By Curmudgeon "grantc"
People complain that too many Donna Summer hits compilations have already been released, but "Gold" offers the most comprehensive anthology of an artist who peaked - commercially, at least - a long time ago. Some of the real bonuses of this release include uniformly excellent sound and full production credits for all the tracks, as well as full or previously unavailable versions: the 4:57 edit of "Love To Love You Baby" is the best of the edits; similarly, the 6:28 promo single version of "MacArthur Park"; "I Feel Love" is finally included in an anthology in its superb full length album version; the fantastic 6:47 12" single version of "Hot Stuff" (not included even on the recent Deluxe release of "Bad Girls"); the definitive 5:49 full version of "State Of Independence" (for many her best-ever recording). Her later releases are rightly included as single or edited versions, and whatever you think of them, it's good to hear so many brought together; the Tony Moran edit of "You're So Beautiful" (first available on 2003's compilation "The Journey") ends the album on a high. A real attempt has been made with "Gold" to provide the best-possible summary of Summer's career, and for my money this is a great anthology for both fan and newcomer alike.