Definitely worth the price.
Reticuli | Las Vegas | 09/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First off, the US remix and remaster of Finelines is indeed worth purchasing...much to my surprise. There's more low-end, a richer midrange, and the important layers of the music have been emphasized. Some of the tracks are also cut differently, including intros and outros that were not on the European release. The dynamic range has also been altered: certain portions suddenly become much louder within the song, while other portions have been slightly compressed. It seems that specific intricate samples have been thrown out in favor of the more prominent, generalized, and music-lending ones being enhanced and brought out in the mix. My first reaction is that the music is much more focused and attention-grabbing. It would seem Steve Thompson has the same affinity for certain aspects of the music as me, because I dig it. He hasn't messed up the songs I already liked, and those which were less interesting before seem amazing now. The master, like I said, is warmer, but also a tad less harsh in the high end and less thin. This may simply be a result of attenuating some of the highs, but I'm able to keep it at a higher volume than before. There does seem to be a slight loss in ambience and intricacy in spots (again probably relating to the new EQ and the deletion of certain arguably extraneous background layers), but I have the original mix so I can still revisit them. However, I think the spirit of the album has not only been preserved but taken to a more intense level. Between The Lines is a fantastic addition. The covers are good, the acoustic version of Always Your Way with piano is fabulous, and while some riffs seem a bit same-ish on a few tracks, it doesn't annoy me or become tiresome in the least. There's a great deal of subtlety going on here and a depth worth exploring. If you don't own the US version of Finelines, I highly recommend this double album."
Awesome.
Terence | Singapore. | 10/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"well.. i was introduced to My Vitriol by some friends. The blending of Alpha Waves & Always Your Way totally blew me off. This was indeed something new to check out, recommended. Highlighted tracks include Cemented Shoes, Pieces, Moodswings and the beautiful acoustic version of Always Your Way. Anyway, this double disc complilation is indeed worth the money. Check it out."
Flawless
Murphy Hill | Byron, GA | 04/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of all the bands I have known in my time on this planet, very few have made me turn my head and drop my jaw. This band manages to do this 10 fold. They have a new sound in the airwaves, one that isn't duplicated, merely a metamorphosis of shoegaze, rock, and indie. I can't really but this cd into words, but DO trust me when i say this; if u are a fan of rock, indie, alternative, pop, whatever, MUSIC IN GENERAL, this is a definite must own. One of the top 5 albums in my opinion. Not only is the original "Finelines" album brilliant, but the B-sides are to die for! Such great tracks, and so many of them too. It is a rarity, and this is why it is a must-have in you cd collection. Trust me, u won't regret it."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1