The Cranberries Album: “Bury the Hatchet [The Complete Sessions - Limited Edition]”

I was surprised to see this extended edition at our shop. I am happy for this edition to have been published, because normally, if you want to have everything they have recorded, you've got to collect their "b-sides" rarities on singles. It's almost impossible in my country. It's great they have put it on one album. (= *****)

Now on to the music. DISC 1 (***1/2) It contains the same material as the European 14-song edition of „Bury the Hatchet". Then I don`t understand why the quality of the recording is little bit different with both editions. Not worse or better, but different. "BTH" was a shock for fans who discovered the band only with their third recording „To The Faithful departed". It sounds different. But those of us, who've known their very early recordings from before "Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We?", weren't disappointed. At least I wasn't. The songs on "Bury the Hatchet" sound lighter and softer than the ones on their previous albums, lyrics are concerning different things too. For me, "Bury the Hatchet" contains one of the best songs they have written - "Dying in the Sun" (compare its beauty with "Empty" or "War Child"). But there are also 2 songs I don't like on this album at all. "Copycat" and "Delilah". Until the time I have heard "BTH", my "worst song from them" was "I just shot John Lennon". This song plus the two mentioned don't have, in my opinion, the beauty of "Forever Yellow Skies" or "Salvation" that I like very much. To other songs: "Animal Instinct" doesn't sound like "Ode to my Family", but it serves to me the same sort of feelings. It's a great song along with their trademark entitled "Promises", beautiful "You and Me", passionate "Shattered" and excellent "Fee Fi Fo". This last one reminds to me the mood from the album "To the Faithful departed".

DISC 2 (*****) It is a rarity itself. I've always liked their live recordings; I mean both concert and acoustic versions. This second CD contains concert recordings of some of the first CD titles. But what is so magical about this special edition album is that it includes studio versions of all, or better most of the songs the band has recorded for "Bury the Hatchet". I like the non-cranberry "Baby Blues", a "Faithful Departed"-like "Paparazzi on Mopeds" and a little bit surprising, but very nice "Woman Without Pride".

When "Bury the Hatchet" came out last year, Dolores was interviewed and said that they weren't very happy about their previous album "To the Faithful departed". She said they didn't play many of the songs from this album on concerts. She said the album was sad, also touching the question of death and other dark things. And then she said one thing that I am sure was very true. She said that "To the Faithful departed" reflected very much the period it was written in ("Bosnia", etc.). I would say this statement could apply to every album of them. "Bury the Hatchet" was written when Dolores came through some changes in her life, such as having her own child. It changes your character and personality very much. Their songs are reflecting their lives.

So, this 2-CD set has everything a good album can only have. Slow songs, fast songs, lovely tunes and angry tunes, happiness and many other things. But it is probably best only for their faithful fans, it is not as "for everyone" as "No Need To Argue" album. So, if you are a Cranberries fan and you love their live performances along with some extra songs, get this album. You would not probably regret the money you are about to spend. But, those of you who don't like the standard edition of "Bury the Hatchet", don't try this one, it has nothing roughly different for you to love. No Zombies, no Lingers, no Dreams.

I am a fan of the Cranberries pure and simple. This album is a fine example of the superb performance that the group always puts on. All the songs are great with my favorites being "You and Me" and "Saving Grace". Dolores' voice is just amazing regardless of the type of song she is singing. I happened to see the group in concert a few years ago, and the thing that really struck me is that they sound as good live as they do on CD; not many groups can do that. "Bury the Hatchet" is a definite must have for any fan of the Cranberries.

If you haven't already bought Bury The Hatchet, buy this first! It's the complete Bury the Hatchet cd plus a bonus track, "Sorry Son". Plus another cd with all the b-sides to the Bury the Hatchet singles, PLUS seven live songs recorded in Paris (for the dvd). It's a treat to hear "Delilah" and "Loud and Clear" live, because they really kick live. The Cranberries are an excellent live band and Dolores has amazing vocals! If you already have BTH, this is still worth buying for all the b-sides ("Woman Without Pride", "Such A Shame" are the best, hard rockin'), and all those live songs on one cd! The packaging is great, sturdy foldout.