Robert Palmer - Addictions Volume 2 320cbr (Big Papi) 1992 Remix Remade Revoiced Compilation

When Robert Palmer's first "Addictions" volume came out in 1989, it included most of his biggest hits such as "Addicted To Love," "Bad Case Of Loving You," and "Simply Irresistible." This 1992 follow-up concentrates on his lesser hits and favorite album tracks and makes for a far more interesting collection.

"I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" was the one big hit not found on the first volume and is included here in its original form. The majority of the rest of the tracks, however, have been remixed, revoiced, or flat out remade. "Every Kinda People" appears on both volumes. Here it has been remixed to emphasize the acoustic guitar. It is nice, but so was the original, so there really wasn't much need for its reworking.

"Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley" has had the overdubs removed so that it is just Palmer and the Meters jammin' and the end result is a far more potent sound. "Man Smart, Woman Smarter" also eliminates the overdubs. Its raunchier sound helps it prevail over the silly lyrics. The Todd Rundgren ballad "Can We Still Be Friends" has been remixed, with added overdubs, which results in a suitably more polished recording.

Palmer's liner notes on each track contribute to the collection enormously, as he explains why he felt these tracks needed to be reworked and how he went about "improving" on the original versions. On "You Are In My System," for instance, Palmer relates that he was rushed to put down his vocal on the initial release. Now, it has been revoiced and does indeed benefit from a stronger vocal performance.

Additions 2 concludes with two songs which weren't reworked and are the weakest tracks on the collections. Gary Numan's "I Dream Of Wires" is monotonous and morose, while "The Silver Gun," sung by Palmer in Urdu, is just plain weird. These two selections reflect Palmer's often esoteric musical tastes.