The Luxury Gap [2CD+DVD] [Double CD, Box set]

Great album from 1983 when H17 moved from underground hipsters to mainstream popstars. It has two mega-hits in `Temptation' and `Come Live with Me' and two other great singles ('Let Me Go!' and 'Crushed By the Wheels of Industry'. The other tracks round off a good album.
The first single 'Let Me Go!' was released in late 1982 and I still remember buying it at Woolies in Barry. Shame that it stalled just outside the `Top 40', but it wasn't commercial enough to be a lead single. The 2006 remaster spruced up the sound so we know that the album cannot sound much better. It also included a good selection of extra tracks - even the 12" of 'Temptation' - which is the one of the few 12"s that adds nothing to the 7" (too many meandering bits added).

So what more do we get for the 3rd time on CD?

Pros
* Good extra tracks 'Let Me Go!'(instrumental ) - which makes the track sounds even more melancholic as an instrumental; 'Crushed BtWoI' (Extended 12") - which is different from the 1+2 version as it has some extra bass work from John Wilson (where did he go?) and blends in a few echoes of `At the Height of the Fighting' single from P&P.
* Great live performances on DVD - with full orchestra - of Let Me Go, Temptation and Come Live With Me.
* Poster - brings out the true meaning of the Luxury Gap (front & back cover contrast)
* Card replicas of the 7" singles.
* Nice package.

Cons
* Music could have fitted onto a single CD (37 + 52 mins) - negative marks for sustainability and VFM.
* No demos - may not be everyone's cup of tea but I liked the P&P versions. They even missed off the 'Temptation' (demo - on Greatest Hits) which is worth hearing for it's influences - look on You Tube.
* Some tracks still missing -; B-sides to 'Come LWM' "Let's All Make a Bomb (New version)" - 5:09; "Song With No Name (New version)" - 4:14
* Videos of the singles sound good - but no visible change from `Sight & Sound' versions.
* All too brief sleevenotes by Martyn Ware - though interesting to hear they composed tracks in Oxford Gardens, London W10 (now designated Notting Hill).

I managed to justify the purchase as I found a deserving home for my single-CD copy. If you're a real fan and the price is right then go for it. Otherwise the other versions are fine.

Heaven 17 are about to embark on a uk tour,playing The Luxury Gap in Full,so a deluxe edition of the album was inevitable.i for one am glad they took the trouble to release this album in the same vein as Penthouse And Pavement,a deluxe box set,2 CDs and a DVD featuring all the videos and a live performance.unlike Penthouse they have left out all the demo and early versions,not a bad thing I think as you would probably only play them the once.Disc one features the original album,disc two,my favourite,has all the 12 inch mixes you could wish for including the instrumental of Let Me Go! This disc is the reason why I purchased this release as I love all the Heaven 17 extended mixes from this album and their first.most of these mixes are available elsewhere,but it's great to have them all on the same cd.The videos on the DVD are a nice bonus too.

A great and prompt service! So happy with this a so pleased with the Remastered sound quality - considering 80s audio sound was rather low on bass! A reimagined version of such a classic album!