled after their (fourth) album but not included in the tracklisting-became 'b' side of 'God thank you woman'." The instrumental (no vocals) of "Time (Clock of the heart) (Instrumental mix)"3:47 "The glorius Orchestral remix which turned up on the 12" single. Purley instrumental and quite wonderful." "Black Money"5:20 "was first featured on "Colour By Numbers" album-then on "This Time" hitsset as a forthcoming (belated!) single. However, release was pulled at last minute. Would have been a big hit." The sweet "Love Is Love"2:59 "From the "Electric Dreams" soundtrack and a smash hit single in Japan." (By the way, great movie too!) The beat of "Man Shake"2:36 "Superb track heavily featuring the soaring vocals of Helen Terry. 'B' side of 'Church of the poison mind'." An anthem for an anthem of "The War Song (Ultimate dance mix)"6:18 "Heavily percussive 12" remix accentuating the chant feel of this Top 3 smash."
Buy this now! I may have bought at a local store, but believe me-you will get so much more than you paid for. Enjoy Culture Club!"
The Disky Company Deserves a "Man Shake"!
Joseph J. Brigante | Norwalk, CT United States | 10/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This collection is two CD's that the Disky Company in Holland put together. The first one is the first Culture Club album, "Kissing To Be Clever". And no, "Time" is not on it, as it never origially was. Yet, there is something special about this CD. We can finally get the lyrics to the songs, with the pink cover of Boy George on the front. Excluding the fact "Time" is not on it, this CD is similar to the Epic label in the 1980's in the U.S. Disky deserves a prize for having the lyrics available, unlike Virgin America. The other CD is the 12' Mixes, the European and Canadian version of there 12' inch singles. And yes, it is slightly better than the US 12' Collection Plus, since "Romancing The Alphabet" is on the CD, the instrumental version of "Time (Clock of the Heart)". "Black Money" is also included, with "Man Shake". This not only shows that Boy George and Helen Terry are magic together, but Culture Club is the ultimate heart, pop, and soul group of the music industry. With a price like this, this compilation was the surprise of January 2000. Thanks for reading."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1