ARCHIVE #2 1976-1992

I was given this boxset as a Christmas gift back in 2000, (I was actually hoping to get Vol.1!). Upon hearing it for the first time I was extremely disappointed. I really didn't need to hear anything that came after DUKE, even if it was live. Back then it would have gotten a 2-star rating. But 5 years later I can honestly give it a solid three stars, and its mainly for the live tracks from the early tours, (Trick of the Tail, And Then There Were Three & Duke tours). I enjoy hearing "Deep In The Motherlode", "Ripples", "Burning Rope", and "The Lady Lies". But I especially like the live version of "Duke's Travels", the last song to have that Banks wall of sound. Of the many b-sides and other tracks, "The Day The Light Went Out" is my favorite. Least would have to be all the 12" singles, especially "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight", godawful! The good outweigh the bad on this set, so for my money, the live tracks make up for the whole thing. Buy it if you can get it on the cheap go for it.