This box set contains the 4 maxi singles from "Minor Earth Major Sky" album.
"Summer Moved On" is a beautiful ballad showcasing a-ha melody skills and Morten's inimitable voice. The Millenia Nova mix is aerial and extremely laid back. The radio version is slightly shorter. "Barely Hanging On" is another album track. The original maxi single was released separately with the same content.
"Minor Earth Major Sky" remixes are sometimes redundant, but Millenia Nova once again does a good job with an atmospheric version of the song, which sounds even more melancholic. I personally like the rock edge of the Black Dog remix and find the early version interesting. I'm not much into the dance remixes from ATB (rather poor according to me) and Ian Pooley, but I guess they will work out well in clubs. This edition contents the poetic video for "Summer Moved On" (Quick Time) (not on the independant original single release).
"Velvet" is a tender and sexy love ballad. My favorite remix remains the atmospheric one by Millenia Nova. De-Phazz remix includes some electronic loops and voice distortion. New York City mix is close to the original but pushes instruments and the female vocals in the back. Morten's voice sounds clearer. Alabaster mix uses the guitar loops as a backbone. Stockholm mix sounds too mechanical to me. Just like for the original release, the video is included (Quick Time). This video is related to "One night at McCools" with Liv Tyler (the song was part of the movie soundtrack).
"The sun never shone that day" is a beatlesque song, which works out well in the summer. The non-album tracks are two more remixes of "Minor Earth Major Sky" otherwise only available on vinyl, probably the best dance remixes of that song. "Pumpin' doll remix" is really working out well and Ian Pooley is more inspired on this "toothache mix". The cinematic video for "Minor earth Major Sky" (Quick time) showing Morten abandoned on the moon by Magne and Paul is included. This maxi-single is not available independently from this box set.
If you're a collector fan, and did not have the occasion to purchase the singles separately, the box set is a good choice. The artwork is matching the cover of the album, and it will be a good-looking addition to your collection. If you're new to a-ha, I advise you to listen to their album(s) first. The dance remixes are not representative of the band style.
It is a brilliant compilation of singles comming from the Album Minor earth major sky. Three of the singles were solded sepratly and one was only sold in Norway (to bad) I have no further words for it it is just great you have to buy it!!!
I am a big fan of Norways finest musical export aka a-ha. This album is good as it has a wide variety of music appealing to different audiences. However it turns out that each song is remixed 4 or 5 times and you can buy each remix on the album on the singles. However Pal Waaktaar's writing is still class, Magne's keyboard is magic and Morten's voice is still as distinctive as ever.
