Remastered: Part 1 - UK CD Box Set

Sorry for the delay on this one, but I really needed time to absorb these, take notes, compile rants, do lots of scanning and so forth.

Just to be clear, this post is for the CD Box Set only! I'm passing on the vinyl sets this time around simply because the total price is heart attack inducing. Besides, I really don't need anymore vinyl if it can be helped. If people are interested in those particular sets, I'm sure there are more than enough people out there in the internet world with photos showing them in better detail.

Much of what I want to say about this set I'm saying prior to the actual CDs because I don't want to repeat everything over and over again with each release. The CDs I'm reserving for random comments or any significant changes that have been made.




THE BOX - ARTWORK AND DESIGN:

First of all, apologies for the plastic seams showing along the cover and any potential space dust. I'm keeping the shrink wrap plastic on my box lid to protect it as much as possible, so it can't be helped.

The cover art is unique to the CD release of this box set only. It's comprised of images from the Director's Cut era, and features a fish person splashed on all sides of the box in various states of unrest.

There's an additional image on the back of the box, along with a loose insert placed over it. Since I'm keeping the plastic on my cover, that also means I can't remove the insert.

I personally like it. It's very understated. While it may come across as an unusual choice to many, there also appears to be some humour behind the intention if you really stop and think about it for a minute. Kate's name and the box set title appear on the front of the box only.

The artwork for Between Two Worlds by Timorous Beasties has been used for the bottom portion of the box housing the CDs. Again, the artwork appears to be unique to the CD version of this box set only.

I like the design of it, and I'm glad Kate has found a way to use it again. It's also a nice contrast to the lid artwork. While some people find the overall box design to be a bit awkward, I actually like it. Since all the CDs are in digipaks this time around, it's probably the best way of protecting them as digipak packaging isn't the most durable, long-lasting packaging around.

Overall the box seems pretty sturdy. I don't think it's as thick as the box for This Woman's Work, but it's still good as long as you don't start throwing darts at it.

THE CDs: PACKAGING AND DESIGN:

Everyone knows I'm not a fan of digipak packaging in general, but I'm not even going to complain about it this time because we actually get plastic CD trays in these releases - not those horrible makeshift cardboard pockets/slits. Each CD comes in a tri-fold glossy digipak, and while the album artwork is a little cropped along the top and bottom of each release, the quality is stunning. You can definitely see how much nicer the artwork looks overall when comparing it to older CD and vinyl releases. Unfortunately, my cheap scanner really doesn't show you just how nice they really are. Each digipak is also packaged with a lyrics booklet.

The only issue I have with the actual CD design is that overbearing Fish People logo on each one. Something far more interesting could have been done in place of them.



CD SOUND QUALITY:

Stunning isn't even the right word to be using for the sound quality on this box set. Orgasmic really is the only word that I can think of to describe the incredible sound on these CDs. It honestly felt like I was hearing each album for the very first time again. I found it amazing how some tracks really stood out more than others, which is not to say that all tracks aren't good - they are. But sometimes you get a little extra surprised by certain tracks, never fully appreciating what you were actually missing out on before... until now. Everything sounds fresh and clear, and I'll even go so far as to say that the sound quality outshines any of the Japanese pressings. For me to say that is really saying a lot!

If you haven't bought this set yet - you really should!



THE KICK INSIDE:

The most notable change on the front artwork is Kate's name printed in one long line, which looks a bit strange. The fact that the album artwork has been cropped probably has everything to do with this decision.

I like how the full inner artwork looks like one giant eye, and each release having a song quote.

LIONHEART:

Slight increase to the font lettering on the cover. No "Kate Bush" or "Lionheart" printing on the back cover.

NEVER FOR EVER:

The picture label on this CD is probably the nicest one out of the set. The inner art is also very nice, but it would have been nicer if "Swan Kate" was added under the CD tray instead of a repeated image.

THE DREAMING:

At first I thought Kate's name had been purposely removed from the front cover due to the cropping process. After scanning it in, I was more than surprised to see it's still there - but in faint green. I can only assume this was some kind of colour printing error

While the didgeridoo is intact on the title track, a certain credit has now been officially removed with this release.

HOUNDS OF LOVE:

Not much to say about this one, other than the fact that the dead space underneath the CD tray could have used another photo.

THE SENSUAL WORLD:

Since Walk Straight Down The Middle was originally intended as a bonus track back in the day, you won't find it on this release. Instead, it will be featured on the second part of this box set.

Love the repeated flower design on the inner artwork.

THE RED SHOES:

I'm a little disappointed that the ending on Big Stripey Lie has also been edited down on this copy of The Red Shoes, and can only assume this is the same remaster that's found on the deluxe version of Director's Cut.

Still bizarre seeing this CD without its normal picture disc artwork.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I've seen a lot of negativity about this box set over the past little while. So many people moaning over their dislike of the art concept, hating the digipaks, or some other trivial thing... such as no extra tracks included on the CDs or not getting a booklet full of photos, etc. My only thought on that is: who cares!!

For me, and for many other people out there, it's always just been about the music. The fact that we're even getting remasters is pretty amazing because many people never thought they'd ever see the day when that happened. I certainly didn't, and these albums sound absolutely gorgeous now. Just enjoy it.

***Part II of this box set will be posted sometime in early January 2019***