Music : 12" 80s Pop

Rating: - Unbeatable value...
The series of 12" 80's era CD box sets highlight just what a rich tapestry of output this period had, and reading through the reviews, also how opinions divide so much over track listings.

Dealing with the track listing issue, I won't be doing a track by track analysis as others have already done so (no point in repeating others work), and I reckon if you are looking at the items page, the track listing, and my review, you will already know if this album is what you want, and if you know or like the tracks or not.

The albums in the 12" series seem to average between 30-40 tracks, so back in the day (let alone now at collectors' fairs) to buy all of the tracks included would cost at least a £120 or more. You can now buy a collection for a tenth of that price. So by my reckoning, if you buy any of these compilations and you have only a few that you like, or get hold of an old favourite that is totally unavailable by any other means, you are quid's in. For me the ultimate compliment to this series, are the other pale imitators that have been subsequently released by other labels, in a bid to cash in on the success and quality of the 12" series of albums.

Ignore the critics, these albums represent outstanding value for money, and for those of us who where around at the time (or maybe wish they were) the 12" series of CD's represent an outstanding opportunity to acquire a collection of quality tracks that realistically, would be otherwise virtually impossible to achieve.

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Rating: - Before You Think About Buying . . .
Here Is A Note From The Inside Cover Of Disc 1 By Dorian Wathen:

I should also point out that we do make every effort to locate the original 12" mixes of as many of the tracks as possible. This was quite tricky on the first volumes, as these tracks had laid dormant and unloved in dusty music libraries, and a few mistakes were made as incorrect versions were occasionally used and incorrectly marked up, only to be discovered too late... now as more and more of these 12" versions are coming onto the market on compilations and reissues etc, it has become a little easier to locate the various 12" versions, which is a great thing for all of us. We may have made an error or two even so (but we do try not to!)... and am also doubtly sure you'll point this out and correct us on an internet review site or two... we thank you for this...

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Rating: - 12 Inch - Not etirely true
CD ONE Other tracks are 12 inch versions.
First of all this is a big plus
CD ONE 8. Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days (Remix) the 1989 Remix with Feetmoving RAP =).

CD TWO
1. Yazoo - Don't Go (Remix) Yes the first part 4:05 doesnt include the
re-remix version which is good cause the re-remix version is the somewhat the dub/instrumental part of the two part CD-single of Don't Go.
2. Bronski Beat - Small Town Boy (Extended Mix) NOT this is the 5 min album version (the extended is 9 min long).
6. Fine Young Cannibals - Johnny Come Home (Extended Mix) Yes it is 12" version the right one BUT this sounds like it was vinylripped with the crackle sound untouched... hmmm... I thought I bought a CD =P.
9. The Special A.K.A. - Nelson Mandela (Extended Version) NOT extended
and vinyl crackle sound present... *sigh* oh well...
10. Musical Youth - Pass The Dutchie (12" Mix) THANKS it IS 12" :).
12. Yazz - The Only Way Is Up (12" Version) The Original MAXI version.

NOW CD 3 THREE (Are ALL 12" Versions.... NO here is the list of errors)
There are 12 tracks present.
1. Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra (12" Mix) WRONG it is SINGLE Version
4. Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out (12" Mix) There is only an ALBUM Version
11. Kim Wilde - You Keep Me Hanging On (12" Mix) the 9 min long version
12. Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme (Extended Remix) It is NOT the Ben Liebrand remix I think DMC won't let that one go so easily to the public.

Still the question remains. Was it worth it.
With the few errors it is still worth the money you pay for it with a little reservation for the WRONG information on some tracks info of beeing 12" mix when in fact they are not 12" mixes... good thing I have them already... (...)

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Rating: - Not bad, could be better.......
A few good treats on here such as Dance Hall Days, Poison Arrow, Living on the ceiling, and Rip it Up. Not the cream of the crop as 80's music goes though (in my humble opinion), with so many class tunes from that era surely the creators could have done better than the Miami Vice theme, Yazz and Nik Kershaw to mention a few? Still, its alright to throw on at a party....... :.)

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Rating: - CAUTION - TRACK LISTING VARIES CONSIDERABLY
Another fine colllection of 80's twelve inchers from Family Recordings. However, the original tracklisting various a great deal!

What you don't get;

Human League, Heaven 17, Pet Shop Boys, A-Ha, Lisa Stansfield, Communards, Wham!, New Order, Depeche Mode, Mighty Wah!, Paul Hardcastle, MARRS, Dire Straits, Irene Cara or Falco.

Also, the ABC track is actually 'Poison Arrow (US Jazz Mix)',the Cure track is 'Lullaby (extended mix)', not 'The Lovecats' and the Erasure track is 'Victim Of Love (12" Mix), not 'Sometimes'.

What you do get instead..

Duran Duran - Girls On Film (night version)
King - Love And Pride (US summer mix)
Curiosity Killed The Cat - Ordinary Day (12" mix)
Godley & Creme - Cry (extended remix)
Soft Cell - What! (12" mix)
Teardrop Explodes - Treason (remix)
Rick James - Superfreak (12" mix)
Kid Creole & Coconuts - Stool Pigeon (12" mix)
Transvision Vamp - Baby, I Don't Care (Abigails Party mix)
Kim Wilde - You Keep Me Hanging On (12" mix)

The original track listing would have garnered 5 stars - a shame about some of the changes / omissions (I was particularly looking forward to the CD debut of 'The Lovecats'). Perhaps next time....