Steven Wilson Presents: Intrigue-Progressive Sounds In Uk Alternative Music 1979-89 / Various

I have listened part way thru and no matter the quality of the recording, they seem to have been mastered for CD so very well. These have as much presence and dimensionality and dynamic range as possible, Even tracks of punk-ish New Wave that are not my type, I listened straight through. Great way to discover good tacks and some that will become new favorites.The hardcover small book size package is printed very well, fine graphics. 4 discs are in 2 sleeves at front and back., You put a finger in center to start to slide out and do have to be careful taking the edge to finish pulling disc out It is flaw in the otherwise great design there is not way to remove the disc without handling a little more than you would care to.But hugely recommended.

Early selection of classic underground/progressive groups of the 80’s. No Duran Duran or Madonna here. The feel throughout is raw and at times disorienting.The theme is consistent and deliberate. These groups when on to develop there own sophisticated sound and some like Joy Division and Kate Bush and few others when on to commercial success. Others like Wire and the Sound developed cult like status.These are the ones I enjoyed the most.It’s nice to know that Mr Wilson was listening to the same music I was. I would have selected a different selection but that’s the beauty of it all.

If you are a fan of Steven Wilson’s podcast, The Album Years, you need a copy of this collection. A clever mix of all genres, Wilson chose bands you may never have heard of, and sings you have never heard from more familiar artists. It just works. Each CD is its own treasure trove. I’m enjoying this more than most new music I’ve purchased in the recent years. The CD set is nice to have. Even though I’ma big fan and collector of vinyl, 7 slabs is a lot to flip, and I think In getting more playing time out of this collection with my CD player.

I like everything that Steven Wilson touches, remixes ,produces or or his performances with Porcupine Tree and No-man , as well as with other collaborators. However this selection of songs is rather bizarre. Save your money and look at the playlist and listen to streaming of some of these songs first before you buy. Even the song selection of some of the better known groups, like Ultravox, the Cure, the Stranglers , Magazine etc. is not particularly thoughtful. I actually like most of the bands on this compilation, but these are certainly not the songs I would listen to. Sorry Steven, but I am disappointed.

I am not normally one who goes for compilations but this looked ahem, intriguing. Always felt the 80s was not the most fertile of decades for music. These 58 tracks prove how wrong I was. Some obvious well known standards but an abundance of little known gems here as well. Not cheap but well worth it.

Many forgotten classics here mixed with some tracks I already had, make this pretty much an essential guide to the era. If you are a fan of progressive music (not just prog rock), then this is an essential purchase. Great packaging, extensively and knowledgeably annotated round off a fine set.

Lots of gems

Spedire un vinile di questo costo dentro un cartoncino ed una busta senza adeguata protezione è indecente. Ovviamente un angolo della copertina è stato schiacciato nel trasporto ma fortunatamente i vinili per quel che ho potuto constatare sono “salvi”. L’autografo di Steven Wilson è riprodotto stampato su una foto della copertina. Onestamente mi sarei aspettato di più. Molto interessante il booklet con le descrizioni dei gruppi e dei brani. I vinili non sono i classici 180g che contraddistinguono le migliori produzioni e sono infilati in una busta di cartone. Che dire…La qualità audio ad un primo ascolto di alcuni brani è buona. Purtroppo non sono esenti da rumori di fondo. Resta un bel documento di un periodo fecondo di ottima musica