After the Fire - Der Kommissar

For those wishing to complete their collection only

The better collection (for only $4 more) is Der Kommissar: The CBS Recordings [IMPORT]. It contains all three of their original UK albums plus some B-sides. The only thing missing are the the four remixes contained on this CD. So, if you're like me and want it all, then buy this CD after buying The CBS Recordings. Otherwise, just buy The CBS Recordings.

By the way, I know it's their most successful song, but why are there three retrospective albums containing Der Kommissar in the title? It's a bit confusing and ultimately made me hesitate to purchase for years. June 4, 2008

The Marketers Did it Again

After my mild disappointment with the CD release of Der Kommissar (greatest hits import) I purchased a copy of the CD version of ATF (After the Fire)-Der Kommissar thinking it was a remastered copy of the original 1981 album. It was not. A majority of the songs are originals but a few are remixes or concert recordings (the same remakes on their greatest hits CD). In my opinion ATF IS early 80's New Wave synth-pop. No single group is better for as few songs. If they ever release an original CD recording of the ATF-After the Fire album (as it was originally titled in 1981, not Der Kommissar) then you will truly have an opportunity to obtain 5-star music form a 5-star band. I have only rated 3 stars because of the versions that were chosen for this CD.

The original vinyl copy of this album is the the only one I have ever played for others that has consistently prompted requests from them of how and where to buy it, either on CD, cassette, or vinyl. Some of these people were not fans of the gernre. If you have never heard ATF before, then you will not be bound by the minor discrepancies of this CD. You are likely to enjoy it as thoroughly as the rest of us enjoyed the songs the way they were released at the turn of the 80's. Just beware that the songs are highly synthesized (predominantly electronic keyboard), quirky, and in some cases almost a little silly, but that's the appeal of ATF. They're very clean and very fun. Highly recommended. August 14, 2004

The music is still great !!! - (+ fans reunion in 2004)

There is no serious opposition to the fact that After The Fire were THE premier live act of their time.

Although the band split in 1982 there will be a re-union from "friends" and fans of the band on 27th March 2004 in Southend-on-sea (UK).

The event will feature rare and unseen footage of the band in action, there will be an opportunity to meet band members and there may even be some live music (maybe!!!).

Oh......Go on!!!!! July 10, 2003

Please give us the original versions

Such nostalgia. It was fantastic to hear some of this material again after so long.

Like other reviewers though, it was so disapponting to hear the dreadful versions of "one rule for you" and "Dancin in the shadows". "Starflight" isn't to bad but it doesn't have the power of the original recording. The rest are the recordings I remember so well, apart from the extended version of "Der Kommisar" but that's not too bad.

After 20 years, it's still obvious which are the awful newer versions. I'm still waiting for the "best of" disc which is winging it's way over here from the US. I gather that also has the new recordings as well. I'd like to join the other cries for a full release of the back catalogue, or at least a CD release of the original recordings of the above mentioned 3 songs. November 17, 2001

A profoundly disappointing re-release

I am a huge ATF fan, having grown up playing "Carry Me Home", "Sometimes", and "Starflight" in bands. I literally wore out my vinyl copy of the self-titled "ATF" album. Recently, I purchased ATF's greatest hits CD (one I highly recommend), but I found myself missing "Carry Me Home" and "Sometimes", which aren't included. Also, the versions of "Starflight", "One Rule For You", and "Dancing in the Shadows" on the greatest hits CD are remixes that I don't like as well as the originals contained on the vinyl version of the self-titled "ATF" collection. Thus, when I heard the original "ATF" album was being re-issued on CD, I ordered it that same day. I was profoundly disappointed when I received it and found out that this "reissue" contains the remixed versions of the three songs I just mentioned, not the originals. I give the "ATF" album three stars because I really enjoy ATF, and because the songs "Sometimes" and "Carry Me Home" have survived in their original versions. However, if you are looking for a good ATF collection and don't just ~have~ to have "Sometimes" and "Carry Me Home", I'd recommend their greatest hits disk instead of this one. If you remember every note of the original, as I do, you'll be disappointed with the "ATF" CD. June 25, 2001

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