Customer Reviews

War of the Worlds (Remixed)

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

 

 

I was thrilled that Amazon was able to secure this title for me. The 2-CD edition of "The Remix Album" was originally released in England, but is no longer manufactured (a single-disc set is still available, however). Nevertheless, Amazon was able to track down a copy and send it to me (it took a little longer than the "2-3 days" availability listed onsite, but that's a minor matter).

I was also thrilled with the results. To begin with, this is not simply a "remix" of the original "War of the Worlds" concept album; rather, it's a reworking of the main musical themes. If you managed to get your hands on a 1998 import copy of the remastered edition of "Worlds" (also no longer available), then you've had a chance to hear what this album sounds like. On that release, Sony included four dance remixes at the end of Disc 2, and if -- like me -- you enjoyed those tracks (which are repeated on this release), you'll love this set.

Now, I normally approach a remix project like this with trepidation. Far too frequently, remixed dance versions of songs are a testament to the ego of the mixer. They tend to blather on for far too long and bear little (if any) resemblance to the original piece. That's not true here. Each of these remixes serves the source material faithfully. What's more, nearly every remix is a clever and worthy update. Who would've thought that ANYONE could take "The Red Weed" and turn it into a jacked-up R&B love song in the vein of Janet Jackson (don't get me wrong -- they didn't add vocals; it's just the style I'm talking about). And I got a kick out of "ULLAdubULLA," which is a "new" track from the point of view of the Martians ("The problem, of course, is the humans!").

CD1 offers 16 tracks that range in length from approximately 3:00 to 5:00 minutes. That's good, considering it reins in the mixes so they don't spin ad nauseum. There are 10 extended mixes offered on CD2, though I admit that I don't listen to it as often as I do CD1.

Since the 1998 remastered edition was never released in the U.S., I wouldn't expect that this remix project will see the light of day here either. If you're a fan of "War of the Worlds" and you enjoy engaging dance mixes, then by all means get Amazon to track down a copy of this for you before it's too late!

I cannot add much more than what the earlier reviewer said. This dance-friendly compilation of various interpretations of selections from Jeff Wayne's 1976 masterpiece is awesome in their arrangements. Especially noteworthy is the entire second disc featuring longer versions of the key cuts on disc one. Apollo Four Forty's "Dead London (instrumental)", "Forever Autumn (Dark Autumn Dub)" by Frederickse and Schurrer, "Forever Autumn: N-Trance Remix" and "The Eve of War," remix by Hani that ends the disc take the music to a totally new level.

Columbia should consider releasing a set of both the original and the remix compositions. Audiophiles can then experience the "beginning of the rout of civilization."

I did like the 70's original and really wanted an update but this remix is a disappointment. What was needed was a rework not a remix. When I sampled CD1 in the shop I heard a new track at the beginning of the CD which was an alien describing the need to invade Earth, so I thought WOW - an extra perspective will be provided. Alas, you only have a few minutes to listen to the CDs in the shop and this proved too short. Unfortunately, this CD doesn't provide any new perspective and it leaves only the barest of the original narration. It's as though there's an assumption that the listen has an initmate knowledge of the original. I like Appolo 440 and Hybrid as well as any mature Dance listener but this remixing project was faulty at concept stage when it was decided to remove the narration.

I don't recommend this CD unless you know the original intimately.

(CD1 is a remix (of the original), and CD2 is a remix of tracks on CD1 - is this phantom value adding? Additionally, two tracks on CD1 have been remixed twice - what the producer's couldn't decide which was one they wanted or did they need to fill the disk?)

If you enjoyed the original set that came out in the 70's and if you are open minded about music, this one is for you! I say that because you have to appreciate music at a broad spectrum to enjoy this. I disagree with some of the other critics that gave it a poor rating because I believe this set is more creative than the original. The introduction is awesome. Crank this one up! I believe the effects are better because the technology is better than in the 70's. The sound quality of the CD is also better than the original. The second disc in sorta redundant of the first CD that is what kept me from giving it a 5. Either way, the remix of Forever Autumn on both CD's are excellent! My recomendation to those that never left the 70's and are open minded to a newer more bolder sound, try it! If your not so bold, take out your vinyl copy and play it over and over...

"Ulladubulla" features remixes of individual tracks from Jeff Wayne's 70s pop opera "War of the Worlds". There's no attention paid to narrative, so the remixes are in random order with little dialogue, and the second cd of the set is simply full length versions of several tracks on the first cd. So you'd be buying this, then, for its worth as a user-friendly dance remix - however, most of the remixes are very cheesy house versions (I don't know where previous reviewers have found 'rap' and 'hip hop' on this release - there are no 'new' vocals and remixers Dario G and N Trance are typical examples of cheesy, faceless mainstream acts), so this particular release works best gathering dust.

I got turned on to this mix because I heard a song from it once at a club late at night. I was curious as to where to find a copy of this song and searched and searched till finally I found out that a whole remix album had been made based on Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds. I was thrilled to have found it finally and when I got it in the mail just a few days ago I immediately pushed play once I popped it in to my player. Wow! I was very impressed by the different mixes of each of the parts of the musical. One complaint however. Was there a need to have so many remixes of The Eve of the War? C'mon now! I would have preferred more than one remix of Horsell Common and the Heat Ray or The Artillery Man and the Fighting Machine. But all in all a great remix album for clubbing. It is an import from England, however, so expect to pay a high price.

Fans of the musical might not be impressed, But Electro Headz Throw this in a set. Hybrib's remix (cd 2) is amazing as everytihng they do. The max mondo mixes are just ok.

Don't get me wrong I'm certainly no (Prog) Rock Fan but please don't buy. Do yourself a favour and purchase the original and if you need dance music buy that.

Anybody that would appreciate the original wouldn't buy this remix and dance music fans surely wouldn't but this.

I hope Jeff Wayne wasn't involved in this bastardisation of a superb album.

Being an old Moody Blues fan who still has pristine vinyl recordings of the Moody Blues and have the special message their music entails, I was disappointed with this "mess". I would have returned this thing to CDWorld except they won't except it back if it's been opened.

The story was lost in all of the stupid sound effects. It made this classic musical rock piece into a Rap Music type session. Anyone who is a fan of the original please don't buy this. You will be wasting your money. This is best for the trendy type young people who have never heard the original music. Truly hacked up version of this wonderful story. If I were Justin Hayward, I would complain to them that they altered his wonderful voice. Stupid, stupid stupid piece of music. The CD's could be used for windchimes outside on the clothesline.

Too bad the lowest I could give this CD is a one! It is more deserving of a .001. Do NOT under any circumstances buy this CD if you want the stirring version of the War of the Worlds Mr. Wayne entertained us with in the 70s. I had two vinyl record sets and wore out two 8-track sets (yes I'm that old!). On this collection all you will hear is hip hop and none of what you fondly remember! There is no trace of the performance I remember-- just hip hop! I can't even picture why anyone into hip hop would want this CD set. They weren't even born when the original was made and they wouldn't be buying this MONSTER RIP OFF at over $30.00 including shipping for any kind of reasons of nostalgia! Keep on looking and don't get burned like I did-- avoid this like the plague!