Take note
07/11/2001
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Despite what the page says, when I received this CD in the mail I got the first disc only. After sending it back and receiving the same CD again, I was informed that this item is the single disc only; the second disc isn't included. If you must have the second disc, you must try another listing."
One-Stop Shopping
08/27/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"OK--there are some classic cuts missing, but this is a great CD to get the ball rolling for those who want to upgrade from vinyl and cassette. The sonic quality can't be beat, and though the songs from the 2nd disc are probably less familiar/interesting to those who like the first 25 tracks, there are some noteworthy inclusions, such as "Mr. Pleasant," "Celluloid Heroes," and a great companion piece to "Sunny Afternoon" called "Afternoon Tea." Only one gripe--how could they have left off "Stop Your Sobbing," which appears on the less-well-mastered Rhino CD? With "Sobbing," and perhaps "Who'll Be the Next in Line," this would have been one of the best rock CD collections of all time. It's good enough for most of us, though, and we can fill in the blanks with the original LP/CDs when necessary."
The Early Hits - Plus a Great Mixed Bag!
Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 01/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This two CD compilation features one CD containing all/ most of the well-known PYE singles from 1964-70; and most have already proven to be timeless classics. Strange, though, that the great "Shangrila" from "Arthur" has not been included! Most Kinks fans obviously have these tracks already as most have been several times before ( "You Still Want Me" maybe the only exception ) .
CD 2, is called "Waterloo Sunset" after Ray Davies collection of short stories. I have not yet read the book, but I assume that the songs compiled for this collection have references to these stories.
It's a funny/intersting mixed bag of old, new, classic and rare. For Kinks collectors there is plenty to go for here. First of all there are 3 previously songs recorded in 1997 - demos recorded with members of the Kinks. Moreover there are two fine alternate versions of songs from Ray Davies' soundtrack "Return to Waterloo". When this CD was first released the soundtrack had not yet been CD released!!
There is a great live recording of "Rock'n Roll Fantasy", a nevr heard before alternate recording of "Art Lover" with slightly different lyrics!
Among the previously released material, "Mr Pleasant" and "Drivin" would have fitted better onto the first CD, but they're great songs and it's interesting to hear the outstanding "Celluloid Heroes" alongside Pye material. Another often forgotten gem is "Holiday Romance" from "Soap Opera"; I would love to CD a Donald Duck or Micky Mouse cartoon covering this song - lot of humour hidden there.
Two of the strongest tracks from the last full-length studio album "Phobia" are also included. So the CD covers most record companies tke Kinks recorded for!
Great Release!"
