Disco de Swing Out Sister: “Ultimate Collection (32bit Remastered)”

Swing Out Sister (a.k.a. Corinne drewery and Andy Connell) have evolved from a synth-dance-pop style of music twenty years ago, to a Bossa Nova/late night jazz fusion, especially since 1997's Shapes and Patterns C.D.. Between those two styles they experimented with northern soul (Get in Touch with Yourself) and acid jazz (The Living return). However, their roots are clearly centered in jazz and around such celebrated songwriters as Jim Webb (who did arrangements on the Kaleidoscope World album), Burt bacharach and john Barry. In fact, the song You On My Mind (from kaleidoscopw World) is reminiscent to Jim Webb's, Up, Up and Away! These influences, along with S.O.S.'s own trademark sound result in an infectious fusion of pop, lounge and Bossa Nova.

I purchased the Ultimate Collection about this time last year, soon after purchasing their latest studio C.D., Where Our Love grows. I initially wasn't going to buyt this collection since I have nearly ALL of the C.D.s (domestic and import). However, because of the inclusion of the song, Windmills of Your Mind, the collection automatically deserves five stars. Windmills of Your Mind was the theme song from the movie, Thomas Crown Affair. Swing out Sister;s version was originallyavailable ONLY as a B-side to one of their U.K. singles from Kaleidoscope World. Later, the song was intended to be included on S.O.S.'s Best of C.D., from 1996. Instead, it was replaced with a new song, Heaven Only Knows. FINALLY it has been included on this collection (on the bonus disc). Their version of "Windmills" is very intimate in its sound and pensive in its mood, with only Andy's acoustic piano and Corinne's crystalline, yearning voice. Had this version been available when the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair was released a few years ago. perhaps it might have been considered over Sying's version.

To be fair, the rest of the collection is also very good. The price is very reasonable considering it is a 3-C.D. set. The selection of songs is very representative of their albums (although I don't know why none of the songs from the C.D., Filth and Dreams were included on the collection). The sound quality is greatly enhanced by the 32-bit remastering. My only complaint is that the bonus disc could have been longer in length and should have included the extended mix of You On My Mind as well as the song, The Spirit Moves., The Collection would then be perfect!

Buy this CD package. You will not regret it. From start to finish the music is positive, it is musical, it varies from a very few ballads to a lot of swing to a little straight ahead jazz.

I've heard this referred to as "Bacharach" style 60's music. Yes, it is orchestrated that way...Petula Clark material also comes to mind.

SoS has a definitive sound, they tell a story and it makes for great listening.

Pay close attention to "Fooled by a Smile", "Somewhere in the World", to name two good examples of classic SoS creativity and sound.

Every tune is worth a listen and all three CDs together make an easy ride on a trip or a relaxing period around the house.

Can't recommend this enough if you like music and are sick of the crap coming out of the record companies these days.

If you like rap...move along. This has a melody, orchestration and great lyrics well performed.

WITH IT'S IMPROVED DYNAMIC RANGE and GREATER SIGNAL to NOISE RATIO and AT LEAST A 6db GAIN in VOLUME . THIS 32 bit CD BLOWS ALL OTHER S. O. S. CD's AWAY . THIS IS A MUST HAVE if YOU ARE A FAN of S. O .S. MY VTL Tube Amps and KLIPSCHHORNS HAVE NEVER SOUNDED BETTER .

-SWING OUT-

I needed to find one set of cd that had all the hits that SOS has produced. This was the set that did it for me!!!! This three disc set has all their best hits,and other popular songs from their past recordings. Highly recommended if you want the best of SOS!!!!

This is a great collection of SOS's if you are a newcomer. It totally showcases their diversity as a major force in 80s British swank-pop. Fronted by the seductive, feminine, classy vocals of Corinne Drewery ala Marilyn Scott, this group is nothing short of the most sophisticated amalgamation of jazz, pop, and dance music to come out of Britain in ages.

If you are a long-time fan, a good majority of the best tracks are on here, but we know what's missing (ie, "Circulate" for instance), but if you are new, allow yourself to fall in love with their diversity that still manages to stay tightly knit into the fabric of the sound that makes you say, "Hey, that's Swing Out Sister!"

From their first dance hit "Breakout" to their beautiful Carpenters styled ballad "Here and Now," everything is here...Now! The tracks you really want to cherish on this collection?

Jazz-pop sensation "Fooled by a Smile" from It's Better to Travel, complete with its retro 60s feel.

The gorgeous "You On My Mind" with its smart Petula Clarkisms.

Their classic remake of "Summer Strut," "Am I the Same Girl."

Gorgeous, sexy, bitter "Mama Didn't Raise A Fool."

5th Dimension inspired "Somewhere in the World."

My personal favorite, "Here and Now," complete with its Richard and Karen Carpenterisms.

The almost perfect Henry Mancini-esque jazz-fusion of "Somewhere Deep in the Night."

The third cd also features two remixes of "Breakout," and one unnecissary 12 minute track called "Alone," but the best track is a nearly acapella version of "Windmills of Your Mind" that neary drives one to tears. Other than that, watch for a great cover of the old 5th Demension classic, Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic." If you like sophisticated British jazz-pop with soul, along with Everything But the Girl, Swing Out Sister is about as good as it gets.