James B. (wandersoul73) from LINDALE, TX Reviewed on 6/10/2009...
Danzig & co. are in top form on this masterful cd!
CD Reviews
Halloween and B-grade horror movies
Jason Robey | Silver Spring, MD USA | 01/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is possibly my favorite album, right next to Beastie Boys "Paul's Boutique" (yeah, pretty different). I can't fathom anyone not liking this album to some extent. Take away the deranged imagery and punk leanings and one's left with a collection of infectious pop songs that harkens back to the 50's/60's. On top of that, Glen Danzig has some of the best male vocals ever, reminiscent of both Elvis and Jim Morrison.That aside, the Misfits definitely aren't for everybody. If you like The Ramones' style of punk, then there's a chance you'll dig the Misfits. But even then, most people can't stomach the pervasive horror imagery. I've known several that have gotten into this album only to eventually discover that the lyrics are way too sick and twisted for their tastes. But anyone that enjoys Halloween and B-grade horror movies will likely be able to find amusement in the lyrics rather than out and out revulsion. I mean, it's essentially camp! With the right state of mind this is fun, fun stuff.This collection is the best place to start if you're new to the Misfits. "Bullet" is absolutely essential. That one song can single handedly horrify any JFK-loving baby-boomer. A graphic and macabre re-imagining of the former president's assassination, "Bullet" is possibly the most irreverent song ever recorded. "Teenagers From Mars" is another essential Misfits track. Just TRY not to sing along as the pubescent Martians invade and subjugate the human race. (An alternate version can be found on the formidable "Static Age" LP but this one's the version to kill for.) "Where Eagles Dare" is instantly likeable and was my first favorite Misfits song, along with "Die, Die My Darling". "Mommy, Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight?", a song about a psycho killer that brings back body parts as souvenirs for his mother, rivals the flock for most demented lyrics. It's also the most hardcore song you'll ever want to hear (the live version on the "Walk Among Us" LP is riot-inducing).The last five songs on this collection are from the "Earth A.D." LP, the final Misfits album that marks the point when Danzig starts taking himself and the band a little too seriously. As such these songs are not as fun as the ones that come before and nowhere near as melodic, but they aren't bad if you like hardcore punk."
A great introduction for new fans
N. Durham | Philadelphia, PA | 01/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Known as both The Misfits' self titled album and as "Collection 1", this album is a perfect introduction for new fans to the legendary and influential punk band. Featuring previously unreleased versions of some of their most well known material like "She", "Hollywood Babylon", "Horror Business", "Teenagers From Mars", "I Turned Into a Martian", "Astro Zombies", "Mommy Can I Go Out and Kill Tonight?", "Die, Die My Darling", "Earth A.D.", "Devilock", and "Green Hell"; all of which display the simplistic musical structure and Glen Danzig's unholy howl. Even though the production quality is poor to say the least, that doesn't take away from the album as a whole, and in the end this is a must have."
Best Introduction to the Greatest Band of all Time
Danzig801 | 07/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Collection Two is better produced, but this one is far better, as it contains much better songs, and that is saying alot, since there is not one Misfits song that sucks. Anyway, If you're looking to get into the Misfits, this is undeniably the place to start, as there are many tracks on here that aren't availible on the studio albums, such as "Where Eagles Dare" and "Horror Business". Other highlights on the album are the previously unreleased versions of "Astro Zombies", "Skulls" and "Teenagers From Mars". If you get this collection and you like it, pick up Collection Two, and that should be enough. If you absolutely ADORE it (like I did), pick up "Walk Among Us" and the Box Set, and then you will have every Danzig era Misfits song except "In The Doorway", which you can download."
Essential Misfits
Antdawg | Boston, MA USA | 03/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For anyone who isn't familiar with the Misfits, but are interested in checking them out, this is the place to start. Of course, their standard studio albums are just as good, but with this you get a lot of their best material on one CD. The Misfits are known for their very catchy songs, and B-movie inspired lyrics. These are the two factors that make them such a great band. All of their songs are very basic as far as technical playing is concerned, but I would honestly much rather listen to the Misfits than, say Iron Maiden (nothing against Maiden). I definitely consider them to be the most unique punk band in the histry of the genre, mainly due to their lyrical content. While most punk bands are known for their dogmatic political views, the Misfits were always just for fun. I'm not gonna get into a track by track commentary, but I'll just say that I highly recommend picking this one up. It's filled with extremely catchy 2-4 minute songs that for once you won't mind having stuck in your head. And the best part: These tunes are from the Danzig era! No offense to Michale Graves, because I like the new material too, but nothing could ever top the Danzig days. My final advice on this matter: get yourself a copy of this collection, and then pick up The Collection 2,and the rest of their catalogue. I guarantee that you'll instantly become a huge fan."
Great Compilation
Punker | USA | 10/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the first Misfits CD I ever got, and it's one of my favorite cds. Now I have all of their cds, well at least the ones with Glenn Danzig in them. If you're new to the Misfits buy this and then The Collection II. Then if you have a cd burner, burn them both on one cd, and then you'll have a pretty bitchin' cd"