Collected

Compiled by the Dutch arm of Universal Music Group, this comprehensive retrospective of the late Robert Palmer’s music output appears promising. It’s the first collection to span the entirety of the singer’s professional career between 1969 and 2003, and features all of Palmer’s UK solo singles, along with soundtrack contributions, select remixes, and other material. Additionally, Palmer’s collaborative work in three bands is represented.While not marketed on this concept, “Collected” would ideally include all of the proper single edits for each selection. However, the compilers were either unambitious, or did not have access to all of the original recordings. Consequently, album versions comprise the majority of tracks here, with more questionable choices noted below:1.6 “Every Kinda People” – remixed version from the 1989 “Addictions” compilation.1.9. “Bad Case Of Loving You” – remixed version from the 1989 “Addictions” compilation.2.1 “Addicted To Love” – remixed version from the 1989 “Addictions” compilation.2.7 “Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming” – 12” Edit of Al B. Sure’s Westerville Mix from US single. While technically a minor rarity, this remix is inferior to the album version.3.5 “Pride” – the US Remix by Francois Kervorkian, which differs to the UK extended version (the corresponding A side to “Parade Of The Obliterators”).3.7 “You Are In My System” – an annoyingly early fade of the 6 minute remix.Missed opportunities and troublesome track variations aside, the release’s more prevalent problem is its overly loud volume – an industry standard practice that unfortunately plagues most contemporary music products. And no discernible remastering was conducted – the original recordings have merely been boosted to the same excessive level.A peculiarity of the packaging should be noted – the cardboard digipak only has two plastic disc trays; the third CD is stored in one of the panels, analogous to the booklet. Whether this design was a cost-saving measure or an accidental oversight is unknown.Given its lack of rare material and sub-optimal sound quality, “Collected” will disappoint obsessive collectors and audiophiles. But for casual fans, “Collected” provides a solid overview of Robert Palmer’s exceptional oeuvre.

This vinyl is exceptionally quiet! I think the mastering may suffer a bit from compression of the sound files - most noticeable on the louder, rockier songs, but overall, this is great release!Packaging is high quality printing on matte cardboard and housed in a heavy clear resealable envelope. Mine was shipped directly from the label in a stiff cardboard mailer that could withstand any abuse!Notable is an inclusion of a song from Robert's first band Vinegar Joe.Highly recommended to anyone wanting to hear Robert Palmer on vinyl.

The best RP music collection ever!

This is a great collection of songs sung by one of the greatest rock 'n roll singers of all time. I received it fast and in great shape.

I bought this primarily for my wife who is a Robert Palmer fan. With this purchase it turns out I'm a fan too. The vinyl is flawless.

Fantastic selection of songs. This is the first compilation/hits package to include early Alan Bown and Vinegar Joe tracks including a duet with Elkie Brooks. The sound quality is Excellent -- clear and silky. Beautiful pictures and catalogue biography. This is essential for collectors and even casual fans of Robert Palmer.

Seriously, just an amazing collection!

Sounds good, but more compressed than some of his older albums. Still worth having, I enjoy listening to it.

Part of Universal's Collected series, this is by far the best one-stop option for getting most of Robert's most significant output in one place. Included is one song from The Alan Brown Set, two from Vinegar Joe and two from The Power Station (both Top 40 hits, Some Like It Hot and Get It On), all of which feature Palmer on vocals.There are three discs (two in trays, one in the fold-out panel) and a nice, full, consistent sound that suggests remastering (QS Sound Lab in the Netherlands is mentioned as mastering studio).Most songs here are album versions. Exceptions include Addicted To Love, Every Kinda People and Bad Case Of Loving You which are the same versions as on the two Addictions compilations that featured mostly remade or resung versions of his hits. But don't worry, Addicted To Love still sounds like the classic song we love. It's a shame, though, they didn't use the 5.02 mins 12'' Version from the Japan release.Despite that, there are a number of extended versions, remixes and other variants included here. Including the aforementioned reworkings from the Addictions retrospectives, these are:CD1 Track 5 - Every Kinda People (Addictions Mix) 3.25mins - mix not creditedCD1 Track 9 - Bad Case Of Loving You (Addictions Mix) 3.12mins - mix not creditedCD2 Track 1 - Addicted To Love (Addictions Mix) 4.22mins - mix not creditedCD2 Track 7 - Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming (US 12" Edit) 4.09 - mix not credited, this was Track 2 on the US promo CD that featured the album version and five mixes by Al B. Sure!CD3 Track 4 - Parade Of The Obliterators 6.53mins - the full-length B-side from the Pride UK 12"CD3 Track 5 - Pride (Francois Kevorkian US Remix, listed simply as Remix) 5.17minsCD3 Track 6 - You Can Have It (Take My Heart) (12" Version) 4.50minsCD3 Track 7 - You Are In My System (Remix) 5.39 (inexplicably faded from its original 6.07 duration, there was room for the rest of the mix on this CD which clocks in at 77mins 36 seconds total)CD3 Track 10 - Simply Irresistible (E.T. Remix) 6.34minsCD3 Track 11 - Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You (12" Remix) 7.06minsCD3 Track 15 - Every Kinda People (Jolley/Harris/Jolley Reproduction Radio Mix - here listed as 1992 Remix) 3.50mins - from the UK CD single promo. There were also Steve Anderson mixes, which would have been a better option on this set as the Reproduction Radio Mix has a very similar arrangement to the other versions featuredAlso worth a mention as long/uptempo/synth tracks are:CD1 Track 12 - Johnny And Mary - 4.01mins album/12" mix, energetic synthpop (later covered as an outright Hi-NRG track by Leigh Jaeger, one of the models from Palmer's Addicted To Love video, with a Harding/Curnow 12" mix)CD1 Track 13 - Looking For Clues - 4.54 mins album version, which I believe is the same as 12" 'Long Version'CD1 Track 14 - Some Guys Have All The Luck - 3.10mins album version that was also the 12" single versionCD1 Track 16 - You Are In My System - 4.28mins album version (the 12" is also included as mentioned above)CD1 Track 17 - You Can Have It (Take My Heart) 3.09mins album version (the 12" is also included as mentioned above)CD1 Track 19 - Discipline Of Love - 6.07mins full-length album version, though not the 6.40mins 12" remixCD2 Track 2 - Hyperactive - 5.07mins full-length ET (Eric Thorngren) mix from the album and the 12" singleCD2 Track 11 - Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You 5.56mins - full-length album version (the 12" is also included as mentioned above)CD3 Track 8 - Some Like It Hot - full-length album version 5.06 mins, though not the 6.40mins 12" version.There's a lot of pop-rock on this set, more than there is synthpop, so this collection probably won't be for devoted dance fans and disco bunnies - but there's enough here to cherry-pick a solid playlist of extended/remixed/uptempo material.The inconsistent sourcing - mixing up album versions, remakes and remixes - is what actually makes this set great and really interesting. Especially the 12" mixes, which will appeal if you missed the expanded editions of the albums from 2013.

Palmer on Vinyl in 2016 sounds great on this 180gram audiophile 'Music on Vinyl' product. Each side sounds great offering crisp and clear 'Vinyl sound'.Consisting of 2 discs 'Collected' is a judicious collection of the essential Palmer tracks spanning his solo career[1974-1995] with one Vinegar Joe track (Never Met A Dog) on side Four. An inclusion that incidentally sits raucously well next to The Power Station (Some Like It Hot). Typical of such collections, Palmer's musical adventures across his wide ranging career get the representative treatment as well-known tracks take precedence - coming it at 7 tracks per side however it makes for a tight and elegant survey.- Side One covers 1974-1979 and 1979-1983 on Side Two of Disk 1 and it doesn't miss a beat in this production.- Side Three covers 1983-1988 and 1990-1995 on Side Four with the revisiting of 1974, 1985 and 1990 respectively in the last three songs.As mentioned, side Four is a joy - audaciously taking Palmer's covers of Marvin Gaye, The Staples Singers, Bob Dylan and his efforts with Vinegar Joe and The Power Station and mixing in 1994's You Blow Me Away. All without exception to great musical effect. Palmer's voice - "One of the Great voices of the 20th Century", Jools Holland - is the key that locks the diversity of styles and influences together. Addicted to love and Simply Irresistible of course feature as the defining moments of his career - at least in the popular consciousness of the 1980s, but Robert Palmer Collected more than amply demonstrates that these award winning hits were matched and even bettered by, say 'Sneakin' Sally' or 'Bad case of Loving You' for their 'toe tapping' appeal. Palmer is described as a "genius" in the liner notes for his ability to be so musically ambidextrous.The package is gatefold matt cardboard with interesting liner notes and a great selection of photos. In fact the whole package should appeal to Palmer fans - the cigarette tray in the photos won't be lost on those that knew his real addiction. While to non Palmer fans, if you want to discover a thoroughly rewarding and great musical journey across the late 20thC's popular musical forms, with one of that century's great voices belting out RnB, Rock, Pop, Ballads Standards and New Wave, all with a great fidelity of sound - this is where to start. Fans, get this while it lasts.

Always been a fan of Robert PalmerUnderstandable that there were highs and low's in anybody's carereThere were songs I didn't like but there were a lot of songs I did likeHis style definitely made him simply irresistible.

Superb track listing and amazing remastering

Love Robert Palmer ,very good value for money for any true Robert Palmer fan