Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Very Essential, June 9, 2006
Since AFI had spent years in the underground expanding their fan base and appeal to ridiculous heights, it was only a matter of time before a cd of this nature surfaced. Given the success of their commercial breakthrough "Sing The Sorrow", no one should be surprised in the least that Mr. Holland and Nitro records decided to put out this compilation to cash in on AFI's popularity. Also considering the band was not even involved in the arrangement or selection of this disc, and it makes things seem even shadier. While if you've never listened to AFI before and you are looking for a good place to start, "A Fire Inside" might be appropriate, it's nothing more than a compilation of old songs, and will seem fairly disappointing to any fan who's been around a lengthy amount of time.
While the songs themselves that are found on this disc aren't bad at all, they're far from the best that AFI has produced in their 15+ year career (or for their time on Nitro Records I should say). It's more or less AFI's most popular or recognizable songs from each of their albums. They're all good, but I have to question the absence of better songs like "Of Greetings and Goodbyes", "The Last Kiss", "Triple Zero"... The list could go on for days. There's a mere two to three songs from each album (and only one from "Answer That And Stay Fashionable") and the comp really serves to showcase AFI's era from "Black Sails in the Sunset" and up. Since I'm not the biggest fan of AFI's first two releases, I don't mind that there's only three songs from those discs. However the oldest AFI fans will probably be disappointed that "Very Proud of Ya" and "Answer That And Stay Fashionable" are virtually ignored on this release.
As for the "unreleased" material that was so hyped, there's a mere two tracks that haven't been officially released, "A Winter's Tale" and "Lower It." While they're definitely great songs, there's no real point in buying this cd just for them. Itunes or just downloading them is much more sutable alternatives then handing out $15 for a cd that's not really necessary. This lack of unreleased material is really where the problem is. AFI has so many b-sides and unreleased songs floating around that an entire cd could have been devoted entirely to that. At least songs like "Dream Of Waking" and the ultra rare "Who Knew?" should have found their way on here, not to mention the millions of other rarities that AFI has produced. The fact that nitro just tacked on these two songs though as a selling point is more or less a slap in the face.
Besides the selection and lack of rarities, this greatest hits collection is also really short. This mainly comes from the fact that most of AFI's earlier material was only 1-2 minutes in length tops. The last 5 or so songs on the cd last less than 10 minutues, and the first 10 songs don't do much to make up for the time. This adds to the point that there should have been more songs included on this collection if it was going to be released. Putting out a half-efforted short compilation just makes it seem even more like Nitro's only goal behind this cd was to make money.
There's far better ways for AFI fans to spend their money than on this release. The only people I can even recommend this compilation to are those who are unfamiliar with AFI from their Nitro days and simply want a quick way to introduce themselves to it. However even to those people I would simply say, just start with "The Art Of Drowning" and work your way down. All their albums are essential owns, and you'd be much better off simply purchasing them rather than this. "A Fire Inside" reeks of the phrase "Cash In" and one look or listen should be all the evidence you need. Instead of shelling out money for a worthless comp, just pick up their proper studio albums. You'll be much happier, I Promise.
|
|
|
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good compilation., January 10, 2005
This is a good compilation of AFI's songs over the 10+ years they've been together. It's easily worthy of 10 stars. This CD allows newcomers to listen to the progress leading up to Sing The Sorrow, and to get more intimate with the band. I havn't purchased this album YET, because I already have all their albums, but plan on it.
The new tracks are from the Answer That, and Very Proud Of Ya era. They've finally been released on CD. This is a cool little feature fo newcomers also.
Anyway, buy this album only if you havn't heard any of AFIs music but want to give it a try.
|
|
|
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great CD To Rediscover AFI, November 2, 2004
Alot of people became fans of AFI when Sing the Sorrow hit the charts last year. Before they were signed to major label Dreamworks AFI was on Dexter Holland's (of the Offspring) Nitro Records. The band released five full length albums, and two EPs on Nitro records. This CD takes songs from each album, starting with 2000's The Art of Drowning and working back to 1995's Answer That and Stay Fashionable. Not only that but the CD also has three songs that were never before released on CD, including Rolling Balls, which is an extremely hilarious song.
I have to say that I am impressed with the band's choice of songs for this CD. All of my favourites (except Wester) are included. AFI's self titled album offers new listeners a taste of every CD the band released prior to Sing the Sorrow. Old fans will not only find it a great addition to their collection, but will also enjoy the three rare tracks that are included. BUY THIS CD!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
by AFI 
