Handsome package for collectors and newcomers

After more than 25 years, have Nick Hallam ('The Head'), Robert Birch ('Rob B') and Ian Rossiter ('Owen If') give yourself a few quiet evenings at home and are descended into its own archive. Come out again they are a really impressive package that makes it clear what impact the Stereo MCs had musically and that's for all dance music lovers suitable whether Die Hard fans, people who the Stereo MCs ever but also liked curious observers, which until now did not know the oeuvre. Collected contains a DVD, all seven regular studio albums, 2 CDs with remixes and lesser-known material, as well as three new songs (Goodfeeling, Dance Tonight, autumn leaves).

But first things first, the time must be easy with such a comprehensive retrospective. The debut 33 45 78 was published in 1989 at a time when in England just with each paired rock and dance floor, the older ones among us will know that even under the keyword Madchester. Outstanding tracks on this debut, which lies behind his mark, are ON 33 NEIGHBOURHOOD, BACK TO THE FUTURE and what is SOUL.

A year later, the Stereo MCs were then already more than a tip. And with the start-up of major labels (Iceland) broke Supernatural on the dance floors and clubs only in England and then the world. Supernatural was a little smoother, polished but also with (even) better songs provided: I AM A BELIEVER, ELEVATE MY MIND, TWO HORSE TOWN and above all also the funky LOST IN MUSIC. Anyone who has ever wondered where Air and Groove Armada have the inspiration for relaxed beats and real instruments, which we refer to TWO HORSE TOWN.

Album 3 (Connected) two years later brought then the big commercial breakthrough, high chart positions and even the Brit Award for Best Album of the Year. However, until 1994, because Connected needed some lead time before then as well lit as correct. The big hits were the theme song CONNECTED, and STEP IT UP, other highlights PRESSURE and CREATION. Somehow liked the Stereo MCs but this wave of success not ride over and withdrew first from the attention of the dimensions back to the studio and in front of all their beloved DJ tasks. That may have cost them a lot of money, but it does in retrospect more gratifying.

Then take quick Connected II, III successors there was firstonce a long long break until the next album. Deep Down & Dirty came in 2001 on the market, trying perhaps a bit too, to tie in with the pattern of the successful album. In some places, the album seems still somewhat unfocused and erratic, yet such great songs as SOFISTICATED and DEEP DOWN & DIRTY are received.

2005 Paradise then came the triumphant liberation. The Stereo MCs had finished with the 90s, trying successfully to new sounds and ideas. Paradise again sounded fresh, new, not like thirty-something at the controls would be contained and with Warhead SET IT OFF, FLOAT ON and I feel you some very remarkable songs.

The '00s included the Stereo MCs then with Double Bubble whether. The goodness of Paradise was not achieved in 2008 so completely, but there are also a few diamonds here as gringo SHOW YOUR LIGHT and HUMAN.

The last regular album then appeared 2011. Emperors Nightingale was again among the better releases of the year. The Stereo MCs remained faithful to their style, but also took a few steps into new territory, such as in a duet with the BOY Jazz singers and pianists Jamie Cullum. More Anspieltipps on this last album is FAR OUT FEELING, TALES, and bring it on.

The other two CD are small treasure chest. The remixes are like a little time travel, you can see them very well the emergence periods how the ingenious Future Sound of London CONNECTED remix. More little surprises are the wonderful BREEZE remix, remix the highway from CITY OF LIGHTS and the refined Leftfield STEP IT UP.

On the DVD, there is then a concert recording from the 'Connected' Hey Days of the band, the optical is very 90's, of course, but please still white. The Livenergie is well captured in any case. In addition, giving a series of interviews of friends (Shaun Ryder, Mike Gee), contemporaries (the young Robbie Williams ;-) and conveyors (Iceland's Chris Blackwell) a number of interesting insights, especially to the pressure by the commercial success. The music video still falls on SWEETEST TRUTH, a wonderfully smooth sparkling track that was included in 1995 to the charity album 'The Help Album'.

All in all this is a very careful and welcome publication and a well-deserved tribute to a band that has its place deserved. Suitable as I said for Diehard fans but also for the curious who are not quite familiar with the band.