Arkeology [Box set]

World Party | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 10, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 5
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Seaview
• ASIN: B007BS10IK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,829 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

As much a throwback to the 60's rock that World Party leader Karl Wallinger grew up loving as it is a reinvention of it, "Arkeology" showcases some of Wallinger's strongest work to date. New songs like "Waiting Such a Long Time" (2008), "Everybody's Falling in Love" (2011), and "Photograph,"--a sprawling piano anthem recorded over a period of seventeen years (1994 to 2011)--are more evidence of Wallinger's already-known talent for writing infectious pop hooks.

The entire collection is packaged in the Any Year Diary, a 142-page, full-color day calendar for fans' personal use that features rare photos, clips of articles, and World Party memorabilia from Wallinger's personal archives, as well as his notes and commentary about various shows and recordings. "The reason it's all inside an any-year diary," Wallinger says, "is because I just got so sick of the CD packaging. I'm glad the whole CD format is dying, but I really didn't want to put something out that was only digital."

"Arkeology" also provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Wallinger's quirky humor and love of studio experimentation with several genre-bending demos, some recorded as early as 1985. A pitch-shifted, effects-heavy rendition of "What is Love All About" (from 1993's Bang!) for instance, wouldn't be out of place on a contemporary R&B record. And live versions of familiar hits--including an ascendant crowd sing-along of "Ship of Fools" from Boulder, CO in 1998, and fan favorites like "Love Street" from 2006's Bonnaroo Festival--capture the band at some of its finest moments.

Formed in 1986, as Wallinger's solo project, (previously of cult heroes The Waterboys), World Party has amassed a collection of hit singles over its history, including "Ship of Fools", "Put the Message in the Box," "Is It Like Today?" and the chart-topping "Way Down Now," while contributing to movie soundtracks for Reality Bites and Clueless. In recent years, Wallinger has taken World Party to the stages of Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and elsewhere.

Product Description

2012 five CD set from Welsh singer/songwriter Karl Wallinger and his World Party crew. Arkeology contains 70 tracks that span 25 years including four albums worth of previously unreleased studio material alongside 15 live tracks PLUS a stunning coffee table book with lyrics, stories, pictures and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Show Me Something True Today" April 10, 2012

By Daniel-san

Format:Audio CD

What did Wallinger drag out from the back drawer from his 25 years of recording? This compilation is not simply b-sides and outtakes--it's a great snapshot of a variety of styles and feelings from the wonderfully inventive idea that is World Party. Glad to know that he didn't simply rely on his old standbys for this release--it's a treasure trove of tidbits that are a must have for any World Party fan.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait! April 10, 2012

By hairbland

Format:Audio CD

Being a fan, I've been waiting for a new World Party record for years...and now I have 5 new records all at once, from Beatles, Dylan and Sly Stone covers to new songs to live versions of the hits! Packaged in a spiral bound date book (I've never seen anything like this, it can go on my bookshelf) with wonderful pictures and funny witty commentary from Karl, my wait is over. Long live World Party...the wait was worth it! Cross my fingers for a tour!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant April 27, 2012

By BP Mills

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

So a lot of other reviewers have opined on what is missing, or what they wish was different in this set. Great, great, great.
I am the kind of WP listener who bought every album as they were released, but never went in for the singles, bootlegs, etc. Only a few bands merited that devotion from me (XTC, Beautiful South, The Police, Talk Talk....). And it turns out, that was OK. World Party (Karl W. that is) has put together this fantastic set. Truly inspired. Fresh, upbeat, twisty, funky, and just plain FUN! Tons of songs!
All I can say is that this set is brilliant.
I just rec'd the set a hour ago, and after listening to about 10 songs, I know that getting this set was the right choice. Money well spent. This will be great music to listen t all summer!