I suppose everyone here would have different opinions on the matter, but for me the recent remasters land into the order of the original release dates.

- Pomme Fritz
- Orbvs
- Orblivion
- Cydonia

Pomme Fritz CD2 goes even further out there than the original album and I love it. For me this set represents gems that were part of the original recording sessions that didn't surface but really needed to see the light of day. If you were part of the camp that didn't like Pomme, CD2 won't 'level it out' for you. If you did embrace the album then the bonus really makes the whole trip that much longer and better.

Orbvs is known as their refined masterpiece, and I can see why people would say that. It's a well thought out album that seems to really represent what the Orb are truly capable of (despite all the band politics). CD2 leaps into the sessions and gives us a good sense of the inner workings of that time frame. I like the whole offering and listening to it end  to end is quite pleasurable.

Orblivion. I was never really a fan of Orblivion. It doesn't take me on a journey like the older albums do. I *like* it. I just don't *love* it. It has interesting parts to it and the production is still unique but as an Orb fan that pays attention to their overall output I feel removed from it. CD2, again, opens up what was happening during this time and does add to my experience with it. Did it tip me over to being a fan of this album? No it didn't. Do I like getting bonus Orb tracks? Yes I do.

Cydonia. Universal could have (should have) waited another 5 years to put this together (and gotten it right dammit!). The result is a set that gives me the sense that it was rushed, lumped in with the other remasters, and doesn't really deliver or add a lot to the whole run of remasters. Perhaps it's telling of the relationship the band had with the label. Perhaps it's just a low in their output. I don't know. All I know is I bought it as a fan. Would it convert me if I knew nothing about them? Not an effin' chance. I don't even know if this needed to be remastered.

Overall though, I'm really pissed at the run of all four of these discs in terms of packaging and effort (Kris Needs' writing and mastering quality aside). UFOrb and Ultraworld really look good, feel good, and make me feel like my money is well spent. A standard jewel case with an 8 instead of 4 panel sleeve shows me that Universal is doing the run on the cheap to maximize their profits on this lot. On the one hand, I don't blame them. They're sinking and need the money. On the other, did they make a mistake YET again and not pay any bloody attention to what music fans want in their product? Once again  - yes they did, and for that they will lose money ... again ... and again ... and again. It's an embarassment and a testament to the hole all these old boys are digging themselves into.

Ahem - having said that - enjoy! They do sound good :)