Customer Reviews

Everything & More

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't often take the time to write reviews of CD's, but in all my 20+ years of collecting pop music, finally a record company releases an artist's compilation album that is truly a fan's dream from start to finish! A pleasant surprise, since Naked Eyes only released two (fantastic) albums in the early 80's. I first heard One Way Records (part of EMI) were planning this release over a year ago from the official Naked Eyes site - it was a long wait, but WOW was it worth it. I've collected tons of 80's 12-inch singles, and of course had to recollect most of them when CD's came into town, so to have ALL of Naked Eyes' 12-inch remixes released on one CD was most certainly the work of God himself! The stunning reworkings of "Always Something There To Remind Me", "Promises, Promises" and "(What) In the Name Of Love" have never sounded better. The mastering of the entire disc in fact is top notch. I love the unreleased mixes as well! What a treat to hear a budding Madonna contribute spoken lines in 2 never-released versions of "Promises Promises". Those 2 mixes are surprisingly quite different from the released Tony Mansfield mixes, but very good nonetheless. "Sacrifice", I assume, was to be a single from "Fuel For The Fire" as it was remixed for 12-inch but never released. The remix is fantastic! Naked Eyes always had really cool B-Sides ("The Time Is Now" is absolutely essential - and EMI was smart to include it on the 1993 Best Of release) and "Pit Stop", "Sweet Poison" and the early demo-like version of "(What) In The Name Of Love" certainly exceeded my expectations. It's also nice to finally have the last 2 songs from "Fuel For The Fire" put to CD. So now BOTH COMPLETE Naked Eyes albums are available on CD - just scattered around on 3 different releases! The final 4 tracks are from two 7-inch singles that were relased as "Neon" - BEFORE they became Naked Eyes! Although a bit edgier, the melodies are still very much Naked Eyes! These 4 tracks are from the vinyl singles themselves, but care was obviously taken in getting the best possible transfer. The packaging is nice, with photos from a Naked Eyes video and entertaining bits about each track by Pete Byrne himself. Rob Climie (the keyboard player) sadly passed away not long ago. I think he'd be proud to know Pete took part in creating a First Class rarity collection like "Everything And More". Pete Byrne is also still very much active, having recently released a solo album - I loved his single "The World In Which We Love" - like Naked Eyes never went away! I am in absolute bliss - thank you to One Way, EMI, Pete and anyone else who took part in bringing this collection to fruition!!!

OK, as a LONG-TIME Naked Eyes fan since the first album hit the shops oh so many years ago (I still have in possession both vinyl LP`s & various singles) I was thrilled to hear about this release. I thought, finally, the remaining songs, b-sides & mixes in crystal clear CD format.

The first 'Best of' was not well thought out--"Promises Promises Best Of.." was far superior with the liner notes, photo's & the TWO versions of "Promises Promises." But as usual--a great compilation is deleted from the label's catalog & still the crappy "Best of" is out there" (On a side note: for some reason the US S/T LP I purchased the day of release--in Chicago--has the original "Promises, Promises" 'tea verse' version--tho all my friends who bought the same album got the newer version on their LP--was the first one recalled or was I just lucky?)

Along comes "Everything & More" & we have what is supposed to be the missing pieces of the Naked Eyes puzzle with a few earlier bits thrown in which are WAY cool to listen to--along w/the Material Girl (yes, it is her contrary to the first reviewer on this page) speaking an interlude on "Promises Promises" AND my ALL-Time Fave song "Once Is Enough".

Overall it's a great companion to what's already on CD---but a stop short of saying 'perfect" I REALLY REALLY want to give it a "5-star", but I can't due to one MINOR technicality----THERE IS STILL ANOTHER NAKED EYE'S SONG ONLY RELEASED ON VINYL THAT WAS LEFT OFF THIS CD. I refer to the B-side for the 45 of "(What) in the name of love"---"Two Heads Together" Why didn't this song make it on the CD which would have completed the "B-sides to Cd Format conversion"? What happened there? Anyone at One Way?? Mr. Byrne?? Was it just overlooked or is it going to be on a third helping of N.E's rarities released down the road? If so, forgiven--if not--grrrrrrrr.

OK, there's my rant--in all honesty, it's a "4.999999999"rating---worth it worth it worth it for a trip down synth-pop memory lane by two of the most talented people ever to produce electronic music at the time.

My PERFECT N.E.'s release? Both albums released as a 2-1 w/a bonus disc of ALL the B-sides, rarities & a few demos perhaps (Would get a kick out of hearing again the Dr. Pepper promo ad they did for the radio) original/updated liner notes, artwork & possibly a new remix of "Always..." or "Promises, Promises." Now that's' a hard-core fans dream release.

RTB

Jellybean's "girlfriend" mentioned in the description above is the one and only MADONNA. Her previously unreleased 1983 vocal for Naked Eyes has been kept secret from fans until just recently. Now is your chance to hear it.

Remixes and rare tracks make up this set. As a long time Naked Eyes fan it was great to hear some of these remixes, Arthur Baker really had a knack back then. The Jellybean stuff is less memorable, I can see why they got shelved. And Madonna's contribution is fleeting.
The tracks from the pre-Naked Eyes days, Neon, are really great. they have that classic 81 sound.

In my opinion, I was a happy man when I purchased this CD at the end of 2005. I paid $13.98/US to get it. At this time (03/18/2007), I noticed that some individuals are selling their copies for over $90/US. The music is excellent - the price (US90+) is tantamount to highway robbery.

My recommendation? Keep your money in your pocket - wait for the price to drop to no more than $30/US. Then re-think your purchase!

The music rates five stars!!

If You have the 2 previously issued "greatest hits" comps that were issued by EMI, then this CD, will by all means, complete Your Naked Eyes collection. Now, with all 3 CD's, if You have itunes, You can arrange the songs as they appeared on the original LP/Cassette versions. Cover artwork can be found on the net. As in the other reviews, there are some very rare tracks indeed, as well as a few surprises ie; Madonna backing tracks on the Jellybean mix of Promises, Promises not to mention 4 tracks by NEON, before they where Naked Eyes. Gee, I wish I had bought this CD when it was first released in '93, but it was well worth the 50 bucks I shelled out here. Don't wait, if You see a good copy, grab when You can!

Happy Collecting.

I own the 12 inch and have hunted for Promises forever on cd. I have the long version at last,fantastic.

,Rick

This collection of remixes gives a new light to some songs by Naked Eyes. The most famous 80's success "(What)In the name of love" has a new sound but it keeps all the magic of those powerful decade. Besides, one of these remixes, called "Promises Promises" has a special guest star singing some verses. Who is she? Simply Madonna

Well maybe not a treasure but it is definately without a doubt Madonna on the Jellybean mixes of Promises Promises. Please be aware that the Madonna part is only very brief (maybe 30 seconds of the 12" Jellybean mix) but for a Madonna freak who wants every known recording you may want to pick this up. As a casual listener of Naked Eyes I really can't give a decent review of the rest of the CD but it is great to hear Madonna add her touch to this New Wave hit. Now if only we could not uncover a Human League/Madonna mix!

ITS ALBUM THAT DOES NOT FEATURE MADONNA
I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE I WAS FOOLED BY THE FALSE ADVERTISEMENT
HOWEVER; ITS VERY 80'S UNDERGROUND POP-DANCE I SUPPOSE
BUT DONT BUY IT IF YOU WANNA HEAR MOTHER SING
CAUSE SHE WONT.