I know what you're thinking, "Didn't EMI already release The Original Sound of Sheffield last year?" Yes, they did, and, in fact, their Cabaret Voltaire collections (including the 'Conform to Deform' box and 'Remixed' CD) contained a plethora of material previously unavailable on compact disc. This collection, despite the subject being dear and close to my heart, contains no music previously (or currently) unavailable. The timespan focuses in on the most essential songs from the pre-Some Bizzare/Virgin days when the Cabs were still a three-piece. To Mute's credit, this serves as a great documentary of how they evolved, chronologically, from their tape-noise punk days (with classic single tracks like "Nag Nag Nag" and popular album favorites like "No Escape" through the more structured beat material (with the timeless "Yashar" which still gives me chills) which led up to the Virgin trilogy.
 
I would even go as far to say that this would most certainly match a mix-tape of Cabs that I would make for a friend if I wanted them to hear the most important tracks in this period of their career. Completists and fans might appreciate the thick booklet, newly unearthed photos, and a brief interview with Richard H. Kirk contained herein, but the grey text on black-and-white print is exceptionally annoying. Sometimes I wonder if compilations like this are just a vehicle for record companies to employ Designers Republic. As much as I love the music, I can't recommend this in good conscience. Had this been a budget release, I might have a different take, but for people who are interested in good introductions to this period of Cabaret Voltaire music, 'The Living Legends' collects nearly all of the Rough Trade singles and odds-n-ends from this time and compliments the albums without overlap. Now that EMI owns both Virgin and Mute, it would be nice if there was a collection that gathered all their 7" single release versions from inception through the end, possibly even coupled with a DVD to include all their videos too. As it is now, however, the market is completely oversaturated with Cabaret Voltaire compilations and music snobs insisting it's all good for you.
 
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