First of all the slip case, nice and sturdy fortunately! It was a terrific touch to have Matt's signature on the spine and back plus the whole colour scheme of the edition is great, the red and black give a sophisticated, stylish look to the set
I'm only on page 56 of the biography but I am loving it! Very well written Michele, excellent work! The layout of the book is not only unique but a great idea, having the photos scattered throughout the book instead of just as an insert in the middle like most biographies was brilliant. Until I finish the book I can't write many thoughts about the text other than that so far it has been engrossing, funny and touching. You deserve a big pat on the back for this piece of work Michele!
Next the extra book, and what an extra it is! I was thrilled when I discovered each original studio album had been given it's own in-depth review FANTASTIC! Again the layout and look of this volume truly is exceptional a highly interesting and informative text again accompanies various photos of Matt at work in the studio, performing etc. The level of research that has gone into this piece by Richard and Michele truly is mind blowing, everything is here, time of the sessions, dates of sessions, dates of broadcasts, recording of broadcasts, songs recorded etc utterly astounding just to read the statistics. The extra price tag is worth it just for this superb accompaniment but wait there's more!
And that more is of course, the special reserve disc. Truly deserving the word special, the disc would have been worth it just for the historical Polka Dots and Moonbeams and yet more rare Monro magic is contained. I truly loved the tracks that just featured Matt's voice and piano, they are truly outstanding. This disc really is worth owning just for the significance of the tracks contained. The remastering by Richard is again superb! That man truly is THE BEST at what he does, considering the age and condition of where these tracks have come from, again it's mind blowing what has been accomplished here. Well done Richard!
Overall this Special Reserve ranks as not only one of the greatest books of all time but one the most if not THE most essential item for any Monro fan. My deepest thanks to both Michele and Richard for all their hard work on this piece of art, it truly is appreciated and I shall enjoy this for many, many years to come.
Joshua de Gray
21 April 2010