Customer Reviews

Stepping Out of Line: The Anthology

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

 

 

I just want everyone who orders this CD to understand that the version you get sent here is NOT the one with 42 tracks. You only get 37 tracks and the tracklisting is not the same. Basically, you only get one song from the Live Berlin CD ("Piece Of My Heart") as opposed to the many that are listed here. Also, you do get some songs that are not listed here, such as "Taking Care of Him", "What Kind of Girl" and a few others. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up.

Great music, but the entire second cd has been mastered at the wrong (slower) speed, making the Au Pairs sound like Flipper. The original RPM CD reissue didn't have this problem. For instance:

Instant Touch (this cd): 3:00
Instant Touch (RPM): 2:43

Shakedown (this cd): 4:22
Shakedown (RPM): 4:04

Caveat emptor.

The Au Pairs are one of the most misunderstood bands of the post-punk era. Ultimately, sensualists instead of politicists, the groups two albums "Sense and Sensuality" and "Playing WIth A Different Gender" are two of the most important albums of the 80's. There's no Fall of Gang of Four mimicry here, and the previous reviewer, who seems to want the "Cliff's Notes" of post-punk, has moronically misunderstood the music. Buy it if you want angular funk, jagged guitar riffs...british nasal whine...

Sorry but I had to jump in on this one. You could possibly mention the Gang of Four in the same breath as the Au Pairs or possibly the Slits but The Fall ! Gimme a break pal. You cant compare The Fall to anyone.John Peel will be rolling in his grave after reading that.
As far as this collection goes, it's very good although I would go with the "BBC sessions" or "Playing With a Different Sex" if you are a first time buyer.

Honestly thes guys sound like a baby Gang of Four with female vocals. It seems as though they know how they want to sound but the delivery of the songs are somewhat bland. Except for a few: Obvious, Dear John, and my personal favorite Domestic Departure. All these songs are from the first CD. The songs on the second are even more dull. A person would probably like the Gang of Four or the Fall better.