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- Verified Buyer
This is NOT a mono version of the CD currently available here on Amazon (or elsewhere); it's a special MP3 version where the original '68 LP is issued in its MONO version, augmented here with the original mono mixes of the "Time For Cilla" British EP (her only EP to include all-new material). These are digital debuts for all the material, and it's a chance for fans to hear some of the original hits the way they were first issued: in MONO. Many surprises here for those who are accustomed to the stereo versions of these songs; remember, after these songs were recorded, the FIRST mix of this material was (more often than not) IN mono! One listen to this, and one will notice these versions aren't exactly "fold-overs" in nature! Catch the use of piano in the mono "There I Go" in contrast to the stereo mix (found on the 3CD "Abbey Road Decade" set); this makes for a drastically different listen. The same can be said for the mono "I Only Live To Love You"; the intro ALONE is different than the more familiar (to me, anyway) stereo mix....Of course, EMI could've added more to this set (hence the review's title), but it is a nice compilation that--for the first time in quite a while--DOESN'T overlap with other Cilla Black collections (MP3 or CD)! Further, this download's quality practically SCREAMS for a CD release, liner notes and all....An ESSENTIAL purchase for Cilla fans! It only merits four "stars" because of the LENGTH of the release; otherwise, it's FIVE "stars" for overall execution. Hopefully, EMI will reissue the rest of the mono masters, someday; until then....All the best, Brother Fang.
