An Intriguing and Diversified 'Story'...
Jason A. Levine | Seattle, WA USA | 09/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Prior to purchasing this double-CD, I read a review that plainly stated, "...take note of the (actual) title of this disc; it's 'The Story' of Arthur Brown, *not* 'The Anthology'."This is indeed correct, as this *is not* a 'greatest hits' sampling (though there are a share of hits and familiar tunes), but it's more of his journey from bluesman, to God of Hellfire, to Prog-Rock visionary, to eternal messenger of all things musical and wonderous. The accompanying 36 tracks take us through every pivotal point in Arthur's career. Missing from the set are some of my personal faves (largely from the Kingdom Come days) and a few of the choice cuts (ie, Come and Buy) are also missing from the 'Crazy World' album. However, that being said, many of these tracks haven't seen the light of (official release) and sound fantastic. The early cuts (You Don't Know/Don't Tell Me) are really eye opening, with the latter sounding like Arthur's contribution to one of the 'Beat At Cinecitta' collections from 60s Italian cinema. It's pure fuzz-guitar psychedelia, and Arthur's voice just adds to the beauty.It also must be stated that the Kingdom Come tracks that *are* present have never sounded better...Hot, clean, in-your-face and truly dynamic, you can really hear just how ahead Arthur and KC were - and the range of musical experimentation (over such a short time) is quite enlightening. The one exception is the 'single' version of Eternal Messenger. Definitely from a vinyl source (and not the best one) - but I've never had this version, so again, it's welcome in my house!Beyond the 'glory days', we get a few cuts from the Dance/Chisholm Lps (too few, if you ask me), his 'Tommy' movie contribution, and only 1 cut from his brilliant return with Vincent Crane (from 'Faster At The Speed of Light'). This is the biggest misstep, as even the track chosen doesn't do that album (or period) justice. But it's great to have; I just wish there were more. The album rounds out with some recent live cuts (solo and with Hawkwind) as well as the late 90s remix of Fire, another interesting cut, if only to bring Arthur into the 21st century.As a long-time fan and admirer, I feel that Arthur's 'story' is far from over; but if you're looking to take a trip down 'Crazy World' lane, pick this up and take it in - it's one journey you'll never want to leave."
Does NOT do justice to Arthur Brown....
Movie Freak | Germany | 09/05/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Arthur Brown? Who is Arthur Brown...? Ahh yes, that guy that did "Fire" decades ago. This is the common answer when you ask people who Arthur Brown is. But there is more than meets the ear. Arthur Brown is a very talented singer, his soul voice is remarkable. Since "Fire" he made more then a dozen records, some good, some not. Come on, whom we're kidding? Arthur did make some terrible crap in his career. That is a fact. Some in collaboration with other musicians, some solo.
Then this record came. Entitled "The Story of Arthur Brown". Implying that this must be the ultimate record for all Brown enthusiasts to buy. It is not. This record is a total disgrace and does not do justice to Arthur's talent. If you want to know what Arthur is capable of then try to find the "Kingdom Come" trilogy and "Faster than the speed of light" with Vincent Crane.
Do not buy this album. It will leave the not-so-die-hard-fans irritated and confused as it contains some of the rather worst songs Arthur ever did with only a few of his more successfull songs. It is rather a very crappy compilation. You might miss better and worthy songs like "Helen with the Sun", "Dance", "Cromatic Alley", "Welcome", "Pale Stars", "Swimfish", "Desert Floor", "Time Captains", "Faster than the Speed of Light" even the weird "Santa put a spell on me". To name a few. All much better than this experimental compilation.
I wish there was an option to give zero stars but unfortunately there isn't. You can find "Fire" on every other rock compilation out there. Hell, on "Tantric Lover" Arthur did a re-make of "Fire" in 2000. Even that could have been included instead of the terrible Krupps Remix. So, who is there left to buy this record? The die hard fan is certainly not interested. The regular guy in the street who only knows "Fire" get's scared away from this one. The average Arthur Brown listener too. A worthless attempt to lure your money out of your pocket. Believe me.
"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1