5 Stars
Matt | Palos Park, IL USA | 12/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Contrary to what the other reviewer said, this is not a waste of money. Although this band is constantly associated as Marc Bolan's first band (an association used for both criticism and praise), he was truly only with them for the single "Desdemona." For you see, Marc Bolan released 2 or 3 solo singles before joining John's Children, under the advice of his manager (who was also John's Childrens') as Bolan's singles weren't taking off. Granted, the band's best singles were recorded while Bolan was with the group, one shouldn't simply judge this band as "Marc Bolan's First Band," but rather as a band that JUST HAPPENED to have Marc Bolan for a brief time, or even as just another 60s band, nothing more. This 2-CD set probably has all the John's Children material recorded, unless there's demos, outtakes, etc. floating around somewhere. There's even a BBC session here in which Bolan refused to tune his guitar before playing, the last time Bolan was to play with the group before leaving and forming Tyrannosaurus Rex. Also included are early versions of future T. Rex songs, ie "Hot Rod Mama" and "Mustang Ford." My only complaint with the CD is the slightly tinny sound, but it is not as bad as on the Mystic Tide CD compilation 'Solid Sound/Solid Ground'. In my opinion, John's Children made some good noise, could play their instruments, and even if anyone thought otherwise - they didn't care!"
John's Children - 'The Complete' (Pilot) 2-CD
Mike Reed | USA | 05/21/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"A decent 2-CD release but all buyers NEED to know that this title is simply a repressing of the two John's Children albums 'Smashed Block' and 'Jagged Time Lapse'.One,of course on each disc.Good news is if you look around enough,you just may find 'The Complete' at a super-low price.Unless you're a new fan,this double disc is strictly for die-hards."
John's Children: Better Than The Who
Real Name | Bucks County, PA | 07/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This double CD is amazing. It's a shame that people still bring up the whole "they didn't know how to play" thing. The instrumentations are far more original than most other bands at the time. This is more punk than mod, which is probably why certain people don't take a liking to it. It's not for everybody. My girlfriend can't listen to it; she finds it to be annoying.
The sound IS a little tinny, but not as much as their "Orgasm" album, and this doesn't have any looped screaming on it.
Buy it. John's Children represent."