Eternal - Best Of Libera [CD]

So, Libera were to issue a 'Best Of' double CD. We were advised that it would contain a lot of their old material but with a smattering of new songs. And having checked the track listing, I noted that I had every one of their old tracks on previous purchases but I was intrigued by the new stuff. So, despite the incomprehensible ramblings of an earlier reviewer on here, I went ahead and purchased my copy.

Now, let me say first of all that this is an excellent collection. Even though a true 'Best Of' assembly would have included numbers that were recorded on their previous label, this is still impressive and I would heartily recommend it to anyone who has only recently discovered Libera. But the question for existing fans will inevitably be: "Is this a rip-off?" Well, certainly I can now dispose of my 'New Dawn', 'Free' and 'Visions' CDs since most of their content is on this collection. But, strangely, I don't feel as though I have been mugged in the way I did after buying their 'Angel Voices' album. For a start, I knew exactly what I was buying and I bought it so that I would have their new offerings: the brilliant 'You Were There', the haunting 'Mother Of God', yet another version of 'Gaudete', a remixed 'Sempiterna', 'How Can I Keep From Singing' and Steven Geraghty's brilliant production of 'Heaven'. Take it from me, these tracks alone are worth the price of this excellent double album. Yes, I know that some record company executive is, as we speak, relaxing in his leather-backed office chair, rubbing his hands at the thought of making a killing from recycling old material but, frankly, I don't care. I've got what I want and I'm pleased with it.

Now, does anyone want to buy a collection of second-hand Libera CDs, well used...?

First of all I have to say that I was skeptical about buying a best off Libera CD. I do after all have all of the albums (and itunes remixes). Is the price worth the extra new tracks? I decided, for the sake of completion, that it was - and I'm glad that I did.

First the facts - this is a double album containing 32 tracks, six of which are listed as 'new' This does in fact mean new to CD as Sempiterna - remix, and Heaven - remix (fabulous!...a few more like this please!) are available to buy/download on itunes. Gaudete has been recorded by Libera in the past, so technically this leaves only three genuinely new tracks.

The first thing I noticed as 'Sanctus' began (the first non-new track) is that some of the familiar songs sound a little different...let me explain. Some of the songs have new musical arrangements to the existing vocal lines, others as far as I can tell have newly recorded vocal lines on the existing laid down music tracks, some have both. Sometimes the difference is extremely subtle, (where only a 'loopy' fan like myself who knows the music inside-out, would notice), other times it is quite obvious. As far as I'm concerned this is fabulous, it's like a whole new album for me, although I can understand that not everyone may get as enthused as myself about such subtleties.

In short, if you are new to Libera then this is a great place to start. If you are a part-time fan, then you may feel cheesed off that you are buying so many tracks that you may already have for the sake of a handful of new ones (although we were treated to a whole new album just a few months ago - 'New Dawn') If you are a payed up member of the 'Libera fruitcake society' then you will love it for the subtle differences...the new tracks, in fact it is just an excuse (if you need one) to put Libera into your CD player again, if you were silly enough to take the last Libera CD out!

In this day and age where the boy treble voice is suffering a bout of un-fashionability (not least from boys themselves who are scared of realising the beautiful potential of their upper ranges), and where church choirs are having their centuries old tradition of all-boy treble choirs changed to mixed girl/boy trebles for the sake of political correctness (and dwindling numbers of boys)...we need Libera. Long may they continue their important and enjoyable work. And how about some more live concerts Mr Prizeman? in the UK preferably!

Wow, only found out about libera after watching them guest on last choir standing and was blown away!
Bought this album and love it!
They are all so amazing, and their voices are just beautiful. Definately recommend, am very tempted to buy the other albums but for now i think this will do!!