Post by Dave on Feb 25, 2005 1:13:26 GMT
Richard said:
4) The reissued UK Special Edition as (1), with 7-track bonus CD not including "The Mummers' Dance"! There's also a video track that can only be played on a computer.
For the benefit of any new Hayley fans reading this, version (4) has everything except "The Mummers' Dance" and the duet. Incidentally, the bonus CD features "Mary Did You Know?" and "Silent Night", both new recordings, quite different from the versions on "My Gift to You".
Personally I think it's a great pity "Across the Universe of Time" was left off the original UK version, because that track might well have given Hayley more airplay on Radio 2. It could even have been a hit single, but it's too late now.
I, too, acquired the UK Special Edition of Pure (a present, as was my original version!) and although at first, I had my doubts about Decca's decision to release it, I am now very glad indeed that they did. I've just spent an evening painting and decided to play the bonus disc. In the end, I had it on auto-repeat for three hours!
I think the feel of the UK bonus disc is quite different from the original edition, well the look and feel actually, as it's coloured bright orange!
This is relevant to the recent discussion in another thread about the Pure "BiG" sound and how, if at all, Hayley should change this on her next album. Well, to my ears, she/Decca already has toned down or lightened the accompaniment on the 7 track bonus disc. There was not a moment tonight when I felt Hayley's voice was overwhelmed by the accompaniment and indeed, there was not much evidence of "Big" orchestral backing anyway. I think the lesson has already been learned. But is it value-for-money? At first, I said "no" but now, I'm not so sure. From the poorest value of any edition of Pure, the UK edition has been transformed into currently, the best value of the lot, I'd say. For people new to "Pure" it's excellent value because they get one full album and a 7 track mini-album with a different (but not inferior) feel to it. For people already possessing the original version it's not such a good deal but nevertheless, it's essential listening as there are so many additional tracks on it and it's a high quality production. It grows on me by the day and I wouldn't now be without it if you paid me! Seven very well sung and well produced tracks (listed higher up this thread) on a "bonus" disc? This is most unusual... and I think the "lighter" arrangements and mixes bode well for Hayley's next album.