Good selection, but it's only half the story...
Kevin O'Conner | 04/27/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"As with other releases in the series (Pop Will Eat Itself's "Wise Up Suckers" and Blow Monkeys' "For the Record" among them), this disc offers a good balance of album tracks, singles, and 12-inch mixes. The key attractions on this disc are the 12-inch versions of "Life in Tokyo" and "European son", both previously unavailable on CD at the time.The disc was inadvertently mastered in mono from one side of the stereo mix. Needless to say, this makes for a slightly bizarre listening experience until one has figured out what's going on. I suppose the bright side is that BMG have managed to create a quasi-collectible item available for sale at budget prices.For whatever reason, BMG have chosen to not re-master the disc in proper stereo. It's still worth the occasional listen or two, if only as one of the oddest collections of alternative versions you're likely to hear."
Another careless record company disaster..
Kevin O'Conner | 07/18/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This compilation of early Japan material succeeds in featuring a number of rare 12" mixes (European Son, Life In Tokyo..) but is totally spoiled by the sad and unfortunate fact that the *entire* cd was mastered in **MONO** . They should sack the responsible individual, withdraw all copies of it and offer free exchange for those unfortunate enough to have purchased this. Just my opinion.. : )"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1