Search - Gary Numan :: Here I Am

"I Am Cheesy"

mwreview | Northern California, USA | 01/09/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD years ago because it contained several rare tracks I did not have. Now that most of these songs are readily available on excellent releases of their respective albums, this collection looks even more cheesy than before. The cover photos are very unattractive, especially the photo on the back on the case where Numan looks emasculated. Even worse, the title of the collection is a misprint of a Numan B-side--the song is entitled "Here Am I." The set list is nowhere near his best material. All the songs are from his record company Numa during which his music gradually became more Janet Jacksonesque except for a live "Are 'Friends' Electric?" tucked in the middle sounding very much out of place. The last track, "Berserker," fades at the 4-minute point as if the CD ran out of space. Of the rare tracks, "In a Glasshouse" is on the Cleopatra release of Machine & Soul and "Here Am I" is on the reissue of Berserker (both are excellent B-sides). "She Cries" is an interesting track. It harks back to the sound of Numan's excellent 1981 album Dance and can also be found on the Berserker import release. "We Need It" was the B-side to the "Your Fascination" single and can be found on the Fury import release as well as a few boxed sets (i.e. the Numa Years). "London Times" comes from Radio Heart. Even if you do not have this track, you are probably not missing much. Think of Numan backed up by Phil Collins' Fabulous Jacuzzi band. Scary, I know. Besides "AFE?," there are two other live tracks: "Confession" and "America." The live version of "America" is excellent. If you are a Numan completest, there may be some treasure on this CD for you but, if you are a casual fan, there are so many other nicer packaged Numan collections out there offering a better breadth of his work, you can pass on this one with no regrets."

A collection of songs on numan's label- honest reveiw

mwreview | 08/01/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"By the era of these recording a more experimental Numan is emerging. Some of the recording may not be as successful as his earlier works but there is a effort to grow. It should also be noted that the quote "critics" showered Gary Numan with negative press throughout his carrear until recently,when artist such as Trent Resnor of NIN and Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins cited him as an influence. All his success was achieved without radio play or Mtv support. Some of the effects of all this adversity to his music and record label pressure began to errode his confidence. Just a little history.Now to the music. Confession,America,and Are Freinds Electric? are live recording to demonstrate what a fantastic live performer his is. Standout tracks are London Times(one ot his best-uptempo and extremely catchy), The Skin Game, In a Glass House, the lovely Here am I, Berserker, My Dying Machine and the Haunting Time to Die.These aren't his best works of this era ! but it is a nice collection. If you really want to sample this era check out Numa Years Box Set-its more expensive but it is well worth it. Fury,Strange Charm and Sacrafice are some of his best work. Period!"