Anthology [Original recording remastered]

City Boy | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Pilot
• ASIN: B00005NC4M
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #435,945 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. 5-7-0-5

2. I've Been Spun

3. (Moonlight) Shake My Head and Leave

4. Dinner at the Ritz

5. The Day the Earth Caught Fire

6. Heads Are Rolling

7. Bet

8. Hap-Ki-Do-Kid

9. Bad for Business

10. Modern Love Affairs

11. She's Got Style

12. Need a Little Loving

13. What a Night

14. Surgery Hours (Doctor Doctor)

15. Goodbye Blue Monday

16. New York Times

17. You're Leaving Me

18. Young Men Gone West

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars They Got Style!, January 6, 2003

By 

"the-disco-kid" (Bay City, Babylon 7) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology (Audio CD)

One of the greatest under-appreciated Pop/Rock acts in history, City Boy first caught my attention circa 1977 with "She's Got Style" -- a "lost classic" if there ever was such a thing -- off the "Young Men Gone West" LP. Their sole U.K. Top 10 single hit "5.7.0.5." and its parent album "Book Early" ('78) were also worn out by the time I got through with them, while their later work ("The Day the Earth..." + "Heads Are Rolling") never found much favour with me due to me being otherwise occupied at the time (Punk/New Wave).

Recently, however, I had the opportunity to check all of CB's recorded work out more thoroughly and was pleasantly surprised by how well it has held up compared to much of the more generally celebrated popular music from that late '70s/early '80s era; solid musicianship, some of the tightest harmonies you're ever likely to hear, very well written songs + nearly always, ummm, "interesting" lyrics a la early Sparks -- these, duly, were CB's main strengths.

Musically, and for those who like to do that, it's tough to categorize this band. But for better or for worse, I would say at several different times they sound a little like such overall unsimilar acts as Queen, 10cc, around '80-era Rollers and the aforementioned mid-'70s Sparks -- which should say something about their overall diversity. Their first two LP's are a tad too "proggy" for my taste, but nearly always (again) "interesting" nonetheless.

Which brings us to this "Best Of" anthology-type-of-thing here. Although, as ALWAYS in such cases, I miss more than a couple of old faves ("Mr.Shoes", "Summer in the Schoolyard", Goodbye Lorelei"), it is indeed an exceptionally well compiled collection. But the biggest beef -- and that is also exactly what keeps this one from getting my full, flawless, 5 star rating -- is the sloppy packaging, the clumsy spelling mistakes and the highly inaccurate sleevenotes ("The Day The Earth Caught Fire" a U.K. Top 10 hit?! I don't think so). And althought the overall sound and (re?)mastering is good, it quite frankly escapes me why the the ending of "Mr.Shoes" -- which, lest we forget, is omitted from this collection -- is included as the beginning of "Heads Are Rolling", the next track behind it on the "H.A.R" album!! Evidently -- and in spite of managing to make this much-needed compilation sound good -- the people behind it weren't able enough to make it also sound RIGHT.

But for some people these may be just minor flaws and the main issue here is to finally have a (mostly) fine representation of City Boy available on CD. And for that we should just be grateful. As good place as any to start your exploration of this great, yet mostly unknown, band. Enjoy!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS!!!, February 15, 2003

By 

Philip Dercole (Cranston, RI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anthology (Audio CD)

This is possibly the WORST compilation I have ever purchased. As a long time City Boy fan I am disgusted by the exclusions of such classics as "Mr. Shoes", "Summer in the Schoolyard", "Moving in Circles", "Machines", "Cigarrettes", "Mama's Boy", "The Man Who Ate His Car" just to name a few!!!!! The liner notes are completely wrong from the albums the songs came from to the personell on each album. I wonder if the band even knows about this release. The cover isn't even new. It's the "Young Men Gone west" artwork. Don't waste your money on this poor excuse for a City Boy "Anthology".....you can't call this poor representation of one of the greatest bands to come out of the '70's an anthology. Call it a ripoff!!!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Introduction to a Great Band, October 2, 2001

By 

James Choma - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Anthology (Audio CD)

City Boy... have you ever heard of them? If you have, you've been fortunate enough to hear some of the most inventive, wonderfully crafted, inspired music on the market. If not, this is a good place to start.

This multi-talented group began in the early 70's and eventually broke up in the early 80's but they left a legacy of music that stands the test of time and will be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

I have to admit I'd have included several alternative songs - but when you're faced with putting together a comprehensive collection, everyone has their own opinions. I just think it's great a compilation is out on the market.

If you like this album, make it a point to try the albums that make up the Anthology. They're economically priced as 2-on-1 CDs and are well worth the money. Enjoy!