Search - Nine-Nine-Nine :: Emergency

Nice collection of songs don't ring true

03/17/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This cool collection of 999 songs is lacking the earlier spunk and power of the original recordings. Why make a really good collection of 999 songs and not put the original recordings? Recording is smoother and better sound, but since when does punk need that? Raw energy of earlier recordings far out shine these re-done classic 999 songs."

Beware: NOT the original versions

punkviper | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 11/17/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't a live album, it's a lengthy compilation of 999 songs that were all re-recorded by the band. I don't know why '77 punk bands insist on doing things like this (the Vibrators did this also) because half the appeal of old punk rock is the stark and raw nature of the music. Why redo it? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unfortunately, most of 999's good stuff is available as import only, so this might be your only economical choice."

Alternate Versions

eveoflove | North York, Ontario Canada | 05/06/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Made in UK in 1997, Serial# RRCD-245, Playing Time 79:49RECEIVER Records specialize in 2 types of releases: "unofficial" live albums, and "unofficial" rarities(early versions, alternate takes, demos, rough mixes, etc.) This release is the latter, and was NOT re-recorded by the band for this release.The number of albums released by this label for artists like MOTORHEAD and SWEET is already astounding, and this album is no different.The versions here are alternate versions, probably recorded before the arrangements were finalized for the official albums. How they manage to get those tapes remains a mystery to me (tapes owned by the producer, the engineer, 1 band member?), but what we get here should satisfy the devoted fan: the versions are different enough to peak the curiosity of any 999 fan, and the material goes all the way to the "Concrete" era.Sure, this release might not have been sanctionned by the band, and the tracks are not the album versions, but they are "finished" well enough to give the listener an enjoyable 80-minute experience. Maybe that's what the band sounds like in an alternate universe.If you REALLY give this album a chance, you might even prefer some of the arrangements here over some of the album tracks."