Originally posted by CTB
> Originally posted by Mr. Disco> > > > Box sets are really of interest to true and not occasional fans, so why does this box set seemed to be aimed at them. Do fairweather fans spend £30 on a box set when they can pick up The best of for £8 or Substance for £11. If they buy any NO cd at all.> > > > The highlight for me of the "Heart & Soul" box set was the radio sessions and demos on disc 3, plus the fact that I didn't feel cheated as none of my favourite and the bands most important tracks had been left out of the set. Imagine that box set with no Transmission or Atmosphere or LWTUA but 3 verions of Failures or No Love Lost. Thats how I feel about this box set w/o the original single versions of Ceremony and Temptation and the three tracks listed above, but 3 versions of Elegia, 2 of Fine time etc..> > > > Cheers>
..See that? That's what I'm talkin' about. 
As has been stated often on this site, the comparison between Retro and Heart & Soul is utterly redundant. H&S was released as an attempt to comprehensively compile the work of a 'finished' band. No, they didn't include absolutely everything, but it went pretty close. New Order are not a 'finished' band, so that's why we don't have the rarities of the kind that H&S had.
You see, the clue is in the title - Retro. As in Retrospective. As in a compilation of previously released material. Just what is it you think you are owed here? Material that the band themselves don't deem worthy of release? A comprehensive compilation of your personal favourites? And think about this if you feel cheated or angry - they don't owe you anything, they don't exist solely for our entertainment.
CTB

If NO are not a "finished band" as you say they are doing a very good impression of one having released a whole 2 (one disappointing, one average) new albums since 1989. Why do you think that "Retro" should not be a collection of personal favourites, surely thats EXACTLY what Discs 1 and 2 are. Who are John McCarthy and Miranda Sawyer and why is their opinion of what a best of should contain any more valid than mine or yours or any other NO fan.
As a fan of the band since 1981, and Joy Division beforehand, I hust feel cheated that there is very little on the box set aimed at people like me, who bought the early singles and albums, and that I am expected just to accept the fact that because New Order release something that I should be grateful for that. Given the previous availabilty of most of the tracks on Retro discs 1 and 2 I believe an opportunity has been lost, and I also feel cheateed that I have to wait until they release another box set in the HOPE that they might release tracks unavailable on cd in preference to tracks already widely available or ANOTHER remix disc.
Retrospective - means a look back. it doesn't necessarily cover only previously released material. In fact in its normal context I would say a "retrospective" would represent a comprehensive look back and not a selected one, but that's just my opinion.
Whether New Order owe long standing fans anything or not is a matter of debate, I think they do you obviously think differently. If it wasn't for their long standing fans putting up with their contrary nature which has been both inspiring and irritating at times then I don't think the'd be living in their big expensive houses in Cheshire.
I don't know how long you've been a fan or how easy it is getting hold of their stuff is in Australia, but in the beginning here the band seemed to positively discourage anyone becoming a fan, e.g. unnamed (never mind pictured) or very difficult to read names on their record sleeves, unnanounced gigs, sometimes 30 or 45 minute shambolic sets, no acknowledgement of the audience etc, etc, and yet we stood by them because the music was special, it was MORE than special. The lack of inclusion of the tracks I previously listed, just makes me feel that my support hasn't been worth jackshit, and I am only valued if I am once again willing to put my hand in my pocket. If someone at London Records or within New Order themselves doesn't recognise HOW important the original version of "Ceremony" et al is important to people like me, I just felt there should have been room on a 66 track box set for it (and a few others)
I'd be interested to think whether you or any other fans believe there will be another box set, and when do you think this will happen?
Finally
If New Order don't exist for the entertainment of fans like you and me, then they should cease to exist as a recording artist and touring band and just play amongst themselves for their own enjoyment.
Regards