The British Invasion: The History of British Rock Vol. 5

by

Various Artists

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There's little point in telling you if "The British Invasion (The History of British Rock)" is "good" or "bad." That would be pretty silly: you're quite capable of reading the track list for yourself, and making that determination. What you will find with each of these discs is exceptional audio quality, superb packaging and documentation, and an historical musical surprise.

Similar compilations are available in grocery and drug stores, and also from TV ads for five or six bucks each. As usual, one gets what one pays for, and these "budget" discs are usually unrecognizable "B" sides: the sound quality is atrocious. On the other hand, the audio quality of the Rhino compilations is stunning. Remastered by Bill Inglot and Ken Perry, it is difficult to believe that these recordings are more than thirty-years old. Rhino does a remarkable job of combing recording libraries for first-rate master tapes, then engineering these recordings to CD. I have yet to be disappointed with a Rhino "oldies but goodies" release. The sonics are immaculate - like hearing some of your favorites for the first time.

Also, each disc is packaged in a jewel case with a complete and interesting history of the songs presented: information included is the artist, composer and release date.

The surprise of "The British Invasion" is that several tracks from each disc did not, repeat did not "invade" America. Some songs "charted" in the UK, but failed to make the Top-100 in America. For collectors of British popular music, it is fascinating to note the difference between British and American tastes. The "odd" tracks may not have entered Billboard's Top-100, but there not "throwaway" either. Dazzling sound quality, insightful documentation, and a few "rarities." In my book, that ain't too shabby.