Ok I don't actually own this yet, but I'm a collector of Soft Cell material and this has some great inclusions. This is A and B side material, and non-album singles. I don't want to tell you all the time (and fun) it took in getting my Soft Cell collection, but here it is in one release... seriously... I'm blown away (and ordering in another window). While I suggest those who find themselves "into" Soft Cell to never skip any of the SOFT CELL releases as they are nearly all solid in content, this release contains the singles from each of their albums, the B sides of those releases, and includes some titles only released as singles. I would say start here if you are new to Soft Cell and fill in the gaps later. And to any Soft Cell fan who has all the albums but sees a song he/she is not familiar with... its a great one ~ what are you waiting for?

This is a comprehensive 3-CD package of the late, great utterly brilliant SOFT CELL...BUT I have to say, if the label is saying this is the "definitive" 12"/B-side collection, then WHY didn't they see fit to include two glaring omissions for any true Soft Cell fan - I'm talking about the infamous "bonus 12" EP" included in the original U.S. LP edition of THE ART OF FALLING APART, which showcased the FULL 10-minute+ version of "MARTIN" as well as the amazingly twisted cover/medly of Jimi Hendrix' "HEY JOE/VOODOO CHILI" etc? To get THESE tracks, you have to hunt down the Import re-issue of THE ART OF... CD released a few years back - both tracks are worth tracking down - if you don't believe me, you weren't in the audience during SOFT CELL's brief 2002 reunion tour when Marc Almond sang a chilling version of "MARTIN" LIVE!!! Once again, SOFT CELL were way ahead of their time and still are - I love all the NU-ELECTROCLASH stuff, BUT we all have to give it up to SOFT CELL who did it first & much better TWO DECADES AGO!! This collection takes me back to playing all their 12" singles in my bedroom without my headphones on, trying to make that leap into Almond/Ball's...ESSENTIAL STUFF.

I own this Soft Cell import. At the time of purchase I really had to
debate with myself on the price. ($33). Having played this collection
of "memoborillia" a few times, I can honestly say it is the best mix
ever assembled by the Soft Cell people.
Who can resist the inter-twining of Marc Almond's voice and Mark Ball's
beefy synthesizers? The music swirls and twines to null the senses.
However,if you want to pay a little over $50 for this import, make
sure you know the songs, or are a collector.
On the other side of the Soft Cell house, there is the question of
rarity. I used to live in NW London, England, and follwed Soft Cell's
rise to stardom. The seedy nightclub imitations ("Non Stop Erotic Caberet"),the sometimes lopsided lyrics, crazy late nights {with George
Michael, Andrew Ridgley and the Wham! entourage}.
Yes, those days are hard to find on CD. I purchased "The Art of Falling
Apart", on vinyl a few months ago, with the infamous song 'Martin' locked
into the grooves. (The 12" version is on the cassette tape.)
Therefore alternatives exist if you have the time to wander around stores
to find a few "rarities". If not this Soft Cell collection may work.