A great rare collection for SAW generation Rick Fans
J. Derek Reardon | KC, MO, USA | 02/17/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a big Rick Astley fan. Despite people's critique of Rick's initial work as cliched and hackneyed, I am one of the few who loved Rick every step of the way. In fact, I can pretty well say that I also loved almost everything Stock-Aitken-Waterman did, for Rick as well as other artists in the late 80s/early 90s. This is a very important qualifier for anyone considering buying this CD since it features only Rick's hit songs from the SAW period, and sounds every bit of an SAW production.The first song is the Autumn Leaves Mix of "Take Me To Your Heart." I really love this song, and this almost 7 minute version is fun. However, the "remix" by David Ford isn't so much a remix as a rearrangement. The lyrics and vocals stay in tact, and the length is due to some vocal repeats, a longer intro, and a longer ending with a few logical orchestration additions.Next is the Extended Mix of "She Wants to Dance with Me." Again, the orchestration is simply added to and extrapolated out to make this over 7 minute mix. However, Mixmaster Genius Phil Harding did some fun computerized effects with Rick's voice on the refrain which is well worked into the intro and bridge to provide some unexpected harmonies.The last three songs were remixed by Phil Hammond, which explains why my analysis is relatively similar, since all three reflect a similar mixing style and "philosophy."The Matt's Jazzy Guitar Mix of "It Would Take a Strong, Strong Man" is my favorite mix on this CD. This almost 8 minute mix provides some additional guitar, orchestration, and beats missing from the original that make listening to this version a new and fun experience. I just wish they hadn't added the extra reverb to the vocals, but they aren't too noticeable, especially if you're singing along. :-)The Lover's Leap Extended Remix of "Together Forever" offers additions and reworks that make this relatively overplayed soft-rock-radio favorite seem new again. This 7 minute mix offers a new funky intro and the addition of some electronic guitars, as well as some funky playing of Rick's vocals in the bridge. The ending is acapella and quite nice.The last song, the Cake Mix of "Never Gonna Give You Up,"is just under 6 minutes, making it the shortest mix on the CD (which is just as well after this Rick overdose). The song remains pretty much the same; the time is added by an extended and funked up intro, an extended bridge, and a longer ending.So here's the big question - is it worth $20+ to buy 35 minutes worth of music? Here are some determining factors. One, you MUST like the SAW orchestration and that period of Rick's music. If you didn't simply love Rick's first two albums, this CD just might be torture for you. Second, you have to understand how you like your remixes. If you like them really different and funky, you won't like these. However, if you like extended versions that don't stray too far from the original, this is a great match. Third, do you treasure "rare" type CDs? You won't find these mixes anywhere else. This is a 1989 Japanese release, and the sleeve features writing in both Japanese and English. You'd be the envy of all if you played this at an 80s retro party.If you match the criteria above, this is a "must buy" before it vanishes. Otherwise, just listen to your regular Rick Astley CDs and tapes a couple of times over in succession to get that same Rick Astley overdose buzz. It'll be worth the trip. ;->"
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1