Search - Elvis Costello :: Get Happy (Bonus CD) (Dlx)

Don't get rid of your Rykodisc version!!!!

Gordon Pfannenstiel | Russell, KS United States | 07/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was so disgusted when Costello's catalog was released for the 3rd time on CD in 2003 that didn't even bother to take a close look. Therefore, I missed this. When I finally realized what a great reissue it was (30 "bonus" songs!) Rhino had already discontinued it. So what did I do. I paid the price for my tardiness -- I bought it used at an exorbidant price. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I'm sure that Hippo will get around to releasing it's "deluxe" version someday, but I wasn't waiting. If you're an Elvis Costello fan and your disgust with all the reissues kept you from getting this, like mine did, rectify your mistake before it's really too late. It's a super reissue, making the Rykodisc version totally unnecessary.



(This is a late edit based on careful A/B comparison with the Ryko release):



I was so excited when I finally got this Rhino reissue...normally nobody beats the sound of Rhino reissues, particularly when Bill Inglot is involved, as he was here. However, when I played this, I felt it sounded a bit flat, so I pulled out my Ryko and did an A/B comparison. In fact, the Ryko sounds MUCH better, on SOME of the songs. Their seems to be a split between the original Side 1 and Side 2 of the album. On side 1, the Ryko disc sounds better; on Side 2, the Rhino disc sounds better. Go figure. My guess is that two different master tapes were involved, and Rhino didn't have the same master to work with on Side 1.



On the bonus songs that are common to both, the Ryko disc sounds better. It has more depth, clarity and punch. That's hard to believe, but it's true. I don't know if Inglot was involved in name only and some flunky did the actual remastering, but it is hard to believe this is his work.



However, it is still worth it to have the bonus disc, although as I stated many of the songs on the bonus disc suffer from the same poor remastering. Just thought you should know."

Like Two Great Albums

G. Pascal | 01/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The bonus disc is no hyperbole-fantastic-Watch That Step,From A Whisper To A Scream, New Lace Sleeves, Girls Talk done in Motown/Ska fashion with terrific throways like So Young, Just A Memory and Ghost train,this can't be beat. Along with the original masterpiece that uniquely captured a mood, not to be duplicated by Elvis & The Attractions."

More Like 'Got Hyped'

Count Istvan Telecky | 07/22/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Another 'classic' from the EC canon that I find underwhelming. Not a bad recording...just a lot of music that's only moderately entertaining. Favorites are 'High Fidelity', 'New Amsterdam' and 'I Can't Stand Up...". Most of the other better songs are on the generous second disc of the Rhino reissue: 'Girls Talk', 'B Movie', 'Getting Mighty Crowded' and 'Just A Memory'.



As with my opinion of 'My Aim is True', I know my lack of enthusiasm for 'Happy' puts me in the minority of Costello fans. I can't help but wonder if the critical praise heaped on both these recordings resulted in some rose-coloring of people's perspective over the years? Or (more likely?) maybe I'm simply one of the few clueless rabel who just don't get it.

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