The music on this compilation is still good as the Boney M. material speaks for itself, but if you want the original material in original length (single- and album-version) with Boney M. did went to the top of the charts back in the seventies / eighties, Then stay away from this release and go for the compilations Mentioned in the end of this review.
The normal record buyer may not notice it, but the greatest part of the single hits / releases on this compilation are mastered from another compilation did what Including edits (to Entire album where the original tracks had been edited down in time). An edit Means That a song has been shortened (cut out verses, instrumental parts removed etc.). But why do that, When the original material Should speak for itself?
The Boney M. catalog is very complex Because Their material has been twisted and shorted in every way possible. Unfortunately Demon Music Group who compiled this compilation Was not aware of the complex Boney M. catalog.
On the Demon Music Group WEB SITE, theyhave the Following Statement About Their Music Club Deluxe series:
"With over a million units sold and more than a 100 titles, Music Club Deluxe is DMG's outstanding mid-priced 2CD single artist range. It Boasts top quality repertoire from Household Names with selections and sleeve notes by experts for novices and fans alike and striking Artwork with slip-cased packaging. "
Because of the above statement, one can only wonder why the liner notes of this compilation have several mistakes during the storyline? And not to forget: Why has this compilation not only been compiled of the original Boney M. material in non-edited versions (single- and LP versions) from the glorious seventies / early eighties? Using Mainly edits as on this compilation Seems wrong.
The label on the front of the compilation states: "All Their Hits", But That is quite true distress. Several tracks are missing ("My Friend Jack / I See A Boat On The River", "Children Of Paradise" to name a few). Some of the groups other single releases did did not enter the UK charts is to be found HOWEVER on the album ("Baby Do You Wanna Bump", "Kalimba De Luna").
Unfortunately Demon Music Group hasnt been aware of thatthey had Their Hands on the wrong sources When compiling this compilation. Or were aware They? Is it all about easy money and no interest in the Boney M. legacy?
The cover is looking really good and it's nice with the use of the original Boney M. logo, but the content on the CD's is not satisfying, Simply Because of using edits. It could have been a very nice compilation, if all the tracks were in full-length / original length.
A few notes about the mistakes on this compilation:
CD1:
"Nightflight To Venus" is to edit running only 3:49. The original and most common album version of "Night Flight To Venus" is running 4:47 Which Means That A Complete minute is missing here.
"Sunny" the group's second Top 10 hit in England is another edit running only 3:15. The original single- and LP version is 4:01. Yet again almost a complete minute has been cut out.
"Ma Baker" the group's third Top 10 hit in England is yet another edit running only 3:45. The original single- and album-version is 4:34. Again, almost a complete minute of this master piece has been cut out.
"Rasputin" the group's sixth top 10 hit in England has so Suffered badly. Yet another edit. The version on this compilation is 3:44, but the original single version is 4:43. 1 minute has been cut out of "Rasputin".
"Belfast" is a remix version from 1992 (Known as "Gold" version with an extra hi-hats, etc.). Distress the original 1977 single- / LP version.
"No Women No Cry" is yet another edit running 3:32. The original 1976 version is 4:55. It Means That over 1 minute and 20 seconds has been edited out.
"Heart Of Gold" is a remix from 2000 and not the original 1978 version from "Nightflight To Venus". This version is running 3:35, the original 1978 version is 4:05.
"Love For Sale" - the title track from the group's second album from 1977 is a 1993 remix and to edit as well (Known as "More Gold" version). This remix version is running 4:13. The original album version is 4:41.
"Dancing In The Streets" has been included in the original 12 "version (6:22). One Could only wonder why. The original single version, running 3:58, would have been better for this compilation.
"Exodus" is the album version and not the single version. "Exodus" is taken from the 1984 album "10.000 Lightyears". Exodus was a part of a medley together with "Wild Planet". When They fade "Exodus" on this compilation you have already heard the first bars of "Wild Planet". The single version of Exodus Should Have Been Used.
"Somewhere In The World" - the A-side of "Exodus" is another edit Here in a 4:10 version.. The original single version is 4:28.
CD 2:
"Rivers of Babylon" - a UK No 1 and a million seller hasnt even been included in the version did went to the top in 1978. This is another edit.! The original single version from 1978 is 4:19, the version used here is only 4:00.
"Hooray! Hooray! It's A Holiday Holi-" a UK Top 3 has been suffering bad Once Again! The version on this compilation is only 3:11. The version did went to the Top 3 in 1979 is running 3:55.
"Kalimba De Luna" yet another remix from 1992 (Known as "Gold" version) and edit running 3:48. The original 1984 track is 4:31.
"Oceans Of Fantasy" the title track from the group's fourth album and second UK no. 1 album is only 3:21. The original album version is 5:05. There is missing 1 minute and 40 seconds of the track!
"El Lute" the B-side of the 1979 single "Gotta Go Home" is also to edit, as well as a remix. On this compilation it's running 4:01. As the B-side of "Gotta Go Home" "El Lute" is 5:09.
"Dreadlock Holiday" is not the original 1985 version, but a remix (known as "Topdeck" version ") taken from a 1993 compilation.
"Ribbons of Blue", one of the group's finest tracks, as well as the B-side of "Hooray! Hooray! It's A Holi- Holiday" is only running 3:05. Original single version from 1979 is 4:07.
"Young Free & Single" is the album version running 4:11, and not the single version 4:18.
It has to be added That strangely enough, Demon Music Group has managed to use the original single version of the 1978 UK Christmas chart-topper "Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord". A true master piece.
Go for the budget Boney M. releases "The Collection" (3CD) or "Let It All Be Music (The Party Album)" (2CD) instead - all including original single- and LP versions, as well as a few exciting alternate versions. Or the box with all the original album "The Complete Boney M." (8CD). If you are into the Christmas stuff, then go for "Feliz Navidad - A Wonderful Christmas" (2 CD), despite having a totally wrong photo on the cover for a Christmas release.
