THE MUSIC: These 2 albums, originally released in 1985 on Warner Brothers and 1988 on Reprise, were available on CD when first released, but were long out-of-print until this package was released in 2008. Nicely assembled artwork from both albums is included, as well as all lyrics. Neither album was a big seller, but both are outstanding and just as strong as his mega-hit self-titled debut album and it's follow-up "Another Page". The songs "Every Turn Of The World", "Charm The Snake", "Love Is Love", "That Girl", "Someday" (with Michael McDonald), "Never Stop Believin" (with Christine McVie), "Swept Away", "Back Of My Mind", and "I Will Take You Forever" all belong with his greatest hits and classics. Thanks to Friday Music for making these albums available again on CD. (they also have reissued the wonderful "Arthur" soundtrack album)
THE REMASTERING: These discs sound IDENTICAL to the original CD releases - side by side listening comparison reveals no difference in sound level (which is what you'd expect these days, especially compared to a CD mastered in the 1980's) and no difference in mix or equalization. Reissue producer / remastering engineer Joe Reagoso mentions in the liner notes that "thanks to our friends at Rhino, we have gone back to the Warner Brothers vaults and utilized the original session tapes" - it seems pretty odd that the sound is no different or better than the original 20 year old CD's. You can check out what they would sound like remastered by current standards on the Rhino CD "The Very Best Of Christopher Cross" from 2002, where the song "Every Turn Of The World" appears in a much stronger and better sound quality than on this set. I own perfect copies of the original CD's, and purchased this strictly for the remastered and improved sound quality, but I was disappointed. But for those fans who've been searching for these albums, this is just what you need. Like the originals, this new set sounds excellent, just not comparable to the sound of most remasters these days. And as most of you fans know, his first 2 albums have never been remastered either.
FAN'S NOTES: Don't miss out on Christopher Cross's fantastic albums of the 1990's: "Rendezvous", "Window", and "Walking In Avalon". His brand new album "Doctor Faith" has just been released in 2011.
