Customer Reviews

#1's (Eco-Friendly Packaging)

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You can't go wrong with classic James Brown, but this new "Eco-Friendly" packaging stinks! Only had it two days and already it's frayed. Cheap, cheap, cheap. And NO liner notes whatsoever. They released the Elton John and Marvin Gaye # 1's in this format as well this week, and I will NOT buy them. I'm all for conservation but these raggedy things suck.

The packaging (what there is of it) falls to pieces, the egg-carton tray doesn't hold the CD properly and is already disintegrating, and Universal is too mean to give you a booklet. After all, why should they pay when you can download and print the booklet on your own dime. There are also much better James Brown overviews --- the 50th Anniversary collection is much more diverse and offers better value.

A great package except for the package - I love the concept but an enclosure of liners with photos and session notes - yeah, just maybe, the fans and historians want to know on which tracks we hear Maceo Parker or Clyde Stubblefield - would have been possible; and where's the protection for the disc? Guess what, guyz like me just might go and buy a plastic jewel case (anyway) for the valuable gems.
Having said that, let's recognize that there *are* 19 classics, no *Classics* here, and pressed especially for those listeners who want to *hear the band*. Of course, way back when, records were mixed for analog systems and some instruments got lost, or sent from the living room to the back porch. I can't say which tracks here have been re-channeled but those mixes which isolate JB's vocal to the center and place the instrumentation on each side...well, read my review title.
If you're not into astonishingly clear and "vivid" sound, then any number of recycle packages are out there, but this set stands alone - I'm talking about the incredible *sound*.
Some recent releases seem to hint at far more adventurous offers hopefully on the way. If such items are forthcoming, let's hope Producer-Genius Harry Weinger is at the controls!