Cult - Rare Cult [2000] (7 x CDs) + The Best of Rare Cult [2000] + Rare Cult, The Demo Sessions [2002] (5 x CDs) + Cult - Singles Collection 1984-1990 [1991] (10 x CDs) - Total (23 x CDs)

CULT

Cult - Rare Cult [2000] (7 x CDs) + The Best of Rare Cult [2000] + Rare Cult, The Demo Sessions [2002] (5 x CDs) + Cult - Singles Collection 1984-1990 [1991] (10 x CDs) - Total (23 x CDs)

The Cult are an English rock band formed in Bradford in 1983. Before settling on their current name in January 1984, the band performed under the name Death Cult, which was an evolution of the name of lead vocalist Ian Astbury's previous band Southern Death Cult. They gained a dedicated following in the United Kingdom in the mid-1980s as a post-punk and gothic rock band, with singles such as "She Sells Sanctuary", before breaking into the mainstream in the United States in the late 1980s establishing themselves as a hard rock band with singles such as "Love Removal Machine". Since its initial formation in 1983, the band have had various line-ups; the longest-serving members are Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy, who are also the band's two main songwriters.

The Cult’s - Rare Cult [2000] box set is a limited-edition box set, released on 21 November 2000 and is a cornucopia for fans and collectors alike, offering a comprehensive look at the band’s musical evolution.

One of the key strengths of “Rare Cult” is its comprehensiveness. The box set contains 90 tracks, 48 of which were previously unreleased. This includes studio B-sides, radio sessions, 12-inch mixes, alternate mixes, and demos. It also includes the complete then-unreleased Peace album. This wide range of material provides listeners with a deep dive into The Cult’s music, showcasing their versatility and creativity. 

The exclusivity of the box set adds to its appeal. Only 15,000 copies were produced, making it a sought-after item for fans and collectors. The first 5,000 copies included a bonus seventh disc of remixes, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.

The packaging of “Rare Cult” is another highlight. The set is packaged in a matte black box with gold lettering, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. It contains three 2-disc gatefold digipaks and an extensive 80-page booklet of liner notes and photos, providing fans with a wealth of information and visuals to enhance their listening. 

The “Rare Cult” box set is complemented by the single-disc compilation “The Best of Rare Cult [2000]” and the 5x CDs release “Rare Cult: The Demo Sessions [2002]”. These complementary releases provide additional material for fans to explore, further enhancing the value of the box set. Additionally, these sets are complemented by the single CD compilation "The Best of Rare Cult" a compilation of selected songs from the Rare Cult box set, including five tracks not featured in the box set. 

In conclusion, The Cult’s “Rare Cult” box and its complimentary sets (Included in this post) are a must-have for fans of the band. Its comprehensive collection of tracks, limited edition status, quality packaging, and complementary releases make it a standout addition to any music collection. It not only celebrates The Cult’s musical journey but also provides fans with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the band’s rich musical history. (B)

As a special treat I have also included the 10 x CDs, Cult - Singles Collection 1984-1990 [1991].

The addition nuggets are:

“The Cult - The Best of Rare Cult [2000]” single CD version is a standard compilation that offers a unique peek into the creative journey of The Cult, a band that has significantly influenced the rock music scene. Launched in October 2000, a month before the release of the 6-disc Box Set, this single disc includes 10 tracks from the Box Set, along with an extra 5 bonus versions that were not included:

• The Peace remix of “Love Removal Machine”
• The extended version of “She Sells Sanctuary”
• The studio master of “Spanish Gold”
• The second demo version of “Lay Down Your Gun”
• The original Dreamtime phased mix of “Go West (Crazy Spinning Circles)”

These bonus tracks serve as an enticing incentive for fans, making this single CD version an attractive proposition. Despite, its appeal, the Box Set is deemed to be of greater value. This CD is perceived as a good sampler of the Rare Cult box set. Overall, it’s a strong disc which left fans salivating to hear the rest of the Rare Cult box set. (B)

“Cult - Rare Cult Demo Sessions [2002]” is an exceptional collection that provides a unique glimpse into the artistic journey of The Cult, a band that significantly influenced the rock scene in the 1980s. Unveiled in 2002, this box set comprises demo versions of numerous songs they recorded from 1986 to 1993. Limited to 3000 numbered copies this Set was only available via mail-order from Beggars Banquet's online shop. Seventy-seven tracks, 51 of which are previously unreleased, all of which are broken down into three parts: The E.Zee Demos, The Sonic Temple Demos, and Demos 1986-1989-1991. It offers a rare chance to experience the bare-bones versions of iconic Cult tracks such as “Sun King”, “Firewoman”, “Edie”, “Wild Hearted Son”, “Heart of Soul”, and “Love Removal Machine”. These unrefined, raw tracks expose the band’s creative vigor and the evolution of their music.

This compilation is not intended for the occasional listener, but rather for the ardent admirers of The Cult. It stands as a testament to the band’s skill that even these demo versions resonate with incredible strength. The raw energy encapsulated in these demos is impressive, and it’s intriguing to trace the origins of the songs. It’s an indispensable acquisition for any serious follower of The Cult’s music. Despite no longer being in print, it’s definitely worth the effort to obtain for its unparalleled insight into the band’s artistic development and evolution. (B)

“The Cult - Singles Collection 1984-1990 [1991]” is an extraordinary compilation that beautifully captures the band’s musical journey during the late 1980s. Released in 1991 it stands as a powerful testament to The Cult’s distinctive fusion of alternative and hard rock.  It is a rich repository of both popular hits and lesser-known gems, reflecting the band’s wide-ranging musical versatility. From the eerie “Spritwalker” to the vibrant “She Sells Sanctuary”, each song is a demonstration of the band’s musical mastery. The set further includes live renditions of fan-favorites like “Brothers Grimm”, “Horse Nation”, and “Outlaw”, giving fans a glimpse into The Cult’s dynamic live performances.

This box set is more than just a collection of singles; it narrates the story of The Cult’s artistic evolution. It traces their journey from the unrefined vigor of their early work to the refined sound of their later releases. The inclusion of remixes such as “Fire Woman (LA Rock Mix)” and “Sweet Soul Sister (Rock’s Mix)” adds an extra dimension, showcasing the band’s readiness to innovate and push their creative limits.  “The Cult - Singles Collection 1984-1990”encapsulates the essence of a band at their zenith, making it a must-have for any aficionado of rock music. This box set is a fitting homage to a band that has made a lasting impact on the landscape of rock music. (B)

AllMusic writer Stephen Thomas Erlewine stated that The Cult "formed as a goth band" and later became "a stadium-filling hard rock act led by the shamanistic Ian Astbury." In 1985, Astbury said, "Our music is just melodies and guitars. We're like Big Country and U2, only better!"

Happy Birthday to Ian Astbury of The Cult! Born May 14th, 1962, he turns 62 today.

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Track lists

Rare Cult  Vol. 01

01 Cult - Ghost Dance (Radio Session) 3:20

02 Cult - Bad Medicine Waltz (Radio Session) 4:25

03 Cult - Ressurection Joe (Radio Session) 5:11

04 Cult - Go West (Crazy Spinning Circles) (Radio Session) 4:15

05 Cult - Bone Bag 3:46

06 Cult - Sea And Sky 3:30

07 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (Howling Mix) 8:26

08 Cult - No. 13 4:40

09 Cult - The Snake 8:09

10 Cult - (Here Comes The) Rain 6:19

11 Cult - Little Face 4:54

12 Cult - Spiritwalker (Radio Session) 3:57

13 Cult - Revolution (Radio Session) 6:01

14 Cult - All Souls Avenue (Radio Session) 4:18

15 Cult - Big Neon Glitter (Radio Session) 4:35

Rare Cult  Vol. 02

01 Cult - Revolution (Full Length Remix) 5:29

02 Cult - Judith 5:29

03 Cult - Sunrise 5:11

04 Cult - All Souls Avenue 4:45

05 Cult - Electric Ocean (Original Version) 4:02

06 Cult - Go Go Guru (Original Version) 4:05

07 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Radio Session) 4:02

08 Cult - Conquistador (Radio Session) 2:48

09 Cult - King Contrary Man (Radio Session) 3:53

10 Cult - Electric Ocean (Radio Session) 4:10

11 Cult - Zap City (Demo) 4:44

12 Cult - Love Trooper (Demo) 3:53

13 Cult - El Progresso (Demo) 2:45

14 Cult - Peace Dog (Demo) 4:06

15 Cult - Oink (Version One) (Demo) 3:50

16 Cult - Waltz (Demo) 3:49

17 Cult - Untitled (One) (Demo) 2:50

18 Cult - Groove Co (Demo) 3:36

19 Cult - Untitled (Two) (Demo) 2:29

Rare Cult  Vol. 03

01 Cult - Love Removal Machine 5:16

02 Cult - Wildflower 4:11

03 Cult - Peace Dog 5:09

04 Cult - Aphrodisiac Jacket 4:26

05 Cult - Electric Ocean 4:14

06 Cult - Bad Fun 6:25

07 Cult - Conquistador 2:53

08 Cult - Zap City 5:16

09 Cult - Love Trooper 3:56

10 Cult - Outlaw 5:08

11 Cult - Groove Co. 4:21

12 Cult - Walk My Way (Jam Session) 8:56

Rare Cult  Vol. 04

01 Cult - Wild Flower (Extended Rock Mix) 5:50

02 Cult - Outlaw (Alternate Mix) 2:53

03 Cult - Wolf Child's Blues 7:20

04 Cult - Go Go Guru (Rubin Version) 3:59

05 Cult - Down So Long 5:58

06 Cult - Soldier Blue (Werman Version) 4:38

07 Cult - Zodiac (Demo) 3:29

08 Cult - Yes Man (Demo) 5:08

09 Cult - Citadel (Demo) 4:15

10 Cult - The Crystal Ocean (Demo) 5:08

11 Cult - Lay Down Your Gun (Version One) (Demo) 6:52

12 Cult - Bite On The Bullet (Demo) 5:06

13 Cult - Iron Star (Demo) 4:24

14 Cult - Star Child (Demo) 3:39

15 Cult - Messin' Up The Blues 5:44

16 Cult - Sonic Temple Radio Promo 0:30

Rare Cult  Vol. 05

01 Cult - Fire Woman (N.Y.C. Rock Mix) 7:21

02 Cult - Medicine Train (Demo) 4:31

03 Cult - New York City (Demo) 5:00

04 Cult - Sweet Soul Sister (Rock's Mix) 6:55

05 Cult - Bleeding Heart Graffitti 4:58

06 Cult - The River 6:51

07 Cult - Indian (Demo) 3:39

08 Cult - Spanish Gold (Version One) (Demo) 5:51

09 Cult - Host Of Angels (Demo) 5:48

10 Cult - Northern Man (Demo) 4:53

11 Cult - Auto (Demo Jam) 3:27

12 Cult - Red Jesus 4:54

13 Cult - Join Hands 5:03

14 Cult - Edie (Ciao Baby) (Acoustic) 4:17

15 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Live Session) 5:12

Rare Cult  Vol. 06

01 Cult - Faith Healer 5:17

02 Cult - Full Tilt (Live Session) 4:53

03 Cult - Earth Mofo (Live Session) 4:48

04 Cult - Heart Of Soul (Acoustic) 4:32

05 Cult - The Witch (Full Version) 6:56

06 Cult - Coming Down (Put The Boot In) 7:08

07 Cult - Breathing Out 5:59

08 Cult - Gone (Degenerate) 4:19

09 Cult - Down On Me 5:15

10 Cult - Beauty's On The Street 4:42

11 Cult - Splunge / Relapse 5:07

12 Cult - North 4:36

13 Cult - Sacred High 6:05

14 Cult - In The Clouds (Alternate Edit) 3:56

Rare Cult  Vol. 07

01 Cult - Resurrection Joe (Long Version) 6:07

02 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (Assault On Sanctuary) 7:30

03 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Extended Version) 5:39

04 Cult - Wild Flower (Guiter Dub) 3:38

05 Cult - Soldier Blue (Extended Version) 5:59

06 Cult - Fire Woman (La Rock Mix) 10:04

07 Cult - The Witch (Dance Remix) 10:25

08 Cult - Coming Down (Butchered) 7:08

09 Cult - Gone (Dub Vocal) 5:05

10 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Small Soldiers Mix) 6:19

11 Cult - Resurrection Joe (Hep Cat Mix Long Version) 6:04

Rare Cult Demos  CD01

01 Cult - Love Removal Machine 4:44

02 Cult - Peace 4:15

03 Cult - Zap City 4:46

04 Cult - Love Trooper 3:56

05 Cult - Angel 5:17

06 Cult - Tom Petty 4:02

07 Cult - Browns Gone To Ausy Land 5:58

08 Cult - Babywalker 4:13

09 Cult - Surf Nazi 3:09

10 Cult - Groove Co 3:38

11 Cult - Oink 3:53

12 Cult - Oink 3:52

13 Cult - Waltz 3:50

14 Cult - Blues One 3:03

15 Cult - Untitles 2:32

16 Cult - El Progresso 2:46

17 Cult - Untitled 2:50

18 Cult - Groove Co 3:39

Rare Cult Demos  CD02

01 Cult - Medicine Train 4:20

02 Cult - New York City 5:19

03 Cult - American Horse 5:10

04 Cult - Sun King 5:33

05 Cult - Automatic Blues 4:53

06 Cult - Yes Man 5:13

07 Cult - Zodiac 3:32

08 Cult - Fire 6:03

09 Cult - Wake Up Time For Freedom 4:58

10 Cult - Bite On The Bullet 5:11

11 Cult - Fred Divinyls 3:44

12 Cult - Citadel 4:19

13 Cult - The River 6:51

14 Cult - The Crystal Ocean 5:08

Rare Cult Demos  CD03

01 Cult - Cashmere 6:51

02 Cult - Edie 5:41

03 Cult - Bleeding Heart Revival 5:17

04 Cult - Lay Down Your Gun 6:59

05 Cult - My Love 3:59

06 Cult - Iron Star 4:29

07 Cult - Star Child 3:42

08 Cult - Wake Up Time For Freedom 5:20

09 Cult - Lay Down Your Gun 5:16

10 Cult - Medicine Train 4:34

11 Cult - New York City 5:01

12 Cult - Fire 5:13

13 Cult - American Horse 4:46

14 Cult - Sun King 4:49

15 Cult - Edie 4:32

Rare Cult Demos  CD04

01 Cult - Ceremony 6:12

02 Cult - Full Tilt 5:07

03 Cult - Earth Mother 4:11

04 Cult - Crazy Hearted Lover 4:23

05 Cult - Friend 6:21

06 Cult - Wonderland 7:01

07 Cult - Bangkok Rain 5:04

08 Cult - Red Eye 5:28

09 Cult - Spanish Gold (Take Two) 4:19

10 Cult - White 7:20

11 Cult - Host Of Angels 5:55

12 Cult - Black Cat 5:28

13 Cult - Pre-Take Jam 1:15

14 Cult - Northern Man 4:56

15 Cult - Auto 3:30

Rare Cult Demos  CD05

01 Cult - Angel (Lil' Devil) 3:14

02 Cult - Upbeat Track 3:58

03 Cult - Downbeat Track 4:07

04 Cult - Tight Lip 4:53

05 Cult - Spanish Gold ('89) 5:51

06 Cult - White ('89) 4:55

07 Cult - Track Four 5:55

08 Cult - Indian ('89) 3:41

09 Cult - Track Six 5:58

10 Cult - Track Seven 5:00

11 Cult - Track Eight 3:44

12 Cult - Spanish Gold (Take One) 4:08

13 Cult - Northern Man (Session Mix) 5:15

14 Cult - Host Of Angels (Session Mix) 6:19

15 Cult - Sweet Salvation (Session Mix) 6:13

The Best of Rare Cult

01 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Peace Remix) 5:16

02 Cult - Zap City 5:15

03 Cult - Faith Healer 5:16

04 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (Long Version) 6:59

05 Cult - Edie (Ciao Baby) (Acoustic) 4:18

06 Cult - Little Face 4:55

07 Cult - Spanish Gold 4:56

08 Cult - Love Trooper 3:54

09 Cult - The River 6:51

10 Cult - Lay Down Your Gun (Version Two) 5:11

11 Cult - No.13 4:40

12 Cult - Bleeding Heart Graffitti 5:00

13 Cult - Sea And Sky 3:31

14 Cult - Go West (Crazy Spinning Circles) (Original Mix) 3:46

15 Cult - Join Hands 5:03

Cult Singles CD01

01 Cult - Love Removal Machine 5:17

02 Cult - Wild Flower 4:10

03 Cult - Electric Ocean 4:11

04 Cult - Outlaw 5:07

05 Cult - Bad Fun 6:24

Cult Singles CD02

01 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (Long Version) 6:59

02 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (Howling Mix) 8:19

03 Cult - (Here Comes The) Rain 6:20

04 Cult - Revolution (Full Length Remix) 5:27

05 Cult - Ressurection Joe (Long Version) 6:09

Cult Singles CD03

01 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Extended Version) 5:40

02 Cult - Li'l Devil 2:44

03 Cult - Wildflower (Extended Rock Mix) 5:50

04 Cult - King Contrary Man 3:52

05 Cult - Conquistador 2:46

Cult Singles CD04

01 Cult - Spirit Walker 3:53

02 Cult - A Flower In The Desert 3:17

03 Cult - Bone Bag 3:49

04 Cult - Go West 4:00

05 Cult - Sea And Sky 3:34

06 Cult - Brothers Grimm 3:53

Cult Singles CD05

01 Cult - Ressurection Joe 4:21

02 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary 4:23

03 Cult - The Snake 8:16

04 Cult - No. 13 4:43

05 Cult - Assault On Sanctuary 7:35

06 Cult - Ressurection Joe (Hep Cat Mix) 6:07

Cult Singles CD06

01 Cult - Rain 3:59

02 Cult - Little Face 4:56

03 Cult - Revolution (Single Remix Version) 4:17

04 Cult - All Souls Avenue 4:45

05 Cult - Judith 5:30

06 Cult - Sunrise 5:16

Cult Singles CD07

01 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Single Version) 4:20

02 Cult - Conquistador 2:52

03 Cult - Groove Co. 4:17

04 Cult - Zap City 5:14

05 Cult - Love Trooper 3:55

06 Cult - Wolf Child's Blues 7:21

07 Cult - Lil'Devil 2:45

Cult Singles CD08

01 Cult - Wildflower (Single Version) 3:39

02 Cult - Wildflower (Guitar Dub) 3:40

03 Cult - Horse Nation (Live) 3:54

04 Cult - Outlaw (Live) 6:43

05 Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (Live) 5:03

06 Cult - Bone Bag (Live) 9:19

07 Cult - Phoenix (Live) 5:05

08 Cult - Wild Thing/Louie Louie (Live) 6:16

Cult Singles CD09

01 Cult - Fire Woman (Single Version) 4:03

02 Cult - Automatic Blues 3:52

03 Cult - Messin' Up The Blues 5:21

04 Cult - Edie (Ciao Baby) (Single Version) 4:03

05 Cult - Bleeding Heart Graffiti 5:03

06 Cult - Sun King (Single Version) 4:02

07 Cult - Fire Woman (L.A. Rock Mix) 10:08

08 Cult - Fire Woman (N.Y.C. Rock Mix) 7:21

Cult Singles CD10

01 Cult - Sweet Soul Sister (Single Version) 3:32

02 Cult - The River 6:52

03 Cult - Love Removal Machine (Live) 4:42

04 Cult - Li'l Devil (Live) 2:48

05 Cult - Revolution (Live) 5:37

06 Cult - Sweet Soul Sister (Live) 5:32

07 Cult - American Horse (Live) 7:15

08 Cult - Soul Asylum (Live) 7:31

09 Cult - Sweet Soul Sister (Rock's Mix) 6:56

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