Joe Jackson Album: “Classic Joe Jackson: The Universal Masters Collection”

Universal Masters Collection is your standard greatest hits collection, with some unusual choices (Happy Ending comes to mind). However, what really sets this collection apart from the rest are the five (!) rare tracks: The Harder They Come, Don't Ask Me, Tilt, You Got the Fever, and Out Of Style. If you're a fan, this is a must-have.

Made in EU in 2000, Serial# 497-277-2, Playing Time 69:35

There are quite a few JJ compilations out there; this one is identical to "Talents Du Siecle", part of a series released in France (which translates into "Talents of The Century"), as well as another album entitled "Millennium Collection".

The material covers JJ's career up to the "Blaze Of Glory" album, though excludes any material from "Big World" and "Will Power". Tracks 8,14 and 18 are from the single "The Harder They Come", track 11 is the b-side to the "One More Time" single, while track 16 is the b-side to the "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" single.

JJ's musical journey brought us into many genres, from classical to jazz to rock. Each album as a personnality, which stands strong on its own. I found that when all mixed together like on this disc, it makes for a very eclectic experience: we go back and forth between those musical genres.

I like each album individually, but if I'm in the mood for some specific type of music, I'll put on the appropriate album: "Night And Day" for some jazzier sounds, "Look Sharp!" or "I'm The Man" for some rockier material, etc.

If you want an overview of the first decade of his career, this CD is fine; I find it MUCH too diverse to listen to from beginning to end: it contains something I'm not in the mood for at that time...

I don't have this CD, but have had each track in it's original vinyl incarnation at one time or another. Unfortunately, most were lost when I moved from NY to FL in '90. I HAVE to get a copy of this! I used to play "Don't Ask Me" with a band I had back home in NY, and it was one of our most energetic (and fun) numbers. These old songs are great examples of Joe's enormous talent and a must have for anyone who admires his music like I do.

Joe Jackson's songs always bring me back to the early days of MTV. When I hear his classic, "Stepping Out," I remember the video so clearly about going out in New York City, taxis, hotel maids, etc. I didn't know he was British but he splits his time between New York City and his native country. He studied music at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England with classmates like Annie Lennox.

When Joe Jackson became popular, it was because his range and style varied. He could sing swing and do serious ballads like "Breaking Us Into Two." Joe Jackson should be honored by the Queen of England for his services to music and I know that I sound like a broken record about that but he should be.

Joe Jackson's range even goes beyond swing, pop, and into classical. He's a classical kind of guy who is down to earth as well.