Customer Reviews

Play: The B-Sides [Limited]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're a fan of Moby's non-mainstream, synth-based work, pick this up. The B-sides disc has the feel of "Ambient" and the later half of the US version of "Animal Rights." I'm giving it 4 stars because I think that it's a little silly to include it with the original disc of "Play" seeing as most people who would buy it probably are fans and already have "Play." Also, I'm a little bummed that Moby did not include four other B-sides: Princess (from the "Why Does My Heart..." single), Micronesia (from "Honey" single), Sick in the System (from "Natural Blues" single), and Arp (from "Bodyrock" single). But, on the whole, the B-sides disc is phenomenal and worth any Moby fan's money.

As a devout Play fan, I was excited to hear the B-Sides album. To my delight, I was not disappointed. Moby has taken some of the best sounds and worked them into this more-mellow but equally amazing album. Although some tracks are reminiscent of those on Play, the disc has a distinct sound of its own. As in Play, Moby uses his vocal blues loops, simple piano melodies, and euphoric guitar licks to draw in the listener. If you liked Play, and particularly the more mellow tracks, check out the B-Sides.

Ok, you may notice that this is a two CD set, the first CD is actually the whole album "Play", the second is a collection of B-Sides and unreleased tracks that are in the same vein as "Play".

If you don't have "Play", buy this NOW, it's well worth the price.

If you DO own "Play", this might be a harder decision to make. Is it worth paying $20 for a 11 extra songs? Well, if you love Moby as much as I do, it's worth it. You can always give the other copy of "Play" to a friend or something. Or (if you're like me), you only had the cassette version of "Play", so now I have the CD version as well.

There are some great new songs on this other CD, each track sounds at place with "Play", so if you loved them, you'll love this as well.

Anyone who enjoyed the more electronic tracks on Play will certainly appreciate the b-sides on the second disk. This addition to Play is the consumate blend of ambience, form, and mood. I liked the b-sides better than the original release.

Firstly the first CD is the original release of Play.

But for the
price ... give your old copy of PLAY to some one else and enjoy the B
sides.

Flower and Whispering wind are two great vocals The rest is
just more great instrumentals. While they remind me of the songs of
Play the instumentals on the B side CD each have a really unique sound
that has that great mantra like yet purcusive rythum that I like from
MOBY.

You know how you hate to see a book end after having thoroughly enjoyed the content? Well, Moby's Play: The B-Sides fulfills that wish in giving the listener even more of the wonderful music which Play provided. It's almost as if the original CD never ended in the first place.

I discovered the B-Sides when searching for the mesmerizing Whispering Wind. Like other reviewers, I find myself baffled as to why the B-Sides didn't sell like Play itself. If you like Moby, you're sure to find several of the cuts just as enjoyable. Subjectively, after Whispering Wind, I found the followup cut Summer to be fascinating.

Bottom line, it's just plain good listenin'!

Aside from the original album in this box set, you get the b-sides collection. Keep in mind that not all the released b-side material is available here (there are a few songs floating around here and there in singles). These b-sides are predominantly instrumental, much like what you hear on Play. The mood that these songs radiate is a mix of tranquility and relaxation. I really feel this is more of an ambient companion to Play, because all the tracks are excellent, not quite b-side worthy (some tracks get a bit monotonous, but if you listen to them thinking of it as an ambient album they fit much better).

I've been a Moby b-side collector for some time now, and this is a worthy purchase on many levels other than just to collect obscure tracks. If you're a Moby fan, well, then I probably shouldn't have to tell you to get because you already have it, but the box set edition is very nice; comes with the two individual CDs in their own cases with an outer carboard case. It's really the perfect way to bring these two great albums together.

For anyone who already owns this amazing album, you'll what I'm talking about. Ever since I discovered Moby earilier this year, I've bought all of his music I can get my hands on. This b-sides album is very, very good. Tracks like Whispering Wind and Memory Gospel are beautiful, and it's interesting to hear how the album tracks and the b-sides go so well together. If you don't own Play, buy this. It's amazing music; you won't regret it.

I picked up this album about a year ago. That it took me this long to write a review is about how memorable the album actually is, but it necessitates a mention at least.

"Memory Gospel" figures prominently in Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday" (albeit remixed), and "Flying Foxes" probably should have been left on "Play". The rest is strictly fair-to-middling pap that you'll probably find as uninspiring as I did.

In short, if you were a fan of the low-tempo stuff on "Play", you'll probably find this worth owning. But for pure ambient soundscape brilliance, check out KLF's "Chill Out" or The Orb's "Live'93".

Moby has always been a pioneer in the music industry. In todays MTV dominated music world Moby floats on top of the generic list of marketed musicians. It takes the true genius of Moby to mix blues and electronic into a homogenious and awe inspiring album. Even the in leaf of the CD is interesting to read. Moby has continuously been a refreshing artist, best of all he is also an activist. He is an artist well worth supporting, this CD is a must buy!