NOW Thats What I Call Music! 8

Got this on LP but its got a bit damp / mold over the years so when I saw the cd version thought would buy. Arrived quickly and not disappointed with the music or quality would have given 5 stars if case hadn't been slight damaged on arrival.

While it's great to see these early Now albums emerge on CD at last (albeit Now 4, 8 and 9 did have truncated releases at the time) , the quality control has been slipshod with numerous mistakes particularly on volumes 2 to 7. Thankfully the label seem to have taken this criticism on board - or else just upped their attention to detail - as this full CD reissue only has four errors out of 32 tracks - similar to the CD version of the first Now.The following songs differ from the original 1986 double LP:Genesis – In Too Deep (Album version used instead of 7″ mix which was on Now 8 LP and CD)Grace Jones – I’m Not Perfect (But I’m Perfect For You) (Album version used instead of 7″ mix which was on Now 8 LP and CD)Janet Jackson – What Have You Done For Me Lately? (LP Edit from Design Of Decade used instead of 7″ mix which was on Now 8 LP)Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush – Don’t Give Up (The version included here is 5:57 which is shorter than both the LP and 12″ mixes but longer than the 5:41 7″ mix that was on Now 8 LP and CD. It is the one from 1990's Shaking The Tree)If you own the original Now 8 CD and get the West German compilation Musikladen Eurotops for the 7″ mix of the Janet Jackson track, then you can fully re-create the original double LP.

Let's sort one thing out right here. This is the double CD issue of the UK lp and cassette version. Not the single U.S. CD version of the same number. That is important because this has the 30 UK tracks on it. If, like me, you collected these, and missed a few, or you just want this on CD this is a great buy. Now look, I have seen other, more knowledgeable reviews and there is a debate amongst many as to whether some of the tracks are the same recordings as on the original release. I am staying well out of that, because it was like 35 odd years ago. Suffice to say these are all good 80s tunes and if nowt else but to increase your collection of hit tunes from that era, this is I fine double CD. Annoyingly many have been available within other compilations and the fact Sony Music now own the brand has lead to some issues of access to back cataligue. All in all this is OK.

Echoing the sentiment of most buyers, next to the original reissue of Now 1 on the replica gatefold card sleeve complete with vinyl CD aesthetic, this is by far the best effort among the reissued early volumes. No track ommisions and only 4 variants on versions but on this occasion I don't feel agreived. I do have the original releases on vinyl so have the option to digitise those and transfer to CD and even scan the original labels and print out CD stickers if I really wanted to or could be bothered. So with 8 down only a full double CD of volume 9 remains and then we're complete; unless Now' have plans to re release the specials editions like Dance, DANCE 86, 89, 90, Summer etc but I'm content. It would be truly amazing if CBS/EPIC/BMG would follow suit and re-release their Hits Albums 1-6 in a similar vein as I always felt they were often better? 9.5/10 👍🏻

Good value for the price

ABSOLUTELY GREAT 8

in my opinion -this is the greatest edition of the now series -all classic tracks from 1986-when music was starting to take off 86 to 90 -being a wonderfull period of music -when artists could -write -produce -excellent pop -rock -tunes all easy to listen to -home -clubs -pubs -etc -all addictive tunes -you rushed out and bought the new single -12 inch -album -pic disc -tape -sadly those days are over -enjoy this compilation -all great tracks a welcome addition to my collection -i have the original vinyl from 86 -but crackles a bit now

All the tracks from childhood. Remember having this on original cassette!