Search - Various Artists :: More Complete Eighties

Full, Rich 24-Bit Remastered Sound!

Jason W. Bellenger | Byron Center, Michigan, USA | 10/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. From EMI Australia comes this 2006 'More Complete Eighties' 5-CD set. Considering the price I wasn't expecting the sound quality to be that good. I suppose it all depends on the individual EMI markets when deciding on the sources to use when compiling these kind of compilations because other EMI markets have failed to impress me on a number of ocassions when it comes to sound quality. Note in the tracklisting provided by Amazon (which is the same as in the liner notes of these CDs) that a number of tracks are listed with "2002 24-Bit Remastered" or "1999 Digital Remaster", for example. All I was expecting is the remastering for those tracks alone. However, this is certainly not the case since every track on this 5-CD release sounds like it has been digitally remastered using the latest 2006 24-bit technology.



Let me give a few examples. Take Spandau Ballet's "To Cut A Long Story Short." Although it is not credited as being 24-bit remastered the sound is obviously upgraded. It sounds brilliant! T'Pau's 1987 smash "Heart And Soul" is another example. I have been waiting to hear this song in all it's glory for a long time now. On previous CD releases the track always seemed to be lacking that extra punch. Finally it's here with it's roaring bass and drums! The grinding bass line of Culture Club's "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" seems to be missing in other 80's collections, but it's here, sounding just as good as the 2004 remaster! I could go on and on.



Never have all these recordings sounded so crisp, full, and clear. Some of these recordings are 25+ years old and and are given a new light on this release. Several 80's compilations have solid tracklistings but varying sound quality with no consistent audio level. These tracks are all level and bright throughout. Considering the list price this package is a bargain!



The tracklisting is excellent as well. Although we do get several overused 80's tracks - in how many more collections can you get Spandau Ballet's beautiful, classic "True"? - the release has it's share of rarities and gems, namely those hits stemming from the Australian market. A number of these tracks I've never heard previously and am really enjoying them for the first time (The Radiators' "No Tragedy" being one example). While I may not be too fond of having a handful of these tracks again I am hearing many of them in the best audio quality yet. Therefore, no complaints on the tracklisting!



However, just when you think everything is perfect with this release there is one major flaw on EMI's part. That awful copy protection the label likes to slap on their releases as of late! It's annoying! I put the CD in my computer and get an message stating that I need to update some files to my computer. Luckily, I have an option! I click "cancel" every time I load one of these discs. I am then allowed to play the CDs with Windows Media Player with little distraction. Yet, every so often I'll hear a click or little skip, probably stemming from this lousy copy protection. Again, this is totally unecessary considering the effort put into the sound. For that, EMI Australia, I have to knock this release down a star.



Each disc clocks in around 70 minutes, leaving just enough space for the copy protection.



5+ stars for the tracklisting, stunning remastering, and price. 1-star for the copy protection. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, so I give this release a 4-star rating. I'm looking forward to more of these releases, preferably without the copy protection."