4 out of 5

Label: Shitkatapult

Produced by: Sascha Ring

This is a re-release of Apparat’s first three albums; see my reviews of those three for a take on the contents – here we’re reviewing the collection.

The big plus here, for buyers like me, is obviously the cost effectiveness: you can add physical versions of these albums to your collection for a totally reasonable price – as Multifunktion and Tttrial often go for collector’s prices of $30+ each, getting the whole package for less than that is something of a steal.  And although I have some negative things to say about the packaging, that it’s super compact (the size of a single jewel case) is appealing for space-savers.  The packaging is also quality construction and very clean – a tri-fold digipack of thick cardboard, black print on brown, a well-chosen solid color for each disc, super minimalist and an improvement over the rather cheap original artworks in that sense.

…But there is a complete lack of extras here for the price trade-off: the albums are completely as-is, nothing new, and there are no liner notes – comments on the re-release, or images of the original artwork.  And the slim packaging means we have slide-in / out discs, and it’s a tight fit, so if you’re planning on doing more than taking the CD out once to rip it, you’re going to make some scuffs there.

Thus this is really for people who just need a physical copy (moi) or completists; if you’re happy with that stolen version you have or you have the original discs, there’s nothing for you here.  Otherwise, though, the price is right.