Contraband: The Best of Men at Work

Men at Work

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 2, 1996)
• Original Release Date: April 2, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000002ABO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,171 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Durable goods, June 10, 2000

By	Bill Lincicome (Aviano Air Base, Italy) - See all my reviews

Few bands epitomize the 1980s like Men At Work did. Out of nowhere (well okay, Austraila), the Men burst open the scene with funny videos and songs with irresistible hooks. I was a fan from the first time I heard Greg Ham's sax intro into "Who Can It Be Now?" But buried under the amusing visuals and catchy hooks were underlying themes of fear and isolation -- prevalent attitudes during a decade in which we lived under the threat of nuclear war (expressed well in "It's a Mistake"). All of the best are here, including "Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive," "Overkill" and "Down Under." However, one of the strongest tracks is the overlooked "Hard Luck Story," a song about a man who's experienced the ways of the world -- and doesn't like what he's seen. It's a reminder that we create our own misery by persecuting and rejecting others. Other favorites include the beautiful ballad "Maria," the goofy "I Like To," and the wistful "Still Life." An all-around good collection of one of the best bands to emerge from the outbacks of Austraila -- or anywhere. Would love to see a reunion.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good hits package, but missing a few, November 26, 1999

By	Jason C. Harris "JasoninJapan" (Shimane, JAPAN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This american Hits compilation is adequate and the sound of the disc is quite good. A few minor quibbles with song selection. This disc includes five selections from the Men's third, somewhat obscure third album. But the one american hit from that album, "Everything I Need", is missing, as is another called "Sail to You." Also not included are the songs(not on any of the three albums) "The Longest Night" and "Shintaro." These songs are included on their import best of called "The Works." Having said that, this disc sounds much better. I'm also glad to see they included "Down by the Sea", the best Men song of all. Good starter disc or overview, but the true fan needs to have this and the "Works." Enjoy!

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best of the "Men" for anyone who still cares, January 14, 2001

By	Brian D. Rubendall (Oakton, VA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

During 1982-83, Austrailia's most succesful bar band Men at Work were about the biggest musical phenomenon on the planet. They combined good songwriting, a sense of humor and decent charisma into a commerically powerful brew that carried a half dozen or so of their singles onto the U.S. charts. Their first two albums, "Business as Usual" and "Cargo" were massive sellers and I will admit to having played them on vinyl until they were worn out. Unfortunately, their success went to their heads and after a dreadful attempt to be taken seriously with their 1985 third album "Two Hearts," they faded into obscurity.

Their greatest hits album features enough of their best moments from those first two albums to make it worthwhile for anyone interested in the nostalgia. Unfortunately, it also contains a number of songs from their disasterous third album that weaken the overall package. Nevertheless, if you loved pop gems such as "Who Can it Be Now?" "Down Under," "Be Good Johnny" and "Overkill," this album is for you. It also gets a bonus star for including the lengthy "Down by the Sea," which is the excellent non-hit closing track from the first album.