The problem is the recordings themselves. The songs are rather 'bashed out', and the vocals are of a much less high quality than on the eventual studio recordings. These tracks also made me realize how much the production adds to Julian's work. I still love these stripped down versions, because I love the songs. But I can't help but be slightly disappointed by them. That said, there are some interesting oddities on here. The version of my favorite, 'Crazy Farm Animal', is completely different, with a spooky, Nico-esque organ replacing the strummed acoustic guitar.

All in all, this is for fans only, I'd say.