Original Album Series

I have a short review on Volume Two elsewhere. All I want to say here is that if you really want to understand Alice Cooper, you will purchase this box set. Although I started listening to AC about the time the discs in this set were already out there, these are some of the finest material that he and his band produced. They were young and they were hungry (two good incentives to play quality music). While the theme of the group seemed to morph a bit, the music kept its grittiness and you can really rock to these songs. Of course, I must say that purchasing this set without Volume Two is a real mistake. The continuance of the music being knock out good goes through the first three albums in Volume Two. Even then, the last two discs are fair, just not the burn down the house quality of this set and the first 3 from Vol.2. So, even if you are not a fan of "The Coop", get this box set (along with Vol.2 - their a bargain) and be prepared to be blown away by some real good rock 'n roll.

Alice Cooper is easily one of the most greatest, yet underappreciated icons in rock pantheon. Sure they have a few hits in popular society like "School's Out", "I'm Eighteen", and "No More Mr. Nice Guy" that are common on the radio and films (the first two available here in this collection), but this band has a ton of deep cuts that I'm shocked as to why are not heard more often on the radio and media. These guys created Shock Rock, and paved the way for many rock/metal/Punk bands.So I'm happy, and a bit startled, to see this fine collection of music at less than $20. I really am. I lost a good chunk of my CD collection over the years and have been buying up these discounted collections lately to catchup and, while I much prefer jewel cases with the sleeves that describe the history/content of the album on my shelves, I do admit having these vinyl-like sleeves is still neat though not the same. Still, I'm here for the music first and foremost, and regardless of the aesthetics of these collections, you still get a phenomenal array of music for dirt cheap in physical media, and that's all that matters.Back to the content at hand and why I'm sort of peeved about this collection is because Alice Cooper's first two albums included here 1969 PRETTIES FOR YOU and 1970 EASY ACTION are not bad and worth a few spins as it shows the band in it's early musical phases, it's the other three albums here that are legendary and worthy full price individually. Early 1971 LOVE IT TO DEATH, late 1971 KILLER, and 1972's SCHOOL'S OUT are quintessential rock/metal albums. Honestly, I could make the case each song on these records three could be a greatest hits and I'm sticking to that. So many deep cuts it's crazy. SCHOOL'S OUT only ever plays the title track to death within the culture, but I would argue every other song on that album is better(?!) than it ay day of the week. Yep, I feel that way.So yes, for such 5 albums to be less than $20 is a criminal shame not to buy if you already don't own these albums. Two burgeoning albums and three classics of LOVE IT TO DEATH, KILLER, and SCHOOL'S OUT are easy full price albums by themselves, and here they are as basically $3-$5 a piece. So do yourself a favor and get this (and volume 2) of some utterly solid classic rock/metal for a steal.

Back in the day my favorite LP from this Alice Cooper era was probably Killer. Now I find myself drawn to the crazed psychedelic strains of the first two discs, Pretties For You and Easy Action. At any rate, this is an excellent time capsule of a rapidly evolving band in their prime. Fans of latter-day Coop may find that this material is a revelation, and if your vinyl is worn out this is a must. Recommended!

I give this box set 4 out of 5 stars because I only like 4 out of 5 of the albums contained in it. Make sense? Alice Cooper had a very special "something" when they first began. Really awesome - IMHO. But then, they became mainstream after the release of "Killer" and simply took a nose dive into the formularized, top 40 radio driven, almost bubblegummy drivel that emerged on "School's Out". "Billion Dollar Babies" would have been a better choice, as a fifth album. Aside from that, I highly recommend this box set. Just the first 4 albums are well worth the price. And you can use "School's Out" as a frisbee, when you take your dog to the park.

I have never heard of half of the songs on these albums, but so far so good. This was a man and a band with a lot of talent.

This is a great collection of Alice Coopers music from back in the day. If you are a true fan of Alice Cooper then you need this collection of CD’S. Like me your old collection of LP’S & Cassettes are probably worn out, lost or have been lent out to friends that never returned them. The tracks are excellent and have great sound, and if you’re lucky enough to have a vehicle that has a CD player then you’ll really enjoy his music all over again as you relive the good ole days of Coopers music. A must have at a great price. You’ll Love it to Death!!!!

Basically got it for their 1st 2 albums. Had them when they came out originally on vinyl.

Again.. not a CD guy but.. they're great for the car and finally hit to give a better listen to his 1st 2 LP's... I played em once back in 72... and they just didn't work for me.. but I go thru all 5 in order and replay the first 2 constantly... they were a lot better than I remembered them...