The early-'80s revival that took place roughly 20 years later sent many a catalog department scurrying to corners of their vaults that had long since gone mothballed and cobwebbed, as an era seen by many as transparent, disposable, and fleeting received a second life through quasi-scenes like electroclash and the enduring influence of popular bands like the Human League (who were still thriving at the time of this disc's release) and just plain weird bands like Devo. Put together by the U.K. wing of Universal in 2002, The Sound of the Crowd was one of the better retrospectives released to take advantage of the trend, basing itself on extended mixes of songs that teeter back and forth between the blurred line that separates arty post-punk and chart-friendly new wave. Taking a cue from disco, many singles released during this period were given extended treatments, increasing their potential to become dancefloor favorites. And, obviously, the dance/extended-mix phenomenon is one that has lasted since its inception and will continue to do so as long as people like to dance. Through the inclusion of these mixes, many of which had been out of print for quite some time, The Sound of the Crowd has more to offer than the average midline '80s compilation. Additionally, some of these alternate versions are better than their album-bound counterparts -- as with Simple Minds' "I Travel," which contains a blistering groove, and the Human League's "Sound of the Crowd," which always seemed too brief at four minutes. Some of the lasting favorites include Visage's "Fade to Grey," New Order's "Everything's Gone Green," and Soft Cell's "Memorabilia." Should-be classics from Propaganda ("Dr. Mabuse"), Fad Gadget ("Back to Nature"), and Japan ("Life in Tokyo") are in on the fun as well. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide