Had to do some clever finagling to plunk down the money for this, but I finally had my copy delivered the other day. Even though I swore to myself I would take it slow and not play the discs back to back to back I can't help myself. The music is just so good. I think some of that is down to there not being so many alternate versions of these songs, other than songs Martin has revisited, or that are on the Free Reed set. For example, I just heard disc 4 which has the origins of Brass Monkey with Martin, John Kirkpatrick and Howard Evans. Truly glorious stuff.
The box itself is well put together, and as this is my third Mad Fish box I expected it. The press kit reproduction is a treat, and the autographed photo will go on the music memorabilia wall as soon as possible, as will the one included in the press kit. I love the multi colored slip cases-the font and layout sort of remind me of guitar string packages. Thankful that once burned, as I don't have a CD player at present that I don't have to pull them out however, as they are a little snug. The photos are superb-wonderful quality and great to see little snippets of Martin's life. As to the text, I have only skimmed it so far. I know these things are subjective, but it seems like the end is very rushed. We go from Brass Monkey in the 80's to the reunion with Swarb, a few mentions of Eliza, none of Waterson:Carthy specifically in the space of a few concluding paragraphs. I did spot one doozy of an error though on page 40, proclaiming Ian Anderson lending his 'dulcet tones' to the Thompson's Down Where The Drunkards Roll. Oye...does Clinton Heylin not realize who that voice is, does he not recognize the voice of Trevor Lucas? Minor quibble but still!

