JMJ - Essentials & Rarities.

[Analog-X64]

Seems JMJ has released another Rarities but I cant seem to find the track listing for this 2 Disc Import. in 2011 $34.25 for CD is a bit pricy.

http://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Rariti ... s_ep_dpt_1

[Chris Abbott]

Is it me, or are these kinds of albums always a lot less satisfying than you think they'll be?

[merman]

Often depends on how much input the artist has had in choosing the tracks. One of my favourite bands, Turin Brakes, did a fan vote for the 2nd CD of their recent "best of", which was great. Whereas another best of I picked up recently was very disappointing as it was essentially just the singles and one previously unreleased track (which the record company were not happy about releasing).

[Makke]

Is it me, or are these kinds of albums always a lot less satisfying than you think they'll be?

I agree. It's often like that because they've been compiled without coherent structure, without a story to tell. No context. Then they're simply a bunch of unfinished tracks, that didn't make it onto any "real" album. And, let's face it, there are rarely hidden masterpieces left off albums. They can still be significant to the understanding of an artists work, but usually only with propper context provided and well written liner notes.

One of few "rarities" albums I've enjoyed was The Stooges "1970: The Complete Fun House Sessions", which as the name hints, contains every note of every take while recording Fun House - including studio dialogue. That compilation puts you right there in the studio with the band and the producers. Granted that only true fans will ever sit through the 4-5 CDs of material, but it's very interesting to hear the work progress. They could have just taken a few of the tracks and call them "Alternative takes" for a reissue of the album (which they in fact also did), but this compilation really puts things in a context.

Getting back to topic: The JMJ album will most likely be something I "check out", but nothing I buy.

[Makke]

The Rareties CD is on Spotify, btw. And the track listing is on Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essentials_%26_Rarities

Seems a bit of an odd compilations, as the Essentials part is aimed at the "general public" who wants a bit of Jarre, and the Rarities for the die hard, "gimme all the Jarre you've got" fans.

[Analog-X64]

I have the original Rarities CD and 12 of those tracks are on the new Rarities CD.

And from the essential CD there are two tracks that I dont recognize.

Pass.

[Analog-X64]

Is it me, or are these kinds of albums always a lot less satisfying than you think they'll be?

Yup... you almost have to have very Rossy tinted glasses.