Search - A.F.I. :: A.F.I.

Not Very Essential

LeftManOut | TheCityThatNeverSleeps, FL | 06/10/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

I'm a new fan and I think this record is great

Now I like good music | Lamesville, Nevada | 06/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I read the other reviews on here and I can see why people who have liked AFI for a long time and have everything may not need this album, but I just got into AFI when Sing The Sorrow came out and then I just bought decemberunderground. This album helped me figure out which of the other albums I might like. Turn out that I like the Black Sails and Art of Drowning albums better than the earlier stuff but the really early songs on this album are cool but not really my kind of music.



This is a great album for a new fan without a lot of money to spend on other albums without being sure if they'll like them."

An introduction to AFI !

the elf's zippo! | scotland | 05/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first afi album i bought and i wasnt let down. Ok mybe it was just nitro making a compilation and alot of afi fans arent happy about it but if your just getting into the band like i was, i think that this albums holds many of afi's great songs ( some might disagree!). But after you'v got this album you should buy "ART OF DROWNING" true hardcore!"