Renaissance
Scheherazade And Other Stories (box set)
Review by Gary Hill
I like this new box set quite a lot. First, you get the classic Renaissance album. It's always been an exceptional disc, and I think this remaster sounds great (although I've read some reviews where folks disagree). It should be noted that other than the bonus track I previously reviewed all these songs on a different version of the disc. For the sake of consistency I've used those track reviews.
For me, the bonus stuff here might be what really makes this shine the most, though. Well, the one on the first disc, a single edit of "Ocean Gypsy" isn't that special, but the other two discs sure are. First, there is a live concert on the second CD that is so good. Then there is the DVD. You get the album with multiple audio options, but for me the really great thing about that disc is the promo feature that is essentially just live video of the band. I think that's such a great addition that it might be worth the price of admission all by itself. Anyway all of this is delivered in a cardboard clamshell box. Each disc comes in a heavy duty cardboard sleeve. The set also includes a poster with liner notes and lyrics on the flip side and a nice booklet. It makes for an exceptional collection.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.
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