Quote Originally Posted by kenneth View Post
I'd be wary of buying from this site. I think danman869 is correct; many of these are bootlegs of [[the German fellow's) bootlegs. His "Reflections" was a 2-disc set, as was his "Baby It's Me," unlike those offered here.

The "Funny Girl [[Expanded Edition)" appears to be a direct copy of his bootleg. That one was and also is presented here as a 2-disc set. The "Lady Sings the Blues" also looks like a direct copy of his bootleg, as does the "Soul Kiss" [[Lost and Found) album.

I'd be hesitant, though I'm tempted by the "Farewell" set. However, it is called an "expanded edition" in the ad, but not on the product itself, and to me it just looks like a direct copy of the "Captured Live on Stage" CD, and it also appears to be a single CD only. I don't notice any titles which aren't likely on the original LP and CD releases.

Also, take a look at the two box sets, "This is the Story" and "Let Yourself Go." How could he sell 3-CD sets for only $38? Even for a copy, that's pretty cheap for a 3-CD set. I'd really wonder about the quality, though I suppose if you don't have the music, it'd be very tempting as well.

Finally, the German guy's bootlegs of the concept albums all included both the Mono and Stereo versions of the albums [[except for the "Disney" which only was recorded in Stereo). This could be partial copies of his, but who knows they could also be "needle drops" from old vinyl also.

He also produced a "Mary Wilson" expanded edition of her solo Motown album. It included "Green River" and some of the other tracks which were never officially released, and [[I believe) still haven't.

I've never been a big fan of bootlegs, because they're usually inferior quality. What set Ben's [[the German guy) material apart was the care he put into the product, and the beautiful and very professional looking packaging which he created. It was obvious how much he loved the material. I know everyone feels differently about buying bootleg product, but I love the music too much to be able to wait hoping that someday Universal might decide to release more of this music.
So these offerings are actually bootlegs of bootlegs? Whatever next?
I heard this guy Ben was arrested and imprisoned yet his legacy continues thanks to Universal's reluctance to officially release the product.