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This is the first attempt to consolidate all of Sir Elton's hit singles, from three labels, in one collection. It once would've required at least four CDs to own the best stuff here. Many think the legendary performer was at his best in the early to mid-'70s, and the incredible string of singles that ran from 1970's "Your Song" through 1977's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" remains mighty impressive. But in retrospect, as they're presented here, '80s hits like "I'm Still Standing" and "Sad Songs" add much to an already amazing legacy. Three Disney tunes, the lush "The One," and two from Songs from the West Coast, which was hailed as a return to those '70s golden days, represent the later years. Collectively, these tracks reinforce the notion that, despite Michael Jackson's later proclamations, John was once the closest thing post-'60s music had to a genuine king of pop, respected by hipsters and the mainstream alike. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (146)

Throw Another Incomplete Elton Collection Onto The Heap
If you're new to Elton John's back catalogue (or a parent looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your child) this collection serves up 34 of his hits at a fair price. But there are ommissions here that any serious fan will miss. Key album tracks were understandably passed over, but many other A-sides and signature songs are excluded too.

Notably missing from his '70s creative peak:

Skyline Pigeon
Take Me To The Pilot
Border Song
Burn Down The Mission
Country Comfort
Friends
Michelle's Song
Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Harmony
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Step Into Christmas
Pinball Wizard
Grow Some Funk Of Your Own
I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)
Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance)
Ego
Mama Can't Buy You Love
Part Time Love

... even '80s cuts like:

Nobody Wins
Chloe
Blue Eyes
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
Kiss The Bride
Club At The End Of The Street
Wrap Her Up

???

The redundant live duets included on disc 3 of this set are utterly dispensable compared to these essential songs. A three disc hits package that included more of Elton's stronger '70s work would've been more deserving of the "Greatest" designation.

I'm giving this package an extra star for the cover art alone.

Not Quite Definitive Collection of Elton's Biggest Hits
This 2CD plus bonus mini-CD set, released in a second straight Christmas season dominated by comprehensive classic rock reissues, aspired to be the final definitive statement on Elton John's 30-year reign atop the pop charts.

But despite a well-written essay and photographs, and an extra disc featuring duets with Luciano Pavarotti and Alejandro Safina (an unbelievably overwrought "Your Song") , this collection fails against Elton's three previously released best-ofs.

Elton's first such collection from 1974 remains one of pop/rock diamonds. He, songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, producer Gus Dudgeon (who with John coordinated this set) mixed fast and slow, hard and soft, pulling pop music and cultural influences left and right to create one of music's most fertile, creative five year success runs. Repeated here, songs from that collection are missing ("Border Song") or truncated ("Daniel" and "Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting") Moreover, "Friends," among Elton's beloved songs, is missing and would have been a great value-add.

His second volume from 1977 chronicled his three years as the world's most popular singing star. Yet two #1 radio hits from that collection missed this set, his bombastic "Pinball Wizard" and his audacious, reggae-tinged take on the Beatles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds." Elton made those tracks from respective rock superstars his own, sealing his dominance of the era.

Elton's 1976-86 greatest hits collection, released by two different labels, covered his resurgent 80s career linked closely to the return of his piano-ballad style and acknowledgement from artists he influenced (everyone from George Michael to Guns n' Roses). Yet some remarkable songs from even that set (especially "Blue Eyes" and 1979's Thom Bell-produced "Mama Can't Buy You Love") are noticeable by their absence. Any would have formed a more compelling third disc than, say, 1990's flaccid Elton-Michael duet on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."

Even the artwork looks slipshod. The cover recreates a 70s pencil-style drawing on white cover, with dates (1970-2002) indicating a short life, not a long career Elton defiantly announced was "To Be Continued" on his 4CD box set. Yet its hard arguing with the songs here, most correctly chronicling Elton's gradual shift from camp rocker to soft rock balladeer to Broadway and film composer/ classical collaborator. This set is recommended for casual fans or those wanting one spot for Elton's biggest hits. But fans wanting to dig deeper into Elton John's music and the pop culture he epitomised are better served by the three individual sets.

Not Quite the Definitive Elton John Collection
Music: 4.5 Stars Compilation: 3.5 Stars

There have been many Elton John collections over the years, even more so in Europe than here in the US. The release of "Greatest Hits 1970-2002" (34 tracks, 157 min.) is intended to be the truly definitive "greatest hits" collection. Did they get it right this time?

Given the time limitation of a CD, the compiler(s) had two choices: either to collect truly the greatest and biggest hits of Elton John (which would have inevitably skewed the compilation towards the earlier years), or present a "balanced" compilation that includes songs from all phases of Elton's career, regardless how big or small a hit they were. Unfortunately, the compiler(s) chose the latter route. As a result, a number of weaker songs from the later years were included, and thus a number of better known and bigger hits not being included. Just to name the biggest oversights: "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" (a top 5 hit in 1974), "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)" (Elton's tribute to the slain John Lennon, a top 10 hit in 1981), "Song for Guy" (Elton's only instrumental hit ever, from 1978, a top 5 hit in most of Europe), "Pinball Wizzard" (1976 hit from the "Tommy" soundtrack), and even the novelty-hit "Step Into Christmas". But the biggest blunder of them all is the inexusable absence of a little thing called "Candle in the Wind 1997". Hello record company? It's only THE BIGGEST SELLING SINGLE OF ALL TIME, EVER, ANYWHERE!!!! Add those 6 songs instead of "The One", "Believe", "Blessed", "Something About the Way You Look Tonight", "Written in the Stars" and "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore", and then you truly would have had something called Elton John's "Greatest Hits 1970-2002".

A Great Collection Of Classic Music
As one of the most successful musicians of all time, it was only a matter of time before Elton John would would get a 2 - disc hit s collection spanning his entire career. And while it does leave out quite a few key hits, it's the best collection of his hits so far.

Disc 1 contains all the hits from Elton's glory years, the years where everything he touched turned to gold and platinum. Indeed, you can't go wrong with a cd that features "Your Song", "Rocket Man", "Crocodile Rock", "Bennie And The Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" and many other era - defining classics. In fact, if you take this cd and add a few more tracks by The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Olivia Newton - John, Barry Manilow, Bread, Rod Stewart, KC And The Sunshine Band, Donna Summer and The Rolling Stones, you'll have a virtual soundtrack to the 1970s'. There aren't really any surprises here, though I was a little shocked (though not all disappointed) that "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer" were included, since neither of them made the top 20 ("Tiny Dancer" didn't even make the top 40).

Disc 2 begins with the 1976 number 1 Kiki Duet "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", before drifting into the 1989s' with the whimsical ballad "Little Jeannie". The 1980s' were not as big as the 1970s'. Elton only had occasional success, but still scored with hits like "Nikita" and "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That", not to mention "I'm Still Standing", "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues". Also included is his criminally underrated ballad "Sacrifice". The 1990s' were considerably more successful. In 1992, he scored a top 10 hit with the lush title track from his 1992 album "The One". In 1994, he scored a huge hit with the "Lion King" number "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", which won him an Oscar for best song along with Time Rice. The film gave him an additional top 20 hit with the stirring "Circle Of Life". 1995's "Made In England" gave him two more top 40 hits, the haunting ode to love "Believe" and the mystical "Blessed". And in 1997, he recorded "Something About The Way You Look Tonight", which became one half of the biggest selling single of all time. After the bland Leann Rimes duet "Written In The Stars", he rebounded with "I Want Love" and "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" from the 2001 album "Songs From The West Coast".

The third bonus disc is a special treat. It starts off with the 1986 live version of "Candle In The Wind" from the "Live In Australia" album. While the 1973 version is the one that was a hit singl, peaking at number 6 in 1987. In 1992, Elton went all the way to number 1 with another live recording, duetting with George Michael on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". This song and "Candle In The Wind" are also on disc 1 in their original studio version. "Live Like Horses" is a haunting duet with Lucianno Pavarotti that sends shivers down your spine. Track 4 is a new version of "Your Song" recordes by Alessandro Safina.

This collection is far from complete. There are some songs I would have loved to see here, such as his number 1 hit cover of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". Or 1979's surprise top 10 hit "Mama Can't Buy You Love". Or the two hit ballads he scored in 1982, "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) and "Blue Eyes". Or his great, underappreciated duble - sided 1976 hit "Grow Some Funk Of Your Own"/"I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)".
Some fans might complain that "Candle In The Wind 1997" has been excluded, but it was left off for obvious personal reasons. Still, this is the best Elton set yet. I highly suggest purchasing it.

Update: I just saw an import version of this cd at Sam Goody that has ll the songs plus adds "Blue Eyes", "Kiss The Bride" and "Song For Guy" to disc 2 and includes a 10 - song third disc including "Pinball Wizard", "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", and the new hits "Are Yo Ready For Love" and "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word", the latter featuring some artist named Blue. Get it if you can, as it's slightly more complete.

CD 2 track 05
I recently purchased this CD and I noticed that around 43 seconds on the second CD, track 5, Sad Songs, there is slight skip. I returned the CD and received a new one, and it has the identical problem. Has anyone out there experienced this problem? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bob Seger has racked up a lot of worthy tracks over the years, but it took until 1994 for a greatest hits package to appear. Voilà. The bad news: We're missing an awful lot of songs here. Night Moves is Seger's crit-pick album, and a great place to start if you don't have any Seger at all. Next in the rankings is Stranger in Town. Otherwise, his highs are pretty scattered, which would make any best-of package a worthy investment. But if you want to get comprehensive, "Rock & Roll Never Forgets," "Fire Down Below," "Horizontal Bop," "Her Strut," "Betty Lou's Getting Out Tonight," and "Katmandu" aren't on this CD--and you'll have to go to the original albums to secure them. --Gavin McNett ... Read more

Reviews (95)

Awesome CD But Not Complete
This is an awesome Cd. Bob Seger is one of the best singers ever.
Roll Me Away-Awesome hard rocker
Night Moves-Awesome soft ballad
Turn The Page-Great song that Metallica ruined
You'll Accomp'ny Me- acoustic rock
Hollywood Nights- Hard rocker
Still The Same- Great Love song
Old Time Rock & Roll- Up-beat song. best Bob Seger Song
We've Got Tonight- Awesome Love Song
Against The Wind- One of his best
Mainstreet- blues guitar and rock drum and Bob Seger singing. How can it not be great?
The Fire Inside- Up-beat mainstream rocker
Like A Rock- Awesome
You Never Can Tell (C'est La Vie)- 1 of 2 new songs on the CD. A Chuck Berry song
In Your Time- New song about his son
This is a great CD and there is not a bad song on it but the real Bob Seger Greatest Hits should be a 2-CD Set and have all the songs on this CD and:
The Lonely One (First Song)
East Side Story
Heavy Music
Ramblin' Gamblin' Man
2 Plus 2=?

If I Were a Carpenter
Bo Diddley
U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class)
Turn On Your Love Light
Katmandu
Beautiful Loser
Travelin' Man
Nutbush City Limits
Rock and Roll Never Forgets
The Fire Down Below
Mary Lou
Come to Poppa
Feel Like a Number
Nine Tonight
Tryin' to Live My Life Without You
Shame On The Moon (Top 10 hit)
Fire Lake
Shakedown (Number 1 hit)
Betty Lou's Getting' Out Tonight
The Horizontal Bop
Her Strut
Let It Rock
Even Now
American Storm
Ship Of Fools
Sunburst

Sunspot Baby
Jody Girl
I've Been Working
Lookin' Back
Get Out of Denver
Tales Of Lucy Blue
Understanding
The Ballad of the Yellow Beret

The best of Bob Seger,in his opinion
Fourteen tracks on this album,12 previously released and 2 new ones. Bob tells a short story regarding each song. There are photos of Bob and the Silver Bullet Band as family men with their children. Bob had more hits than those contained in this album. He left off FIRE LAKE,SHAME ON THE MOON,THE REAL LOVE,SHAKEDOWN,UNDERSTANDING,AMERICAN STORM,EVEN NOW and TRYIN' TO LIVE MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU(live from NINE TONIGHT). Not so smart,Bob! This album features a live version of TURN THE PAGE from LIVE BULLET. That's the oldest recording on this album(recorded September 1975). The songs that Bob left off were Top 20 hits according to Norm N. Nite's Rock On Almanac. C'EST LA VIE is one of the new tracks on the album which is a cover of Chuck Berry's composition and personal recording. The other is IN YOUR TIME written by Bob for his son Cole. NIGHT MOVES tracks include,the title track and MAINSTREET. From STRANGER IN TOWN are HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS,STILL THE SAME,OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL and WE'VE GOT TONIGHT. From AGAINST THE WIND are the title track and YOU'LL ACCOMP'NY ME. ROLL ME AWAY is from THE DISTANCE. From LIKE A ROCK is the title track and from THE FIRE INSIDE,the title track. One year after the relase of this album,Bob released his IT'S A MYSTERY album which is today,his most recent.

Now this is some "Old Time Rock & Roll".
I can see how a fanatic might be missing some tracks here, but for casual fans this is just about perfect. Anyone who listens to radio should know most of this collection, even if not by title. Included is "Night Moves", "Still The Same", "Against The Wind", and the classic "Turn The Page". Plus you get the excellent song "Mainstreet", and the anthem for all Chevy truck drivers "Like A Rock". I also really like the closer "In Your Time". "Bob Seger" seems like one of those guys that everybody can like, and this collection is a classic rock must.

Apollo finally calls to Selene In His Own Voice
Seger is surely the reincarnation of the sweet lyrical voice of Apollo who charmed all around him. His songs call out to the lovely Selene who hears but doesn't realize that his call is for her alone. Roll Me Away, Night Moves, You'll Accom'ny Me, Against the Wind, Mainstreet, and Like A Rock call out and make her dance and the reality starts to settle in. But he is tired and disgruntled with her and the world in some of the tracts and it shows. But it's worth every dime since it causes those of us who have been without his song to sing again to the top of our lungs and keep 'running against the wind' 'like a rock'. And Selene has heard and will one day soon 'Accomp'ny' him.

"Someday"
Capitol, you know these are not Bob Seger's Greatest Hits. Why are you giving us this condensed compilation, then following up with yet another scattershot effort (Greatest Hits II)? Where is our box set, featuring ALL of these songs and ALL the fan favorites from the early years? When it comes, in 20 years, it will be one of the best selling boxes ever, causing these two albums to be deleted. Too bad the "suits" have their sophisticated money making schemes all fleshed out, at the listener's expense. These CD's are not cheap. That box set certainly won't be, either. Why don't you treat the fans right and give us what we really want? We want "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man", "Innervenus Eyes", "Lucifer", "Bo Diddley", "Midnight Rider", "Cross of Gold", "UMC", and ANYTHING from "Brand New Morning". Where are these songs?? You released them, and you're sitting on them. The fans can't even FIND these early tracks. Where are the even earlier ones, like the full- length "Heavy Music"?

Not recommended. Just turn on the classic rock station instead and save the money for gas. Great songs featured and misrepresented on a pair of crap comps. They did the same to Steve Miller. Sorry, Bob, but congrats on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Proving yet again their willingness to dice 'n' slice their burgeoning legacy into new--if not exactly fresh--product, the Fab Four Minus One have released this single-disc compendium of their No. 1 hits. Though obviously superfluous to longtime Fabs faithful (who may also find themselves quibbling over the precise definition of "No. 1 hit" and the exclusion of seeming contenders like "Please Please Me" and "Strawberry Fields"), newly arrived visitors from the Pleiades star cluster and other neophytes will find it a concise and generous (nearly 80 minutes) single-disc introduction to the band's career-spanning, unparalleled dominance of pop music in the 1960s. But beyond being a mere trophy case of commercial success (and it won't be hard to find critics who'll argue that these singles aren't even the band's best work), it's also a Cliff's Notes take on a remarkable seven-year run of musical evolution, one that stretches from the neo-skiffle of "Love Me Do" through a remarkable synthesis of R&B, rockabilly, Tin Pan Alley, gospel, country, and classical that still defies efforts to effectively deconstruct it. This is the pop monument equivalent of the '27 Yankees and '90s Bulls; it's every bit as obvious and dominating--and just as essential. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (880)

What a bitter disappointment!
As a life long Beatles fan, I can't begin to express my disappointment with this new release. I had hoped that this would be an opportunity for young people to hear how good the Beatles sounded to us older fans when these songs were originally released as singles. However, for the most part, the selections on this cd are not the original mono single versions, they are the same sloppy stereo outtakes that EMI has been foisting on us for the last 30 years. How could anyone who was not alive in 1964 listen to "I Want to Hold You Hand" on this CD and understand why this song changed so many peoples' lives? It sounds like it was recorded in someone's bathroom. As for the stereo versions of "I Feel Fine" and "Paperback Writer", they are painfully bad. This CD is just another way for EMI to make a few more bucks off of the memory of the greatest musical group ever. Fellow Beatles fans, I urge you not to be taken in. Do NOT waste you money on this worthless package. Hold out until the powers that be at EMI relent and give us either the original mono versions of these songs or newly remixed stereo versions.

Top Feeding
This was a wonderful collection of many of the songs that I grew up with and wistfully placed on a higher plane of music than a lot of the tripe released today

I realize it was an authorized collection of Number One hits, but this collection didn't always explore the depths and reach of the Beatles material.

Somehwere out there the has to be a collection of the songs that actually made many differences in my life (granted, that doesn;t mean that most people would have the same personal "hit list".

All in all, this was a wonderful collection, and I would purchase it again (It might turn out to be a great tool for informing my 17 year old daughter about the group that actually opened rock and roll to broader dimensions--without me just jabbering to her about it).

On a scale of 1-10, I would give it an 8.5

Beatles 1
Pretty good if you listen to tracks 1 - 14 and just start over. Songs like Come Together and the Ballad of John and Yoko shouldn't even be on a best of the Beatles album.

Incredible Display of Music
Before I got this album. I had never heard a real Beatles song. I had heard a modern hard-rock-style cover of A Hard Day's Night (which, while not comparing to the origional, was still awesome), and in my vocal class at school, I sang A Hard Day's Night (which, by the way, made me something of a singing sensation at school; people everywhere were asking me to sing for them).

When I first got this album, I liked about sixteen songs. But as I listened to it more and more, the more it grew on me, until I liked every single song on the CD.

This CD made me a total Beatles fan. Before I really knew the Beatles' music, I listened to country music on KNCI (which I still do admittedly). Now, I listen to the Eagle, Sacramento's classic rock. In my vocal class, instead of just singing A Hard Day's Night (which I still sing, of course), I also sing Eight Days A Week, Something-the best song of all time-, I Want to Hold Your Hand, All You Need Is Love, and She Loves You.

The Beatles remain the greatest band of all time, and this CD is a true legacy to them.

The BEST single CD collection
This is the best single CD Beatles collection available. It provides an excellent, high-level overview of their career and music. It contains 26 songs that hit number 1 either in the US or UK. The one exception being George Harrison's "Something", which peaked at number 3, though the liner notes give it credit for hitting number 1 because it was the B-side of a number 1 single ("Come Together"). But I can forgive that fudging, since I'm sure it was done to ensure that a Harrison song was included on the collection. All-in-all, a classic collection and a great introduction to the Beatles for new fans. I just wish they would release a Beatles 2 CD similar to the Elvis 2nd to None CD. They certainly have plenty of material to pick from!

Btw, an interesting bit of trivia: The British Beatles hold the record for the most number 1 singles in the US, followed by the American Elvis. While Elvis holds the record for most number 1 singles in Britian followed by the Beatles. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Silly wabbit...
Just saw STYX in concert at the Rosemont Theatre, (just outside of Chicago, IL) last night.
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They featured a hand full of songs from this new CD.The release features covers of classic rock songs.Like many of you, I had gotten off the STYX wagon 20 years ago today.On this nightSTYX first brought the house down with their rendition of "I AM THE WALRUS", coo-coo-ca-cho.TOMMY SHAW followed up next by leading an acoustic guitar driven medley of CSN's "FIND THE COST OF FREEDOM" / "CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME" (Blind Faith), which garnered a second standing ovation from the pro-Chicago home crowd.Less successful was "SUMMER IN THE CITY", which did not quite transcend on stage, for me at least.For the encore, which led off with blues legend Koko Taylor, the band paid homage to their Chi-Town roots.Once Koko bid good night to Sweet Home Chicago, the band railed full force into Humble Pie's "I DON"T NEED NO DOCTOR", as if they were Rockin' the Fillmore.Keyboardist / vocalist LAWRENCE GOWEN, who supplanted Dennis DeYoung in the late '90s, handled Steve Marriott vocal chores effortlessly and bounced about the stage with much vim and vigor.
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The BIG BANG THEORY compact disc has gone Top 50 -something that hasn't happened to STYX in two decades- and covers such as "I AM THE WALRUS" have gotten air play on some 200 rock stations across the country.
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The show surprised me, I was expecting Spinal Tap, and I got a new STYX.Yeah, it is always hard to see a band past their glory days, and with new members unknown to us, but this reincarnation of STYX seemed sparked with fresh energy and ideas by the current players. TODD SUCHERMAN ripped the drums up all night long with boundless energy. Former Babies and Bad English (John Waite) bassist RICKY PHILLIPS was steady and fit in with the band, as the newest member.The Canadian GOWEN was very theatrical and his showmanship helped ease the absence of Dennis.GOWEN spun his keyboard on a revolving pedestal, he pranced around the stage with the confidence that his voice projected.All of the parts added to the whole and it worked.They rocked harder and left the syrup in the cupboard as we feasted on uptempo favorites and left tired ballads like "Babe" in the rear view mirror.We went out and ordered this CD immediately today.Change is good and the band seemed more vital and vitalized than I'd ever remembered them before.TOMMY,J.Y. & GOWEN shared vocal chores and instrumental solos and most everything worked.Recovering STYX co-founder and bandmate CHUCK PANOZZO joined the band on stage for the end of the regular set and part of the encore and was welcomed on stage by the raucous crowd.I thought STYX were for kids, but as a 45 years old, I found this show and new album a fun record to want to own.Sure we are Chicago and we root, root, root for the home team.
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This was not an oldies act sailing away into rock and roll Babylon.It looked more like a revitalized band that appeared ready to take on the world stage again.

How the Mighty Have Fallen
Back in the late 70s and early 80s, Styx was one of the most popular groups in the United States.But since Dennis DeYoung left the group in the late 90s, Styx has been on a steady downward spiral, and they've finally hit rock bottom with the release of this very disappointing CD.

There is only one track on the whole CD that was written by one of the members of the band, and that was a terrible remake of Tommy Shaw's very popular "Blue Collar Man".The acoustic version of the song that is on this disc is just terrible.It sounds like something from MTV's "unplugged", only worse.

Each of the other songs is a poor remake of someone else's work, such as "Summer in the City" and the Who's "I Can See For Miles".

Gone are the days of sold-out arenas and screaming crowds.Styx has become a shell of their former selves.Lawrence Gowan is nowhere near the singer that Dennis DeYoung was, and even Tommy Shaw is beginning to lose a little of his musical prowness.The only reason I gave this CD 2 stars is because the guitar and drum work is still pretty good.Otherwise, avoid this disc like the plague.For some good Styx music, I recommend Dennis DeYoung's excellent "Music of Styx" CD.At least he hasn't changed, unlike his former band mates.

Some of it is just hard to listen to.
I have been a Styx fan for 28 years. This is by far the worst album that they have ever done. I am the Walrus is good, plus a few more, but several songs are just plain bad. Styx has been my favorite band since I was a teenager. I like both Styx and Dennis DeYoung now. I thought Cyclorama was very good as well as Dennis' orchestra CD. But this one is just plain bad overall. I'm sure that Dennis is either laughing at this CD or crying. Tommy and JY did well with Cyclorama, but they blew it with this one. This does not sound anything like the Styx I knew and loved.

Missing Dennis DeYoung
My wife is a big Styx fan and we've been to three of their concerts in recent years. In the concerts I've seen, they played mostly the old stuff, and I like the old stuff. However, I did wonder why they didn't have any good new stuff.

About a month ago, my wife and I saw Dennis DeYoung in concert, and my wondering was answered. Styx doesn't have any good new stuff because their heart and soul is gone (Dennis). There's no one left in Styx with any original music talent.

This album clearly illustrates the lack of originality. I couldn't imagine that Dennis would have ever put his name to something this bad.

a FUN CD

If you're favorite Styx song of all time is "Babe", don't buy this CD

This is rock! So what if it's all cover songs? they rock!

I agree there are 1 or 2 that aren't to my taste,but the musicianship is killer! And the sound is right on target.

The original recordings of these songs sound muddy, because of the poor recording techniques back in the 60's and 70's. It's awesome to hear "I can see for miles" with crystal clear pounding drums.

I didn't buy this CD expecting "Dark Side of the Moon", I bought it to hear a revamping ofsome great classic tunes.

I too can't wait for Styx's next CD of originals, but this disc stands on it's own as quality stuff.
I saw them do I Am The Walrus in concert and it brought the house down. Listen to this version of Manic Depression , then listen to Hendrix's. The sound quality difference is staggering, and Styx has done these songs justice

... Read more

Amazon.com

Like other successful bands of the 1970s and 1980s, Journey's sound was built on the double threat of singer Steve Perry's upper-register vocals and guitarist Neal Schon's melodic solos. The band also used rich harmonies to embellish their hard edge. Greatest Hits shows that Journey knew how to craft a pop song with memorable tunes like "Anyway You Want It" and "Don't Stop Believin'." "Wheel in the Sky" was one of the band's more arty singles, while "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" relied on a straight four-bar blues pattern, with Perry's vocals at their best. The band's power ballads gave them their biggest success, and are rightfully represented here: "Faithfully," "Open Arms," and "Send Her My Love." Another unlikely aspect further secured the band's success--you could actually dance to some of their stuff, especially "Anyway You Want It." --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (160)

A Good Overview
Critics bashed them (and still do), but Journey was a force to be reckoned with during the Steve Perry era. Their classic ballad sound is still a big part of soft rock radio today, with all-time favorites like "Open Arms," "Who's Crying Now" and "Faithfully." The band could rock, too--Perry sounded great juxtaposed against Neil Schon's fiery riffs, although Johnathan Cain's signature piano work clinched it for many fans of the band. The hit "Only The Young" from an obscure film called "Vision Quest" was new at the time, and it's a pounding rocker in the vein of "Wheel In The Sky," which is one of their best songs. High points include "Lights" from the early days and "Girl Can't Help It" from the "Raised on Radio" LP, although if you're a fan of the band, there's nothing here you won't enjoy. This collection was released in 1988 or so, so "When You Love A Woman" won't be found here. Definitely recommended for casual Journey fans, although the studio LP's "Frontiers," "Infinity," "Escape," "Departure" and "Evolution" are all recommended as well.

Summing up perfection
This is the ultimate hits album by what I consider the greatest band in the universe. Now if you are a true Journey fan you should also have the original albums. "Escape" and "Frontiers" are two of the best rock albums in history; "Infinity", "Evolution", and "Departure" are all fantastic classic rock albums; and even "Raised On Radio", which marked the beginning of Journey and particularly Steve Perry not rocking as hard, has some great tracks. All of these albums are represented on this collection. The big hit rockers and ballads are all here. In addition, you have the excellent inclusion of two movie soundtrack songs that were not previously on Journey releases: the top 10 "Only The Young" and the equally fantastic "Ask The Lonely". That alone makes this a must-purchase whether you have all their other albums or not. Just a fantastic summary of the premier years of one of the most enjoyable bands in rock and roll history. Sorry borish music critics: nothing "faceless" about this band--especially compared to most of the grunge and then boy bands of the '90's. This is as good as it gets--in any era.

Good Stuff!!
"Wheel in the Sky" and "Faithfully" are the best...and oh yeah, a song played at many a democratic party politic rallies, "Don't Stop Beleving." Steve Perry has a unique voice that takes the group to the "next level."

Are we in Wisconsin?!
What a cheese-fest! To refresh my memory, I looked over the track listing of this album. It crystallized for me my problem with Journey -- they did nothing original, and they never improved upon the sounds that they imitated.

At best, this collection is simply representative of an era of mindless, disposable rock. At worst, it is schlock that never should have been commemorated, since Muzak versions will forever be heard in elevators for the next couple of decades.

Before anyone goes sending hate e-mail my way, try tuning in some public radio to hear what "good music" really is. Or maybe you should get out your Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Who, Doors and U2 to hear how good Journey's stuff could have been.

Best of Journey?
I didn't actually listen to this CD but I have the original albums containing most of the tracks. I mostly posted this because I was completely astonished that many people referred to Infinity as their "debut" album and to Steve Perry as the "original" vocalist.

Journey released three very good albums before Infinity and before Steve Perry: Journey, Look Into the Future, and Next. The mid-period albums also had Ansely Dunbar (later of Jefferson Starship) on drums, who is very different than their later drummer (Steve Smith?) I'd especially recommend either their debut (Journey) or the last non-Perry album (Next) to people not familiar with this earlier stuff.

Oh yeah, and I agree, "Stone In Love" should have been included. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Compare this to John Mellencamp's previous hits set, The Best That I Could Do 1978-1988, and it quickly becomes apparent how much the artist formerly known as Cougar has grown in the second phase of his career. Following a 1994 heart attack, the songwriter transformed from cocky jukebox hero to compassionate everyman, trading in big pop riffs for sublime, politically charged songs that echo the outspoken work of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Spanning 25 years, this 35-track set incorporates most of the last collection alongside more recent hits over two discs in non-chronological order. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

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This packed double-disc is the slim option for fans who find the Eagles' vaunted greatest hits sets too little and the boxed set too hefty. Hit singles large and medium are here, often ("One of These Nights," "Hotel California") still sounding definitive and even tough. Large helpings of favorite album cuts are also included, along with a taster from a promised 2004 Eagles studio reunion. Unfortunately, "Hole in the World," Don Henley's response to September 11, feels just as empty and entitled as "Get Over It," the band's previous state-of-the-union message (from which the newer song represents a philosophical 180-degree turn). But for those seeking an overview of this Southern California juggernaut's successes, as well as telling comments from band members--mostly Henley and Frey--in a well-designed booklet, Very Best will more than do. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (88)

Eagles Epitomize Their Classic Rock Era on 2CD Set
Reading the near 50 page booklet accompanying this comprehensive 2CD Eagles set, you read chief band singer/songwriters Don Henley and Glenn Frey namecheck 1970s musical and social touchstones: Richard Nixon inspiring "On the Border," obtuse Steely Dan lyrics and Robert DeNiro films playing into 1977's sinister "Hotel California," Teddy Pendergrass and Thom Bell's Philadelphia disco/soul sound inspiring hits from 1975's "One of These Nights."

Reading their insightful, often smug recollections, then hearing these 33 immaculately crafted songs, you conclude the Eagles were created by and for the misunderstood 1970s. Rising from the country rock ashes of Poco and the Flying Burrito Brothers (which contributed band members) the Eagles became one of rock's top selling bands by joining stately, meticulous rock and pop to insightful but often cynical lyrics. Starting with their first hit, "Take It Easy," theirs was a perfect world view for a generation awakening from the previous decade's dashed dreams.

"The Very Best of The Eagles" contains all songs found on their two previous hits sets. But this not only remasters those songs into new clarity (courtesy of longtime group friend and producer Bill Szymczyk) but fleshes them out with key album tracks ("Ol '55," "Victim of Love") which help ease the musical flow and reveal the band's musical/lyrical progress. You sense group cohesion and identity as Frey and Henley exceed name checking outlaw/loner icons (James Dean, the Dalton gang) to reach the complex personal-into-political betrayal in "Lyin' Eyes" and "Take It To The Limit." (Bassist Timothy B. Schmitt sings lead on "I Can't Tell You Why" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive," the Eagles' two most sincere love songs.)

In taking so many influences into their sound and commenting on their times, the Eagles compare strongly to the decade's other classic rock icon. Elton John and Bernie Taupin borrowed western and silver screen images in "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," but gave them an outsider's sense of wonder and awe. Reaching Don Felder and Joe Walsh's guitar duals in "Life In The Fast Lane" and "Hotel California," you find the Eagles seeing those same images with a Hollywood insider's world weariness and disgust. ("King of Hollywood," from 1979's opening farewell LP, "Long Run" may have good to add on that front.)

The band's hits have never sounded cleaner than here, and the Eagles will always be good car radio company riding any dark desert highway. This set is highly recommended to replace or substitute for the band's two individual hits CDs, essential to introduce newcomers to a band which defined, then helped close, classic rock's greatest era.

Great collection
Awful cover. I really hate that cover.
Anyway, this is a really great compilation, bringing together 33 Eagles songs, and there is little reason to complain about the compilers' choices. (They should have included the beautiful "Doolin-Dalton/Desperado Reprise", though, and chucked "Those Shoes".)

All the Eagles' best-known songs are here, including all but one of their singles ("Outlaw Man" has been omitted), and several of the lesser-known album tracks are almost as good as platinum-selling hits like "Hotel California" and "New Kid In Town". "Doolin-Dalton" is a great western-style ballad with Don Henley and Glenn Frey trading off lines, "Victim Of Love" is a tough rocker, and "Already Gone" sees Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon doing the Allman Brothers thing with the twin lead guitars.

I'm not convinced that this album is better than the original "Greatest Hits" and "Greatest Hits II" CDs, though, especially not if you're a casual fan and just want the best of the best. But if you're looking for a little more, "The Very Best Of The Eagles" is a fine choice, and the Eagles don't try to lure people who already own all of their original albums into buying this one as well by adding a couple of new tracks. Kudos for that.

Another Great Compilation From The Eagles
The Eagles began their mainstream career run in 1972. From there until their break-up in 1982, they continued releasing great albums and great singles for listeners to enjoy, including their most successful "Hotel California". Their success never stopped. Some may be surprised knowing that they lost the Grammy for Best New Artist of 1972 to America. However, the legendary music continues living more intensely. "The Very Best of The Eagles" is a great compilation album that presents fans new and old their successes.

The variety of musical genres proves that The Eagles mastered music fluently: rock, pop, and country. Regardless which is accented most, the songs were always written beautifully. They speak to a variety of listeners. Every song has its own unique flavor that keeps listeners in joy. The song quality remains through the switching of lead singers. Their ballads remain beautiful, and their upbeat songs remain fun for dancing. This album compilation presents how they evolved as a band through their historical run, even through the occassional line-up change. The evolution proves to continue through two reunions: 1994 and 2003.

Through these greatest hits, they recorded a new single specially for this album, the Grammy-nominated "Hole In the World". This is a great commemoration of the events in 9/11. It was written and performed beautifully. Don Henley sings the lyrics expressively.

"The Very Best of The Eagles" is a great album that will surely please many listeners. This is one of the few albums that contains all of The Eagles's greatest hits.

terrific compilation
it would be difficult to find a better collection of songs than what feature in this delightful compilation containing hits like desperado,tequila sunrise,hotel california lyin eyes and take it to the limit.please go and buy this masterpiece and freak out and very soon it will be among your favourites.very very highly recommended.

Excellent Eagles overview
In October of 2003, The Eagles became the latest addition of great bands from the 1970s to get their own 2 - disc best of collection entitled The Very Best of The Eagles. The Eagles' set comes in the wake of other rock acts' 2-disc best ofs like Pink Floyd(Echoes), Queen(The Platinum Collection 3 discs), The Rolling Stones(40 Licks), Black Sabbath(Symptom of the Universe) and The Who(The Ultimate Collection) as examples. Disc 1 of this Eagles best of covers the cream of the crop of their early years from 1971-75 with one from 1976. The whole Greatest Hits Vol. 1 disc is on disc one with classics like Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Tequila Sunrise, Desperado, Already Gone, Best Of My Love, One Of These Nights, Lyin' Eyes and Take It To The Limit. Also two songs from the second volume close this disc After the Thrill is Gone and Hotel California. There are also great forgotten gems on disc one like On the Border, Ol' 55 among others. Disc 2 picks up with more from hits. First, there's the hard rocking Top 15 hit Life In The Fast Lane, the Top 30 Seven Bridges Road, Victim of Love(a hard rocking album cut), the Top 10 hits I Can't Tell You Why and The Long Run, and the #1's Heartache Tonight and New Kid in Town. Then there are some more album tracks like Wasted Time, The Last Resort and In the City among others. Also, this collection features the album debut of the band's 1978 Christmas hit Please Come Home for Christmas. In 1994, the band reunited and scored two more hits, the pretty Love Will Keep Us Alive and the hard rocker Get Over It. Finally, the collection ends with the new ballad the stirring Hole In The World. The song is great and is one of the major reasons why I bought this album. When this best of came out, it peaked at #3 and two million immediately showing that The Eagles are still popular, even today. If you want both greatest hits albums, buy this because it is a) cheaper b) extra songs not on the two hits albums and c) the sound is incredible. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Rank 'em how you like, Rubber Soul is an undeniable pivot point in the Fab Four's varied discography no matter where, or how, you first heard it. The album was softened up in its original12-song American edition to jibe with the Dylan/Byrds folk-rock sound, as well as squeeze money from the Parlophone catalog. The 14-song U.K. edition--the version now available on compact disc--is a different, more dynamic, and ultimately more accomplished achievement. So many classics: "Drive My Car" and "Nowhere Man" (both omitted from the U.S. edition) merge the early combustible Beatifics to a burgeoning studio consciousness; "The Word" can be read as a pre-psych warning shot; the sitar-laden "Norwegian Wood" and the evocative "Girl" (the latter written on the last night of the sessions) stand as turning points in John Lennon's oeuvre. George finally emerges too, with the McGuinn-ish "If I Needed Someone." --Don Harrison ... Read more

Reviews (436)

Under-rated Classic
When you think of classic Beatles albums, you often think Abbey Road, Sgt Pepper, Revolver or The White Album. But Rubber Soul deserves it's place right up there with those albums. It is often overlooked or forgotten, but is a necessary step between early Beatles recordings ("yeah, yeah, yeah") and the later-day masterpieces ("Getting Better","Revolution", "Come Together", "Let It Be").
Rubber Soul opens with the peppy "Drive My Car", a John & Paul harmony that is often forgotten among the great Beatles tunes. This one blends their voices so perfectly, it's easy to see why these two worked so well together. John's "Norwegian Wood" is next, a Dylan-esque folk tune about a whimsical one-night stand (Original lyrics were "Knowing she would", but were changed to the less offending "Nowegian Wood"). George plays an absolutely gorgeous sitar on this song- definitely overlooked. Paul's "You Won't See Me" is next, occasional 3-part harmony (with John & George), but admittedly one of their lighter works. John's "Nowhere Man" was written about his father, a forebearing to some of his most introspective and revealing songs that he'd write for his 1st solo album in 1970. One of the Beatles all-time greats and again, great 3-part harmony. How could you NOT love this song?
"Think For Yourself" may be George Harrison's greatest song next to "Something". The guitar work is 1st rate of course, but the singing and lyrics are also top-notch. Giving John & Paul a run for their songwriting money!!! "The Word" is one of those '60's era songs that must have seemed like a good idea at the time but hasn't really stood the test of time. Still, a lesser Beatles song is still miles ahead of most other songs. "Michelle" is a Paul McCartney masterpiece that everybody knows, even if you're not a fan. "What Goes On" gives Ringo Starr a chance in front of the microphone and he does well in this country-western style song, with backup from John & Paul. "I'm Looking Through You" is one of those songs that catches your attention the very first time you hear it and you love it forever. It's Paul's song, with John singing backup and Ringo playing the organ!
"Girl" & "In My Life" are absolutely beautiful John Lennon masterpieces that make your heart ache in light of what ultimately happened to John. Especially "In My Life", which finds John in a retrospective mood and singing about all the things he'll remember all his life. Absolutely wonderful song and worth the price of this CD alone! "If I Needed Someone" is another top-notch George Harrison composition and probably ranks third of all his songs, behind the aforementioned "Something" (from the album Revolver) and "Think For Yourself".
The closing song "Run For Your Life" is a throw-away tune that John wrote in about 5 minutes, one that he admitted that he never really liked, but the 3-part harmony is wonderful and the song structure is first class. The lyrics may be a tad below the Lennon-McCartney standard that we're used to, but still a fine tune nonetheless. The one song that I'd say doesn't belong, and in fact was actually written in the summer of '65 for the "Help" film, is "Wait", a sophmoric effort that probably was better left on the cutting room floor. Still, only one song that is somewhat poor out of an album of 14 songs is incredible!
I'd highly recommend this disc, especially if you're only familiar with the Beatles "hits" and are looking for something a little different. The craftmanship of these songs has stood up over 38 years and remains as remarkable today as ever. From 2 and 3 part harmony to excellent guitar work and songwriting, this is a forgotten classic that you will be delighted to discover (or re-discover!!!). Buy this CD, you'll love it!!!

I'm not worthy!!
This album was the transition of the Beatles from mop-top teeny-boppers to maturing artists. The lyrics developed and so dids their style. Let's take it song by song. 1-Drive my car-a fun song with Chuck berry-esque guitars. 2-Norwegian wood-a song about a love affair. nice use of the sitar from George. 3-You won't see me-a piano based song with a catchy melody. 4-Nowhere man-the more adult lyrics are apparent on this track. 5-Think for yourself-a song from George with Paul on "fuzz" bass. 6-The word-awesome harmonium solo! 7-Michelle-my favorite song from the album. It reminds me of a guy standig outside his girlfriends window, serenading her. 8-What goes on-a nice country styled song from Ringo. 9-Girl-interesting vocals, weird breathy noises. 10-Looking thru you-a cool organ sound and over all nice track. 11-In my life-a beautiful song with a beautiful piano solo. 12-Wait-a minor song about a guy coming home to see his girl. 13-If i needed someone-this song could have been recorded by the Byrds. great guitar sound. 14-Run for your life-song about determined to keep his girl. sounds like they used slide guitar techniques. That's all, folks.

Rolling Stone says,the 5th greatest album ever!!!
And you know they can't be wrong... the truth will not and can not be denied!

Rubber Soul
"...a starting point for music..", "...one flawless package..." What Goes On? Run For Your Life? If you like a few tracks then fine, but get real people.

Songcraft at its finest
This is an elegant collection of songs that was a starting point for music. Here excellent music composition was combined with thought provoking lyricism and affective production. The guitars, pianos and bass play complementary melodies to the tunes, resulting in one flawless package that simply doesn't date.
Along with Pet Sounds and Mr Tambourine Man (Byrds) here is a the new intellectualism of Bob Dylan combined with a production that emotionally frames it's lyrical content. Every track is a winner, although 'Run for your life' is somewhat lightweight. 'Norwegian Wood', 'In my Life', 'Nowhere man' and 'Girl' are probably the finest examples of songcraft here. Anyone interested in music must have this album. ... Read more

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Just as Muhammad Ali once boasted that he could "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," Louisiana's Sonny Landreth can make his slide guitar roar like a rocket ship and dance like a ballerina. As this live set recorded on his home turf attests, few guitarists combine such power with such precision. Landreth’s veteran rhythm section of bassist David Ranson and drummer Kenneth Blevins provides whipcrack support on a set of supercharged instrumentals ("Native Stepson," "Z. Rider," "Pedal to Metal") and original blues ("Broken-Hearted Road," "Wind in Denver"), building to a climax with the guitarist’s signature tune, "Congo Square." Though Landreth established himself as an ace sideman from his apprenticeship with zydeco kingpin Clifton Chenier through his extended stint with John Hiatt, he really cuts loose with his own trio, generating a dynamic propulsion that threatens to levitate this Lafayette dancehall. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Absolutely Unbelieveable Guitar Work
Sonny Landreth is unquestionably the finest slide guitarist in the world.Period.Not only that, there are precious few guitarists of any sort - rock, blues, flamenco, or otherwise - that are in his class both in terms of technical mastery of the instrument and sheer beauty of their playing.

The Grant Street album is up there with Live at Leeds and Live at the Fillmore East as one of the great live recordings ever.The energy and electricity of Sonny's live performances just leap out of the speakers.His guitar playing is positively inspired.A number of other reviewers have referred to this album as the best one released this year.They are correct; nobody will ever regret buying this album.A warning, though.if you've never heard Sonny before be prepared to spend a lot more money on his other albums.The Road We're On and South of I-10 are particularly good.

Wow
Oh my God! We are so lucky to have the talent of Sunny. It just doesn't get any better than this.

If You Only Buy 1 CD the Rest of the Year.....
This CD absolutely Rocks!I saw Sonny live in N.O. last week; this CD might be even better--maybe!S.L. burns the house down live--go see him!If you love guitar, especially slide--heck even if you just enjoy listening to a rock solid rhythm section, buy this immediately, you will not be disappointed.It rocks from top to bottom.Sonny's vocals have much more passion live than in the studio, thank goodness...Why this guy isn't more well known baffles me.

Astouding live CD from the world's best slide guitarist
If you've never seen Sonny Landreth live, this is the next best thing.If you've been lucky enough to see him perform, this will bring back wonderful memories.Great songs, all written by Sonny, and it's hard to believe that this much music can be coming from just three guys.And these amazing sounds come directly from Sonny's magic hands, not from any technical wizardry.Let's hope that this one nets him the Grammy that he deserves!

Thank you, XM satellite radio!!!!
I might not have discovered this incredible CD had it not been for XM satellite radio. I was listening to Bluesville (Channel 74) the other day when they played the Congo Square track from the Grant Street CD. Even though Sonny Landreth wrote it, the only version I'd heard was by the Neville Brothers. That hardly prepared me for what Sonny does with it. He gets an astounding range of sound - sweet to insanely wild - out of his guitar and reminds me at once of Hendrix, Billy Gibbons and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
I'd been on a Texas-Louisiana rock binge lately anyway, having been captivated by C.C. Adcock's Lafayette Marquis (another XM discovery for me). Lo and behold, here comes another blast out of Lafayette, Louisiana in the form of hometown boy Sonny Landreth.
This is guitar-bass-drums rock and roll as wild an innovative and symphonic in its complexity as anything I've ever heard. There are passages on this CD that literally bring tears to my eyes, they're just that soul-satisfying.
It's got me thinking about a trip to Louisiana to see this guy in person.
Another reviewer suggested that Grant Street is his favorite album of 2005. Yep. Me too. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Revolver wouldn't remain the Beatles' most ambitious LP for long, but many fans--including this one--remember it as their best. An object lesson in fitting great songwriting into experimental production and genre play, this is also a record whose influence extends far beyond mere they-was-the-greatest cheerleading. Putting McCartney's more traditionally melodic "Here, There and Everywhere" and "For No One" alongside Lennon's direct-hit sneering ("Dr. Robert") and dreamscapes ("I'm Only Sleeping," "Tomorrow Never Knows") and Harrison's peaking wit ("Taxman") was as conceptually brilliant as anything Sgt. Pepper attempted, and more subtly fulfilling. A must. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (570)

Close to perfect
Of all the Beatles' albums, Revolver has probably aged best. 'Yellow Submarine' is a dud, pure and simple, but this set makes up the band's greatest achievement. Capitol's exploitative policy of subtracting a few tracks from one Beatles album to whack onto the next was never more despicable.

'Taxman' kicks off the set admirably, although Harrison's lament jars a bit - I mean, why is he complaining about paying his fair share of tax, anyway? Is this the same bloke who wrote 'Living in the Material World'? Still, this track, along with his other contributions (4 & 10), demonstrate how far Harrison had come as a songwriter.

Lennon and McCartney were at their top here. Macca's ballads (2,5 ,10), helped along by some fine Martin arrangements, are probably the best he ever wrote, stopping this side of schmalzy, while Lennon's major contributions (3, 7, 14) are quite brilliant. (Although it's probably the soundscape of 'Tomorrow Never Knows', mainly courtesy of spooky tape loops and a huge drum sound, that makes it such a standout.)

'And Your Bird Can Sing' and 'Doctor Robert' are often described as weak tracks, but I can't find too much wrong with them. If nothing else, the former boasts fine harmonised lead guitar parts.

The sounds which the Fabs, producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick were able to coax from ageing studio hardware are remarkable. Macca's close-miked bass is right up there in the mix, clear as a bell, Ringo's drums sound terrific even today, and there are interesting guitar sounds everywhere. As well, Revolver extended the experiment with backwards parts which had begun on 'Rain', and is used to great effect here. The musicianship, particularly McCartney's bass playing, is great throughout. Honourable mention to R. Starkey for 'She Said She Said'.

Bookended by two magnificent double-A side 45s ('Rain'/'Paperback Writer'; 'Strawberry Fields Forever'/'Penny Lane'), this album is demonstrably the Beatles' creative peak, and you can see why Brian Wilson was inspired to go one better with Pet Sounds. Essential.

Majestic and Groundbreaking
When I first bought REVOLVER, on vinyl in the 70's, I was astonished. A Beatles album with more songs by George Harrison than John Lennon??? I didn't realize then I was getting a truncated American version of what the band had assembled in England. Three of John's songs -- "I'm Only Sleeping", "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "Dr Robert" -- were plucked from the album and put on a collection called YESTERDAY AND TODAY -- that's the album with the notorious butcher cover. The release of the Bealtes' library on CD finally gave us North American Beatlemaniacs the "real" REVOLVER -- and what a magnificent, groundbreaking achievement it was! George's music matured here, with "Taxman" being one of his best and "Love You Too" representing his first (and best) excursion into full Indian instrumentation (although he'd played sitar on John's "Norwegian Wood" on RUBBER SOUL). Paul McCartney offers some of his best-ever compositions on this album. "For No One" and "Here There and Everywhere" were exquisite -- and "Eleanor Rigby" remains a classic of its kind. The soul-tinged "Got To Get You Into My Life" was also first rate. But as usual, the best, and most groundbreaking, offerings were from John. "And Your Bird", "Dr Robert" and "She Said She Said" are further livened up by some great Harrison guitar work -- he shines throughout the album. And Lennon's closing track -- the mind-bending "Tomorrow Never Knows" -- is the summit to which the entire CD ascends. A great way to finish this album (and to hint at what would come next year -- SGT PEPPER). Maybe the best pop/rock album of all time.

VH1 says Revolver is the greatest album ever...Really
Oh,its true,thousands of music luminaries voted revolver the greatest album of all time,while it came in at number 3 of all time on the rolling stone poll. The results are cast in stone,Revolver is one of the all time greats,and all polls say that thats the truth!!!

Really?
"really tuneful...really whacky...really psychedelic...really social...really unusual..." yeah.

There are only a few songs on this album that reflect the greatness achieved by the Beatles pre-1965, which is sad. Nowhere near albums like Help or A Hard Day's Night.

Great album!
I loved this album from beginning to end. It's full of great music written by the greatest band of all time. Songs like "And your bird can sing" and "For No One" reminded me why I love this band so much. ... Read more

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If time is the true test, then Guns N' Roses' Greatest Hits confirms that they really were one of the greatest rock & roll bands in the world. While, in retrospect, fellow graduates of the class of 1987 are about as cool as poodle perms and spandex, the L.A. bad boys still rock like gods. Listening to the sun-drenched chords of "Paradise City" and the ensuing stadium-sized swagger is enough to make wearing leather trousers and bandanas seem like a good idea. Of course, it helped that for them sex, drugs, and rock & roll was a way of life, not a fashion statement. As Axl Rose wails "I wanna watch you bleed" on "Welcome to the Jungle" like a chain-smoking lunatic possessed, it's hard not to believe he meant it. Yet equally, it was his surprisingly poetic nature that made genuinely touching love songs of "Patience" and "Sweet Child of Mine."

Though none of their subsequent albums matched the drug-crazed genius of Appetite for Destruction, they did, as the Greatest Hits reminds, have their moments. From the bloated Use Your Illusion I & II came ultimate rock ballads "Don't Cry" and "November Rain," along with the primal rage that was "You Could Be Mine." And while the covers of the The Spaghetti Incident? were largely forgettable, the fact that their final single was a seedy sneer through the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" seems spectacularly fitting. --Dan Gennoe ... Read more

Reviews (140)

A Rather Disappointing Compilation
Given Axl's unwillingness to release "Chinese Democracy",you probably can't blame Geffen for wanting to put out any new G&R product.Thus we get a "Greatest Hits" set that while containing the big hits like Sweet Child O' Mine,Patience,Welcome To The Jungle,Paradise City and November Rain,the disc is rather unbalanced,giving more room to latter-day material than the band's reckless,raucous early work like It's So Easy,Mr. Brownstone and I Used To Love Her.(The album contains more songs from their dismal Spagetti Incident than their G&R Lies album.Also such UYIs 1 and 2 cuts like Estranged,Dead Horse,Garden Of Eden,14 Years and Breakdown are absent as well.)Futhermore the disc's high quintent of ballads,epics and cover songs(Knockin On Heaven's Door I can understand,but their horrible takes on Since I Don't Have You and Sympathy For The Devil-COME ON!)doesn't give a true picture of the raw,messy vitality Axl Rose,Slash and the boys delivered in its prime.While "Greatest Hits" may have great remastering,most folks will(and should)be content with "Appetie For Destruction" and the "Use Your Illusion" albums rather than this skimpy and unsuccessful compilation.It's time for [to] release a new one!

An album from Guns N' Roses...but not Chinese Democracy
Like Stone Temple Pilots, the band's greatest hits album was my introduction to GNR. I listened to it all the way and didn't think much of it. We just went on vacation and I decided to bring it with me. I'm glad I did. "Don't Cry", "Paradise City", "Patience", "November Rain", and "Sweet Child o' Mine" are fantastic. "You Could Be Mine", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", and "Welcome to the Jungle" are also very good. The last few tracks aren't very good in my opinion. Like a lot of people, I wondered why over a third of the album were cover songs. I know GNR didn't release a lot of albums, but they certainly could have pulled a few more songs out. I would have liked to have seen "It's So Easy", "Nightrain", "Rocket Queen", and "Estranged", "Dust N' Bones", and "14 Years" on there. I think it's a great intro to GNR, and for that, it's worth getting. It's gotten me into them, that's for sure. After buying this Greatest Hits album, I've gone out and purchased all of their albums. Use Your Illusion II is my favorite.

14 of GNR's finest.
This is GNR's best songs from each of their albums on one CD. Welcome To The Jungle, Sweet Child O' Mine, and Paradise City are from Appetite For Destruction. Nightrain or Rocket Queen would've been nice additions to this album. And Patience the only hit from GNR Lies is a great acoustic song. 7 of the songs are from the Use Your Illusion albums, my favorite is November Rain and Knockin' On Heaven's Door (which is a cover of Bob Dylan's song). And on The Spaghetti Incident Ain't It Fun (The Dead Boys) and Since I Don't Have You (The Skyliners) are 2 great cover songs and are very underrated. Also Sympathy For the Devil a rolling stones cover song was great, in fact it's better then the rolling stones version and its underrated. It could've had maybe Estranged, Nightrain or Rocket Queen on it.

Anyways, if you want all of GNR's hits on 1 CD instead of buying 6 CD's to have all these songs then buy it.

Great compilation inspite of the tracklist
Inspite of all the complaints about the track selection, this CD still ROCKS!!!!! But if Interscope/Geffen really wants to put out "new" GN'R product, they should offer up remastered and upgraded copies of APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION (1987), GN'R LIES (1988), USE YOU ILLUSION I & II (1991) and THE SPAGHETTI INCIDENT (1993)...and hopefully they will in the near future!!!

sucks
this album sucks, go listen to some lil jon and get some crunk in yo system and stop wasteing your time on some fag wit french braids and acid wash jeans f*ck guns and roses.!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

He's sold millions of albums, filled arenas, and hobnobbed with George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison, but Tom Petty's driving heartland rock has often been taken for granted by the same critics who hail John Mellencamp as a genius. Greatest Hits is an airtight argument for Petty's own greatness.Starting with "American Girl," the rollicking, Byrds-inspired single from Petty's first album in 1976, this compilation presents a chronological overview of the guitarist-vocalist's career with and without the Heartbreakers, also chronically underrated as one of today's best bands. Every one of the 16 older tracks is a well-crafted gem, full of solid guitar hooks ("Here Comes My Girl"), arresting images ("Don't Come Around Here No More") and simple but poetic lyrics ("The Waiting").

Petty isn't an innovator; he's a talented craftsman with impeccable taste and a strong sense of rock history, internalizing influences ranging from the Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece, Revolver, to the best of '70s punk. (It's interesting to remember that early efforts such as "Refugee" and "Don't Do Me Like That" first won Petty attention as a New Wave artist). With his Dylanesque vocals and chiming 12-string guitars, Petty is more often linked these days with the sounds of the '60s. But recent tunes such as "Learning to Fly" and "Into the Great Wide Open" are as smart, relevant and (dare I say) alternative as anything in MTV's Buzz Bin. --Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (97)

Greatest of the Greatest
Including songs from his 1976 self titled debut album up until "Into the Great Wide Open" from 1991, Tom Petty's "Greatest Hits" is probably the best hits compilation ever collected. I'm personally not even a huge fan of the 'best of' album, usually preferring to hear the songs on the album release in its entire original format, but I can't conceive of a better set of guitar driven rock than this one right here. Petty incorporates aspects of classic rock, southern rock, punk, and sixties psychadelia into his songs, and his influence and collaboration with such legends as George Harrison and Bob Dylan is obvious in his sound.

You just know a set of songs is gonna be good when the absolute worst track on the disc is a sharp cover of Thunderclap Newman's "Something in the Air". Every single song on this hits collection is actually an honest to god hit (I know, surprise surprise), and a quick glance at the song list only confirms this. Even those who already have a bountiful Petty collection will find a gem here, because one of the best Tom Petty songs, "Mary Jane's Last Dance", is unavailable on any other album. All told, this is a greatest hits album that lives up to the name, and can be either a phenomenal introduction to the work of Tom Petty (and the Heartbreakers), or an excellent supplement to an existing collection. They are an underrated band with an excellent body of work that has only grown since the release of this compilation.

You'll Get Lucky Babe,When You Find THIS!
It's hard to believe that for as long as Tom Petty(and the Heartbreakers),have been around,this is their FIRST greatest hits package!(Seems like a lot of bands get one after 3 albums!)But,thats beside the point. This is a rare occaision where all the songs are indeed great! Its not the classic studio package of 5 Hits plus a handful of B-sides and odd songs the studio fobs off on you.This works as a brilliant retrospective of Tom Petty's body of work.(Up to the year this was released.). Included as bonus tracks,two new(for 1993),songs: "Mary Jane's Last Dance",and a brilliant cover of Thuderclap Newman's "Something In The Air". If you are someone who used to just buy Tom Petty's singles,or have only seen his MTV videos...this is THE collection to have! The die hard fans,have 98% of this C.D.,but the new tracks,plus the cream of the crop,make it worth having around!

The best of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, 1976-1993
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits pulls together 18 great tracks from one of rock's most legendary yet still underrated groups, covering Petty's career from 1976 up through 1993. Of course, Petty has released several classic albums since this GH CD was released, but this album provides fans unfamiliar with the consistency and strength of Petty's early years the chance to see that something good did indeed emerge from the musical doldrums of the 1970s. Petty's whiffs and raw, throaty vocals were a proverbial breath of fresh air during the days of disco. At the time, the music was characterized as new wave, if you can imagine that, but the heart of Petty's music has always been in America's heartland; while he has successfully incorporated a number of musical stylings over the years, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers remain the embodiment of classic rock 'n' roll.

The band's 1976 self-titled debut album barely made a ripple in America until the band found success in the UK - then, America took notice of the first single Breakdown and the rock classic American Girl. You're Gonna Get It was released in 1978 and supplies the tracks Listen To Her Heart and I Need to Know. Much greater success was waiting in 1979 when Damn the Torpedoes saw the light of day, and this GH collection features four unforgettable tracks from that breakthrough album: Refugee, Don't Do Me Like That, Even the Losers, and Here Comes My Girl. It's hard to believe Refugee maxed out at number 15 in the US charts, as the song was all over the airwaves at the time. These four songs reflect the growth and maturation of Petty & the Heartbreakers as they truly began to establish a rock 'n' roll legacy. The group's next two albums, Hard Promises (1981) and Long After Dark (1982) saw only moderate success and are represented here by only two tracks: The Waiting and You Got Lucky, respectively.

Three years of work paid off when Southern Accents was released in 1985. It's a great album, even though only one track from the album appears on this GH collection. Don't Come Around Here No More is especially memorable for its twisted Alice in Wonderland video- it's one of the most famous music videos of all time. Full Moon Fever (1989) made Petty a legend with hits such as I Won't Back Down (featuring fellow Wilbury George Harrison), Runnin' Down a Dream, and Free Fallin'. Into the Great Wide Open (1991) kept the ball rolling with hits such as the title track and Learning to Fly.

This Greatest Hits album concludes with two brand new songs. Mary Jane's Last Dance (and its accompanying video featuring Kim Basinger) was a big hit, while Something In the Air is a great song obviously influenced by Petty's recent collaborations with Jeff Lynne and George Harrison in the guise of the Traveling Wilburys. I'm a little disappointed that nothing from 1987's Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) is included in this collection; I've never understood the album's lack of success as it features some great tunes including Jammin' Me, which was co-written by Bob Dylan.

There are more inclusive Petty collections out there these days, but if you want the heart and soul of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on one CD, the 18 tracks on Greatest Hits will serve you quite well indeed.

Time for a REMASTER---and a few EXTRAS
This is a good Hits CD---BUT---it is 11 years old. So I'm asking for this album (if the music company cares), to be remastered with a few important EXTRAS ( for FANS ). These songs would be:"Change of heart, Stop Draggin my heart around,and Make it better(forget about me)". The last song missed badly from this hits CD as well as the 2-disc "Anthology". I herd in an interview of Tom Petty saying there is talk of a HITS #2 in the works (thank goodness). This suggestion and EXTRAS on this "GREATEST HITS" album would be really GREAT with the new "GR. HITS-2". So LISTEN-UP. From A FAN.My only complaint about this album is the NEW LAST SONG. It really is short and meaningless----DOESN'T BELONG on the album. But a CLASSIC HIT ( mentioned above does).

NO FILLER, ALL CLASSIC CUTS FROM 70's 80's and 90's
LOVE THIS CD! NEARLY EVERY SONG HAS BEEN RELEASED AS A SINGLE OR HAS BEEN PLAYED ON THE RADIO, THAT TELLS YOU HOW GOOD IT IS ... Read more

Amazon.com

Van Morrison reputedly wasn't crazy about the idea of a greatest-hits package, and this set's haphazard programming--which leaps from period to period, style to style, tossing in two key singles by his mid-'60s band Them--speaks to his lack of involvement. Still, it rivals Moondance as Morrison's most popular album, and for a reason: like that classic, it offers one deeply soulful, spiritually and musically thoughtful track after another. Much of his more "difficult" work is ignored here; in fact, Best of... gives us an intriguing picture of a Van who's almost eager to please. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Pop Music the way it should be
Van Morrison is one of the best songwriters out there. It's awesome to hear his voice and his songwriting talent skip around in different genres, from boogie rock like Brown-Eyed Girl and the spectacular Wild Night to British invasion hookey pop stuff like Gloria and Here Comes the Night to Cat Stevens-ish acoustic reflections like Sweetest Thing and Warm Love and finally to spiritual, decidedly Christian-themed lite rock like Cleaning Windows, Bright Side of the Road, and then God Shines His Light.

There's something very cinematic about his music too. It sounds like it belongs in the movies. It has that way on perfectly capturing the mood of human emotion that seems perfect for a soundtrack.

Unfortuantely, Morrison never really had the best voice around; he sort of screams with a little rasp- like a louder, fuller Dylan, but it's unique and adds a very Van-ish authenticity to his songs. Ultimately this CD is really just beautiful to listen to as a good collection of thoughtful, well-written pop tunes of various genres.

The Bard of Belfast
In the early 1990s Alan Parker filmed Roddy Doyle's wonderful book, The Commitments, about working class Irish kids trying to escape dead end jobs through the power of classic soul music. The band's lead singer--slightly pudgy but with a powerful voice and personality--reminded me at the time of a young Van Morrison. Of course, that's not much of a stretch--Doyle could very well have been basing some of his book on Morrison's early career.

The Best of Van Morrison provides a nice synopsis of Morrison's first three decades as the bard of Belfast. Those humble beginnings with the band Them presents a sound that was as raw as any of the bluesmen and soul artists that he admired and is represented by three songs: the bluesy "Baby Please Don't Go," the anthemic "Gloria," and the ballad "Here Comes the Night." Van's voice sounds more like a growl in these songs, more like Mick Jagger than the warm, smooth sound that would become his trademark.

The CD is not arranged chronologically, so I tend to group the songs by style rather than time period. Van's soul roots as a solo artist can be seen in how he favors background horns and female backup singers, as in "Domino," "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)," "Wonderful Remark," "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Warm Love," and "Wild Night."

The flip side to that is his jazzy style, born from that blues beginning merging with the stream of conscience noodling that saw its fullest expression on Astral Weeks. These songs--"Sweet Thing," "Moondance," "Queen of the Slipstream," "Have I Told You Lately," "Bright Side of the Road"--often have unconventional structures, time signatures, or keys and reflect Van's experimentation.

Often the purview of country music, Van likes the "story" song. His don't necessarily relate a narrative but instead capture characters or a time period. "And It Stoned Me" is a childhood reminescence, while "Cleaning Windows" tries to capture the simpler times when he performed manual labor.

And, lastly, there's the songs of faith, not quite gospel, but like contemporary Christian with more moderate lyrics. These songs--"Full Force Gale," "Whenever God Shines His Light," "Dweller on the Threshold," and "Did Ya Get Healed"--could be maudlin, but there's something about the assuredness of the delivery that overcomes your doubts regarding the message, at least for the duration of the song.

While containing all the radio hits, the total collection of 20 songs provides a great introduction to Van, who can be a little overindulgent and uneven in his albums. Once you become a confirmed fan, you're more likely to enjoy those experiments. Until then, this is your best one album collection.

In Response To IVAVARIO
The new remaster has the unedited Brown Eyed Girl with the "Making Love in the green grass...." line intact.

Now for the review, this is a great compilation for the Van Morrision newbie. It contains his most famous songs, Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance, Gloria (with Them), Domino, Jackie Wilson Said..., Wild Night, Have I Told You Lately..., And It Stoned Me, among others.

The only song that should have been on here that wasn't is Caravan. Other than that a perfect 10.

A++

Once again, if you are irritated about the original taking out that infamous line in Brown Eyed Girl, get the remaster. It shouldn't be hard to find since the unremastered is out of print.

I Hate This Dude
This horrible little idiot is SO annoying. His voice stinks and his lyrics are stupid. His music is only for idiots who are too brainwashed by outdated garbage music like this to realize that there is such a thing as a catchy beat.

A Great Discovery
Having grown up in Generation X, I had no idea who Van Morrison was until a few years ago when I bought this CD for my father. He listened to it and loved it, and I borrowed it from him recently. I consider Van a great discovery.

I was blown away by how great the music on this album is. There are so many songs of Morrison's that I was familiar with but did not know that he was the singer. I feel very fortunate to have "discovered" such a great artist.

Though I'm not very familiar with Van's work, some songs here have become favorites of mine. These include:

'Have I Told You Lately': Later remade by Rod Stewart, this has become one of the classic love songs of all time. The original is best, with Morrison's throaty voice driving the vocals.

'Wild Night': Another song that has been remade, the original of 'Wild Night' is a bit rockier than John Mellencamp's version.

'Moondance': Now one of my favorite songs, 'Moondance' is a classic, laid-back jazzy tune with brilliant vocals and a terrific shuffle.

'Brown Eyed Girl': Year after year, the oldies radio station in Cleveland places this song at the top of their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. There's a reason why.

I've read a few reviews saying that this isn't as good a compilation of Morrison's material as could be made. I can't speak for them, because, as a newcomer, I don't know much about his music. I can say that this album is amazing, and has definitely done a good job of introducing me to the magic of Van Morrison. What more could a greatest hits album ask for? ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Also known as the "rune" album or Zoso because of the medieval symbols adorning the inner sleeve, Led Zeppelin's fourth album, released in 1971, turned them from mere superstars into giant behemoths of the rock world. On tracks like "Black Dog," "Misty Mountain Hop," and "Rock and Roll," the combination of Robert Plant's banshee wails and Jimmy Page's frenetic guitar playing forever altered the stylistic bent of hard rock music. And the foreboding "When the Levee Breaks" demonstrated that Zeppelin could indeed play the blues fairly straight if they so desired. Still, everything here ultimately took a back seat to the album's (and, ultimately, the band's) magnum opus--the expertly constructed and deftly executed classic, "Stairway to Heaven." --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (634)

Zep's arguable greatest triumph
After the critical hammering and somewhat commercial sales of Led Zeppelin III, English hard rock legends Led Zeppelin struck back with their classic untitled fourth album. The album kicks off with the Top 20 charting classic Black Dog which was a great opener with Robert Plant's vocals kicking ass. Also, Jimmy Page's guitar work, John Paul Jones' bass playing and drummer John Bonham just kicked ass on the track. The rocking Rock and Roll follows and is a superb track. The Battle of Evermore follows and is a great folk song with Robert and the late Sandy Denny singing lead vocals. Next is the album's classic Stairway to Heaven, always voted greatest rock song ever. At eight minutes, this song has held up well, even today. The heavy Misty Mountain Hop follows and is a killer song. The track Four Sticks follows and is so-named that Bonham used two drumsticks per hand whilst recording this track. The folk-tinged Going to California follows and is another great song. The album closes with the bluesy When the Levee Breaks which is a kick ass rocker with killer harmonica work from Plant and slide work from Page. This album has sold over 21 million in the US alone because of the material within and not because of the name. It may have peaked at #2 in 1971 but is consistently voted greatest hard rock album ever and Zeppelin proved that the band was about SUBSTANCE and not style(unlike other acts that permiate music today). Highly recommended!

Fantastic
When you hear the words Led Zeppelin, Stairway To Heaven is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. This album has the big hits Stairway To Heaven, Black Dog, Rock And Roll. However unlike other albums with huge hits, not one song overshadows another. This album is one of the most consistent albums I've ever heard. Every song flows perfectly into one another, giving this album a very even feel. Led Zeppelin's 4th album is also very versitile, ranging from acoustic songs(Going To California, Stairway To Heaven) to hard rocking songs(Black Dog, Rock And Roll, Misty Mountain Hop) Four Sticks is another interesting song. Its a hard rock song but at the same time its folky and somewhat experimental. John Bonham plays with four drum sticks on this song so thats how it got its name. Robert Plant sings great vocals with Sandy Denny on The Battle Of Evermore, which is the folkiest song on the album. The closing song on the disc is When The Levee Breaks. 100% pure electric blues. This is the heaviest, darkest song on the album with Bonham's echoeing drum beats that sound really heavy, it sound like he's using tree trunks rather than sticks. This album is the height of Zep's myticism and tolkien fantasies. In short this is one of the best rock albums created and has sold 22 million copies since 1971 for good reason.

One of the definitive rock albums of all time!
Alright, to kick off this review I would like to assure everyone that the Avril Lavigne#1 fan was obviously a joke account satirizing modern pop culture (being 13 I can see right through this)I'm going to give a step by step review of what I think of this album:

Black Dog (9/10) What a great way to kick off an album! rocking riffs from Page and screaming vocals from plant define this track, a great way to get motivated.

Rock n' Roll (8/10) Another great track with wailing vocals from Robert Plant, the only flaw is that it can be repetitive at times, but otherwise this song is great.

The Battle of Evermore (9/10) A bit laidback compared to the previous two tracks but beautiful nevertheless. The lyrics with Sandy Denny's vocals add a great presence to this Zep track.

Stairway to Heaven (10/10)I'm going to be different in saying that this is definitely not the greatest song of all time, but it's a classic, an epic. And a song with such variety packed into less than 10 minutes has yet to be duplicated. (Especially by Slipknot)

Misty Mountain Hop (8/10) You cant go wrong with this one, Very interesting vocals throughout the whole of it. A bit too poppy for my tastes.

Four Sticks (6/10) A decent track, great drumming from Bonham throughout, but it doesn't have much else going for it.

Going To California (9/10) Pretty folksy for Zep. The first time I heard this on the radio i fell asleep, I know that doesn't sound complimenting but it also happened with "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles, and it's a good thing.

When The Levee Breaks (8/10) A very strange sounding track that's a trip and nothing less. Heavy Blues is what I would call it.

A rock fan's holy grail
Although the title would seem to indicate that this is for rock music listeners only, I'd say this album should be enjoyed by all--there is so much variety to the tracks. A couple are bluesy ("Black Dog", "When the Levee Breaks"), some are just straightforward hard rock ("Rock and Roll", "Misty Mountain Hop", "Four Sticks"), a couple possess a dreamy fantasy aura ("Battle of Evermore" and the ubiquitous "Stairway to Heaven") and a mini-ballad ("Going to California") even calls this album home. Zep truly pulled out all the stops on this disc. After listening to this album once, you will be convinced that JOHN BONHAM WAS THE GREATEST DRUMMER THAT EVER LIVED!!

led zeps best album
led zep four also known as zoso was their best along with their debut,second and physical graffiti albums based on terrific songs like black dog,rock and roll,when the leevee breaks and the gretest song ever stairway to heaven.this album is a masterpiece.go and get it today. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One question would be: What took him so long? After all, a contemporary like Van Morrison has sold boatloads of his single-disc best-of set to buyers wary of diving into that deep catalog without a primer to get them started. So three and a half decades into his solo career, Neil Young finally delivers his version of that most modest of albums--the pre-holiday "hits" overview. What's surprising, coming from such a proud maverick, is its conventionality. Granted, the original master mixes are a boon for fans, but otherwise, there's not much here for loyalists who quite likely already possess the original "Like a Hurricane" on a couple of albums, as well as a handful of live interpretations scanning the years. Since Young cracked the Top 10 only once (1972's "Heart of Gold"), this set is built around concert staples as "Cinnamon Girl," "Rockin' in the Free World," and "Hey, Hey, My My" rather than chart favorites. Despite Young's honorable standing as a still-vital graybeard, the disc is skewed heavily toward his early work, shortchanging some mighty productive recent years. Peripheral fans may find this set of interest, but faithful followers are better advised to investigate the DVD version, which, at least, includes videos, photos, lyrics, and Web links. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Mamas and the Papas had a sound that helped define a portion of the 1960s. Their breezy folk classics had a bit of San Francisco psychedelia woven in, and, despite the sweet harmonies, there was also a noticeably dark feel to some of their more popular work. "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday" both utilized enough minors to give them a spooky edge. Greatest Hits is an essential part of any audiophile's collection, especially if they don't have the original recordings that spawned the hits."Dedicated to the One I Love" is almost ironic for its tenderness, considering the turmoil that rumbled through the band's interrelationships. While John and Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty were all responsible for the success of the Mamas and the Papas, listening to this collection reveals that the late great Mama Cass was not only the heart but the soul of the band. Greatest Hits closes with her "Dream a Little Dream of Me," and serves as a touching tribute to Cass Elliot's talent. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Brings a lump to the throat
I remember that when music changed from the 60s sound to disco, I heard the song "Monday Monday" being played on a radio station and I became teary eyed. Mama Cass was still alive so, it wasn't as though I was grieving for a band that could never be reassembled. Rather, I was grieving for a contemporary music style that would never be recaptured. In the sixties, there was the San Francisco sound and then, there was the more laid back sound from Southern California exemplfied by the Mamas & the Papas. Monday Monday was so evocative to me because that song epitomised this sound which was now relegated to the status of "oldies but goodies." Of course, "Monday Monday" and the equally laid back "California Dreaming" sre included on this cd, as well as the lively "Go Where You Wanna Go" (My favorite song on the cd). Another Favorite is the beautiful arrangement of the Shirelles standard "Dedicated to the One I Love" (Gosh!! weren't the Shirelles great too!!??). All in all, there are 20 well selected hits and I think you will love this collection. Now that a second band member, John Phillips, has died, it is time to revisit this group of my fond memories.

Just Excellent
I bought this CD in late March while I was visiting my Mom in Phoenix and I finished listening to it a while ago. Fabulous! Thanks to this I have fell in love again with the Mamas & Papas. I am reminded of the liner notes to the "Forrest Gump" soundtrack in which they said that you fell in love with the songs, fell out of love, then fell in love again. Not only have I reconnected to their hits like "California Dreamin'","Monday, Monday," "I Saw Her Again (Last Night),"Go Where You Want to Go," "Words of Love","Creeque Alley," "(This Is) Dedicated To the One I Love," and "Dream a Little Dream of Me," but I've also been introduced to "Dancing Bear" (which I thought the title was somewhat amusing),"Glad to Be Unhappy," "Twelve-Thirty," "Safe in My Garden," and their versions of "I Call Your Name," "Do You Wanna Dance" (more subdued to what Bobby Freeman and The Beach Boys did), "You Baby," "Dancing in the Streets," and "Twist and Shout." But the one song on the CD that almost made my jaw drop was their version of "My Girl" and with the vocals of John, Michelle, Denny, and Cass colliding in together, they blew The Temptations' version right out of the water and that should be considered as one of the best harmonic songs of the decade. The cover of the CD is just a classic (Does Michelle Phillips' pantsuit look a lot like what Michael Keaton wore in "Beetlejuice" with yellow a stand-in for white?). For those who love 60's music, must get this.

The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits
The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits~ The Mamas & the Papas is an amazing collection of their best songs. The vocals are great, the lyrics are a mix bag with some great tunes and some real 'dogs'. Overall a 5/5.

McGuinn and Maguire Still Getting Higher,
the mammas and the pappas crystallized the whole san fran music movement of the flower powered 60s...a Zeitgeist...nowhere will you find a cd so replete with great hits rippling with such awesome variety and emotion...john phillips could flat out write lyrics,and mamma cass could belt them out like the crowned diva that she was...the mammas and pappas were leaders,innovators, as important as the byrds were, when they electrified dylan..changing the folk landscape to better,more listenable, music...california dreaming is like an anthem youd expect to find in The Grapes of Wrath..on the road with the Joads...people stuck in the cold canyons of new york city wishing they were sunning in the glow and aura of california sun...this album truly advanced the migration of new yorkers to the west coast and helped launch the bi-coastal lifestyle....every cut on this cd is great and operatic in its own way...mamma cass,ever the arranger,the fixer, hooked graham nash up with david crosby...she was the den mother..the block boss of the folksy sunset blvd. crowd...a pure rock diva/entertainer...her brains,charisma, and beautiful voice was the backbone of the group...not quite forgetting john phillips lyrics and blind ambitions for the group mattered equally as much.......this album should be a staple in any serious rock/folk collectors grabbag...its Gigantic..a rock tapestry...and a must have for anyone that appreciates harmonies ala CSN&Y..the Hollies....i think the mammas and pappas are Beatlesque in their vocalizations...too bad things ended as they did,but the music is eternal...and contemporaily classic...buy the cd YOULL BE DANCING IN THE STREETS....and CALIFORNIA DREAMING...Getting higher than Maguire...in LA you know where thats at...

truly beautiful harmony
The quintessential hippie band, the quintessential hippie sound. Really melodic folk tunes that leave a really sweet taste in your mouth. A word of advice--don't eat candy while listening to them, you'll have a sugar overdose.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Vastly expanding 1995's single disc Greatest Hits, The Essential Bruce Springsteen easily surpasses the earlier best-of set by serving up all its true essentials and tossing in less appreciated treats and a full disc of rarities. Disc one spans the first decade of Springsteen's recording career, serving up at least two tracks each from the six albums that laid the groundwork for his '80s burst into superstardom. Disc two picks up with his mainstream breakthrough, 1984's Born in the U.S.A., and carries on through 2002's The Rising, tossing in live recordings of "American Skin" and "Land of Hope and Dreams" for good measure. The selections and sequencing surpass those made on Greatest Hits, though there's not too much in the way of surprises, other than that it appears that Born in the U.S.A. hasn't aged all that well for the Boss; here, he selects only three songs from the hit-laden smash, one fewer than is found on the skimpy Greatest Hits. Disc three is where the fun really starts for all but neophytes. The live "Held Up Without a Gun" is as gutsy a one minute and 20 seconds as Springsteen as one could ask for, and the likes of "Trapped," "Countin' on a Miracle," and a cover of "Viva Las Vegas" rank with his signature songs. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (117)

One man's coffee...
In any body of work there are obvious high points, says Bruce Springsteen in his foreword to the "Essential" booklet. The rest depends on who's doing the listening. You know..."one man's coffe is another man's tea, one man's whiskey..."

No doubt Springsteen has had a hard time choosing these thirty songs, and his choices won't please everybody. Why "Tunnel Of Love" is chosen to represent the album of the same name instead of the much better "Tougher Than The Rest" is a mystery, as is the omission of "Waiting On A Sunny Day", "You Can Look (but you better not touch)", and the criminally underrated rocker "Sherry Darling". The nine-minute live rendition of the good-but-not-great "Land Of Hope And Dreams" could certainly have been sacrificed in favour of one or two better songs.

If you're a casual fan, and just want one Springsteen disc in your collection, "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" is a fine choice, since it manages to include most of the highlights from his twelve studio albums.
So should you get this one rather than the single-disc "Greatest Hits"? Well, depending on what it is you are looking for, "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" is a better career summary in the sense that it is much more comprehensive, and also includes songs from his first two albums. But if you just want the radio hits, "Greatest Hits" is probably more your thing.

The "free" rarities disc includes some great songs, some good ones, and some utterly forgettable ones as well, particularly "Missing" and "Lift Me Up". But I was certainly happy to see that the glorious three-chord rocker "From Small Things (big things one day come)" finally available in an official Springsteen version, and the acoustic rockabilly of "The Big Payback" and the live "Trapped" and "Held Up Without A Gun" are very nice as well.

Hard core Springsteen fans will want this collection for the rarities disc, and newcomers and casual admirers will find "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" to be a comprehensive, if not exhaustive, career overview. The sound is excellent (some remastering and revision has been done by former Bryan Adams and AC/DC-associate Bob Ludwig), and even though the omission of "Waiting On A Sunny Day" and "Tougher Than The Rest" really bugs me, almost all of the thirty songs on the first two discs are excellent examples of the talent and versatility of Bruce Springsteen.
And the fact that only a few songs from "The River" and "Born In The USA" are included means that you can get those two as well without too many overlaps :o)

One man's coffee....
In any body of work there are obvious high points, says Bruce Springsteen in his foreword to the "Essential" booklet. The rest depends on who's doing the listening. You know..."one man's coffe is another man's tea..."

No doubt Springsteen has had a hard time choosing these thirty songs, and his choices won't please everybody. Why "Tunnel Of Love" is chosen to represent the album of the same name instead of the much better "Tougher Than The Rest" is a mystery, as is the omission of "Waiting On A Sunny Day", "You Can Look (but you better not touch)", and the criminally underrated rocker "Sherry Darling". The nine-minute live rendition of the good-but-not-great "Land Of Hope And Dreams" could certainly have been sacrificed in favour of a couple of better songs.

If you're a casual fan, and just want one Springsteen disc in your collection, "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" is a fine choice, since it manages to include most of the highlights from his twelve studio albums.
So should you get this one rather than the single-disc "Greatest Hits"? Well, depending on what it is you are looking for, "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" is a much better career summary in the sense that it is much more comprehensive, and also includes songs from his first two albums. But if you just want the radio hits, "Greatest Hits" is probably more your thing.

The "free" rarities disc includes some great songs, some good ones, and some utterly forgettable ones as well, particularly "Missing" and "Lift Me Up". But I was certainly happy to see that the glorious three-chord rocker "From Small Things (big things one day come)" finally available in an official Bruce Springsteen version, and the mean, punchy little rockabilly tune "The Big Payback", the grand rocker "None But The Brave", and the live "Trapped" and "Held Up Without A Gun" are very nice as well. (The tune of "None But The Brave" is at times very similar to "I Wanna Marry You", a song from "The River", which may be why it was cut from "Born In The USA", the album for which it was recorded.)

Hard core Springsteen fans will want this collection for the rarities disc, and newcomers and casual admirers will find "The Essential Bruce Springsteen" to be a comprehensive, if not truly exhaustive, career overview.
The sound is excellent (some remastering and revision has been done by former Bryan Adams and AC/DC-associate Bob Ludwig), and even though the omission of "Waiting On A Sunny Day" and "Tougher Than The Rest" really bugs me, almost all of the thirty songs on the first two discs are excellent examples of the talent and versatility of Bruce Springsteen.
The booklet is nice, too, by the way, featuring the lyrics to every song, including the ones on the bonus disc.
4 1/2 stars.

Beware!!! Corporate Sellout!
I'll have to admit that I don't know much about Bruce Springsteen. So when I saw this for sale at Walmart, I put the "Essential Linda Ronstadt" down that i was going to buy my mom for mother's day and grabbed this for myself instead. From the first track I was loving it! I thought this man is truly a talent and couldn't wait to see how he had matured as a songwriter by the third disc. Sadly I didn't get that far, and by the second half of disc one I realized that "The Boss" had done like so many other....he sold out! Just like Pink Floyd had done with "Dark Side Of The Moon," Springcan'tsing was making generic bottom-line-only music. Its sad to think what he could have been.

Best Compilation Yet.
This compilation is first rate. It includes much of the essential Bruce. In the past, many of the offerings were far from being as thorough as this one. I picked it up for less than twenty dollars which is pretty amazing when you consider how much is included. A "can't go wrong" selection.

Great set for the unbruced or for the fanatic
After reading all the comments by hardcore fans complaining about what should or shouldn't be on this set I have one thing to say to them: The first 2 CD's are not for you! Everbody has their own favorite Bruce songs. Pull out your couple dozen Springsteen cd's and burn your own 2,3 or 5 cd best-of set. This set is for the person who doesn't have all the albums and wants a simple 2 cd's of Bruce's best. Yes, it will have to contain Glory Days, Dancing In The Dark and Hungry Heart. Not my idea of his best work but these songs sell cd's. If you like some of the more serious songs on here go out and get Born To Run, The Wild The Innocent and Tunnel of Love and be truly inspired. And for the longtime listener who owns everything - Bruce has kindly included a bonus cd of great unreleased songs. So you have to pay $21 to get it? Not a big deal. You used to pay more for a bootleg not that many years ago. And you can give the first 2 cd's to your kids to teach them about good music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Augmenting 1972's Greatest Hits with additional tracks, Best of... now stands as the preeminent one-disc introduction to the music of Simon & Garfunkel. Containing everything Greatest Hits offered except for the live version of "59th Street Bridge Song" (the original studio hit resurfaces here) and the incandescent "Kathy's Song," the updated retrospective boasts 20 tracks, in contrast to its predecessor's 14 selections. Added to the mix are the likes of "Hazy Shade of Winter," "The Only Living Boy in New York," "Song for the Asking," and "My Little Town," a one-off the twosome did five years after they ended their phenomenally successful partnership. Remastered from the original source tapes, Best of... also boasts far superior sound to the earlier hits collection. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (88)

Great compilation
I purchased this CD in August the day after I heard Art Garfunkel in concert at Croton Point Park. Parenthetically, I had quite a summer for great duos, having also seen the Everly brothers in concert. As the "voice" of the duo, Art gave a comprehensive retrospective of Simon & Garfunkel's greatest hits and this CD does the same. Unless your favorite song is some obscure album track, your favorite is sure to be included here. My own particular favorite is El Condor Pasa. However, I know some people who literally choke up when they hear "Sounds of Silence." Whichever Simon and Garfunkel song moves you is likely to be included here. To be sure, there is a double CD and I suppose (but don't know for sure) there's a boxed set, however, if you are looking for their top 40 hits, go no further than here. Simon & Garfunkel are very evocative for many baby boomers and I believe that those who remember the duo in their heyday will find the particular cut, on this CD, that brings a lump to their throats. This is a fine, single CD collection and I highly recommend it.

Treat yourself to the No. 1 DUO!
DON'T FORGET GARFUNKEL! Hey, Paul Simon has had a great solo career, but you need a greatest hits album that includes Garfunkel also, for this harmony has been oft-imitated but never duplicated in such grandeur.

Garfunkel adds that extra special something that made MRS. ROBINSON, CECELIA and 59TH STREET BRIDGE SONG sing-along favorites, and revived the traditional favorite SCARBOROUGH FAIR.

Of course, Simon still gets top billing for his phenomenal singing and songwriting skills and works his solo magic on two of the album's greatest cuts, FOR EMILY WHEREVER I MAY FIND HER and BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER.

It's a real testament to the duo's tremendous appeal that a 20-song "greatest hits" CD can only marginally capture their music. Still, the selection is one that will keep old fans happy and win over a few new fans along the way. It's too bad that their inspiring cover of THE TIMES ARE A'CHANGIN' wasn't included. This album is still guaranteed to stay in your player for a long time.

Excellent Collection
Here it is, the first affordable collection of Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits. All the esential hits are here. If you could never buy the box set and multi disc hit sets from them, this is perfect because only the really popular tracks are on here.
This is one of my favorite CDs out right now along with Bond's "Classified" and Mr.Deviant's "Techno Obsession" which is a mix of power rock and hard dance music to make some killer instrumentals.

Do I smell spices?
These guys are the reason I've sung a mantra for twenty-five years, *every single time* I've looked at spices... and often when I walk into a kitchen, or simply walk down the street.... The mantra I sing is this: "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme" (Scarborough Fair). I don't know whether to be thankful, or get shock therapy (kidding!)!! But every time I think of spices, or walk into SF Bay Area shops that smell of spices, I sing the mantra: "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme." If Simon & Garfunkel's corporate lawyers don't mind, I'd like my gravestone to read: "Are you going to heaven's fair? Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Time." (My cemetery plot has a small patch where herbs may be planted). Anyway, S&G are a class act! During some tough times in this great country of ours, they kept their cool, they were cool, and they created some of the best songs (classiest pop songs) of an era! Kudos!

Just Listen
I give this 1 star, and I have no doubt that such a rating will PO some Simon and Garfunkel fans. But just listen to my reasoning, give me a fair chance. You won't be sorry.

"I Am a Rock" is a good song, about loneliness and isolation. I listen to this myself a good bit. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a good love song, and the conclusive proof that Art Garfunkel was by far the better singer of the two. BY FAR. But Paul Simon writes the songs and plays guitar (which he does fairly well). Aside from these songs, there is nothing at all here that I like. "Sounds of Silence" is the most popular thing here, but there is much in the way of BIG HIT all over this disc.

These guys were not really folk, or folk rock, as they are often categorized. They are a poet and a one man band (Paul Simon)(as they sing in homeward bound), and Art G. on the side, contributing as much with his singing as Paul S. does with everything else. The problem I have is that they have no feeling. Peter,Paul& Mary had the same problem-they had good songs, smooth harmonies, and this got them hits, but the real feeling, the real SOUL, is in the grittier stuff, like Bob Dylan. A good guitarist and songwriter, a bad singer and harmonica player, but he had so much heart, and it more than compensates for what he lacks. Simon and Garfunkel, Like Peter Paul & Mary, have what Dylan does/did not-fine vocal harmonies and a smooth production. But the emotional content, the RAW part, is missing. You probably love S & G, and you'll buy this. I appreciate that. All I ask is that you give Bob Dylan a chance. Buy the early folk stuff, and/or "Bringing it all Back Home" or "Highway 61". If you can't stand the thought of something as grating as Dylan, buy the first Byrds album, the one with "Mr.Tambourine Man". Just give it a chance. If you don't care about the lyrical aspect and just dig the harmonies, listen to "The Way You Look Tonight" by the Jaguars. If you still think the poet/one-man-band with his underappreciated buddy Art are better, that's cool. maybe you think I'm way off, that there's plenty of feeling here-and maybe that's because compared to what you normally listen to, this IS more emotional. But feeling in music goes much deeper than these guys ever did. I wouldn't lie to you, give Dylan and the Byrds a chance. Give the Jaguars and classic Doo-wop a chance. I can convert you, if you give me the chance.

Whether or not you take my advice, at least "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is done one hell of a lot better here than the way that bozo did it on American Idol. ... Read more

Amazon.com

U2's second decade often seemed as preoccupied with the band's burgeoning superstardom--and how to confront/confound it--as it did with creating music. The band managed only four albums during the era (only half of its '80s output), projects whose gestations seemed perennially plagued by turmoil as much as mercurial creative instincts. But as this anthology chronicles, U2 ultimately managed a considerable feat: producing a memorable, lasting body of work in a decade where one of pop music's chief attributes was its disposability. The disc mixes hits like "Mysterious Ways" and "One" with seductive soundtrack cuts (the title track to Wim Wenders's Until the End of the World, Batman Forever's "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me"), new mixes of "Discotheque," "Staring at the Sun," and "Numb," and a pair of strong new tracks, the Orbit mix of "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands that Built America," the title track from Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (60)

All They Couldn't Leave Behind
U2's 1990s "Best Of" album is a rather strange collection. The band recorded only four studio albums during that time, all of which ardent U2 fans most likely already own. So this disc is for casual fans who want only the highlights, right? Well, not exactly. 1991's "Ach-tung Baby" gets the most conventional treatment--the four selections from it ("Even Better than the Real Thing," "Mysterious Ways," "One" and "Until the End of the World") are all the original versions. Likewise, the band's most recent studio album, "All That You Can't Leave Behind" is grossly underepresnted with only two selections ("Beautiful Day" and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of") that are also original versions.

It is the rest of the material where things really get strange. The three songs from the album "Pop" are all remixes, probably in acknowledgement that it was U2's least successful album. Likewise, the "Zooropa" cut "Numb" gets a similar realtering, but one that serves it very well. Otherwise that album is also underrepresented. Of the non-studio album tracks, "The Hands That Built America" from the "Gangs of New York" soundtrack is a ho-hum ballad (like the movie), while the two other new songs included add little to the band's legacy. The CD booklet, however, is quite cool--lots of photographs of the band looking pretty slick for a bunch of forty-somethings.

Overall, "The Best of...1990-2000" contains a lot of outstanding music, but is nevertheless a terribly confused anthology.

Classic songs and awesome new ones!
Well, I've read a few reviews on this album, and all have been either ok or negative. However I personally believe that these are some of U2's best songs ever. They're a bit more electronic than the ones on the previous Best Of album, but that's the normal course of evolution for this band. Plus, it includes hits from the 2 best U2 albums ever, Achtung Baby and All That You Can't Leave Behind. The new songs are VERY good, especially "Electrical Storm". William Orbit is a genius and it's great that he added his ethereal sound to this track. Other great additions are "Miss Sarajevo" featuring Luciano Pavarotti and "Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me" from the Batman Forever soundtrack. While it's a great album, I think it'll suffer from the I-like-their-earlier-stuff-better syndrome, which is a popular opinion for second greatest hits albums. Look at Madonna's GHV2, another fabulous album that has been ignored for this same reason. I own both U2 Best Of albums plus quite a few of their studio albums. Maybe it's because in 1990 I was 13, but I actually like this newer stuff better...

The best
Its very hard for me to be critical of anything U2 does because they are just an amazing band! I've been totally into them for over 20 years and my collection is humungus. Having read some of the reviews posted here, I can however understand where they are coming from. I have always believed that 'greatest hits' and 'bests of's' are always aimed at a mass audience and not entirely focused on dedicated fans - fans should already have all the tracks anyway!

This compliation, for U2 hardcore fans, is a little dissapointing. I thought the first best of was ok but lacked an obvious structure. Would it not have been better to start from the very beginning and include all the rare original tracks - Boy/Girl, Another Day and Celebration (I cant believe this was not included - also, I wish they had taken that awful Xylophone (spell?) out of I Will Follow). Maybe all this will come together in the future when a Beatles-like Anthology comes out. It is just obviously aimed at the mass audience who wont buy U2 albums but like the odd song.

The Best of 1990-2000 has a little something extra that the first didnt. The remixes of the songs was a bonus for all U2 fans - if you prefer the originals then simply play the album versions. What happened on Mysterious Ways though? There is a slight change in lyrics from the original single, yet there is no mention on the sleeve.

I am trying to be as objective as I can here which is not easy. Everything they do is superb and cant be knocked. I will only try to comment on things I find a little negative (not easy for me to do).

I was never a big fan of Even Better Than The Real thing and only gave that song its due respect when I heard it live.

Electrical Storm is a must because its not on an album - the other mix on the flip side is better. It does seem to follow the usual U2 template that they seem to be sticking to more than ever though (Edge could have really gone to town on a lead at the end but seemed to hold back).

Gone - yes, the album version is better and yes I will only play the album version. This version seems an after thought from developing it live but its far better live.

The Hands That Built America - This could have been done better and lacks what it promises in the beginning.

Staring At The Sun - I would have prefered this song if it hadn't been done by U2!!! It so un-U2. What are those lyrics??? Still, it has a feeling and the feeling is good. Its a cracker live.

Numb - This is one of the few U2 songs I dont like at all. Why is it here?

I would like to have heard a remix of The Fly. Granted, the original is murky. If they could have redone it as they did on the Boston concert DVD I would have been happy - now if I want The Fly, I play Boston!

Thats the negative comments out of the way.

My advice, like most of the other reviewers is - if you are into U2 buy the albums. If you are just passing by, buy the compilations.

I too like U2 :)
While admittedly not a diehard fan of U2, I remember checking out my sister's U2 cds as a teen and I liked some of the songs. This is a good compilation of what I feel is their better more talented era, although I love "Sunday Bloody Sunday" from the other "best of" U2 cd.

David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"

Clearly, not a "best of"
The second U2 "best of" was a waste of time. The first one, "The best of 1980-1990" was a pretty good compilation, but quite short ( 65 minutes, U2 could have added 2 extra songs like Gloria, Out Of Control or MLK ). This time, this compilation is 50% horrible.
The hands that built America is so boring, one of the worst U2 songs, without a doubt. All the remixes are so bad !!!!. This is overall a big, big mistake. This is not the best of. I remember once participating in a U2 poll, in which they asked to the fans the best song from each album, before this "best of". One of those songs was "Please"... so where is this song ??? why U2 didn't include it ??. I don't know why U2 keep putting "Until The end Of The World" as one of their best songs. "The Fly" or "Who's Gonna Ride..." were real songs for a "Best Of".
This would be my "Best of 1990-2000"

1- Even Better Than The Real Thing
2- Mysterious Ways
3- Beautiful Day
4- Electrical Storm
5- One
6- Miss Sarajevo ( COMPLETE )
7- Stay ( faraway so close )
8- Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Off
9- Lemon
10- Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
11- The Fly
12- Discotheque ( ORIGINAL )
13- Hold me, Thrill me, Kiss me, Kill me
14- Staring At The Sun ( ORIGINAL )
15- Please ( single )
16- If God Will Send His Angels ( single ) ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Dark Side of the Moon, originally released in 1973, is one of those albums that is discovered anew by each generation of rock listeners. This complex, often psychedelic music works very well because Pink Floyd doesn't rush anything; the songs are mainly slow to mid-tempo, with attention paid throughout to musical texture and mood. The sound effects on songs like "On the Run," "Time" and especially "Money" (with sampled sounds of clinking coins and cash registers turned into rhythmic accompaniment) are impressive, especially when we remember that 1973 was before the advent of digital recording techniques. This is probably Pink Floyd's best-known work, and it's an excellent place to start if you're new to the band. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Dark Side the way it was meant to be heard
Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon was released in March of 1973. The album became the group's first number one album in America and has stayed on the charts for nearly an accumulated 1,300 plus weeks(741 weeks from 1973-88 and many more now from 1991-today where it still remains). Plus, The Dark Side of the Moon is the third largest selling album worldwide with some 34 million copies sold(including 15 million here in the US). Sales have gone up thanks to the release of this Hybrid SACD version. This new version is painstakingly remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound from the original 16 track master tapes by longtime Floyd producer/engineer James Guthrie. The previous album issues were from second or third generation masters but this new version buries all other editions, especially the Quad(1970s version of 5.1 that didn't get of fthe ground) mix that Dark Side engineer Alan Parsons did. When this reissue came out, it went straight to #1 on the Billboard Pop Catalog chart. There is a good reason why this album has held up for the last 31 years and it's because the songs deal with problems that one goes through in life and the production was many years ahead of its time. This was the first album that ever touched me in the heart, I used to go to sleep listening to Dark Side when I was a baby because lullabies wouldn't work half the time so when all else failed, my mother would put Dark Side on the turntable and it did the trick. Consequently, I became a die-hard Floyd fanatic, which I still am today. DSotM started out life as a piece called Eclipse and eventually became DSotM. Guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour's vocals and guitar solos dominate throughout the album as does keyboardist Rick Wright's keyboard work and harmony vocals. This album has survived the test of time like no other album ever made before or since. As everyone knows, the album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London between June of 1972 and January of 1973 with the band producing and Alan Parsons(whom would go on to be a succesful producer in his own right) engineering the album with Chris Thomas (whom had worked with The Beatles and became a producer in his own right) handling the mixing. All of the songs dealt with different topics that one experiences in life like Time (with clock noises(superbly sounding better with the 5.1 mix) and about racing against or managing time) and Us and Them (a song about the perils of war and is still relevant today. Note: the music of this song was originally intended for the 1970 film Zabriske Point during the riot scenes and was called The Violent Sequence but director Antonioni rejected it in favor of another Careful With That Axe Eugene entitled Come In Number 51 but was luckily resurrected for DSotM's best track. The Quad mix has the echoes of the words swirling around the room, it makes you feel like you are seeing Floyd live). Instrumentals like Speak to Me(featuring voices that are dominant throughout the album and with a heartbeat that was done on drummer Nick Mason's bass drum which opens and closes the disc) and On the Run which was originally a guitar jam entitled The Travel Sequence changed into this eight note Synthi-A VCS3 synthesizer pattern complete with tape effects and guitar noises. Note: there are extra guitar noises not on the original stereo mix and on the 5.1 mix is superb). The Great Gig in the Sky was originally called The Religious Sequence before it changed into this instrumental about death and dying and featured the excellent vocal phrasings of Clare Torry. Any Colour You Like(which was originally called Scat during the preliminary stages of the album) is excellent as well. The other tracks on DSotM are classics. Breathe(which was originally written during the recording of Roger Waters' first solo project The Body with different lyrics and music save the Breathe in the Air refrain), Money(which eventually became Pink Floyd's first American Top 20 hit and one of the few singles released with a 7/4 time signature and was about the pleasures and negatives that money brought) and the closing one-two punch of Brain Damage(a song referencing to original Floyd leader Syd Barrett and absent friends. There are extra bells during the ending synth solo on the 5.1 mix) and Eclipse(which sums up the album) wrap up this classic of an album. This album is a must in anyone's record collection and the remastering on this SACD buries the 1992 and 1995 reissues by a longshot!

You WILL notice the difference
I own two copies of this CD already (this is something like the fifth time the album is being released on CD if you count the "Shine On" boxed set) and was skeptical that the sound quality would be markedly improved over the most recent remaster from 1994. Happily, the investment was well worth it as the SACD remastering process has given this classic Floyd masterpiece a marvelous upgrade. The sound effects really jump out at you, especially if experienced with the benefit of a surround sound system. This is without question the greatest Pink Floyd album and one of the best rock and roll albums of all time. The liner notes are a treat as they provide a collection of "Dark Side" pictoral artifacts over they years including rare album covers and band photos. My only complaint, albeit a minor one is the cover, which has again been tampered with and updated in this most recent reissue. The original stark black album jacket with the light striking the prism was designed by Hipgnosis and remains one of the most classic pieces of cover artwork.

frustrated
i find it disgusting and pathetic that any human being can give a negative review about this album or any album that this band has put out. i am absolutely speechless that people can write bad reviews about something they know nothing about. they are one of if not the most influencial bands in history. when this album was released in 1973 nothing even compared to its magnificence and beauty, in my opinion nothing compares to it even today. i being 16 years old am in complete awe when i listen to this album. anyone who appreciates rock music should be ashamed of themselves if they havent heard this album.

my apology
this is great music. truly a masterpiece put out by a brilliant band. there was once great music like this...now that i'm 15 today's music sucks up the bung hole...take advantage of this one in a lifetime masterpiece and grab it before it's too late. this is really good music. i apologize for the crap that my generation is putting onto radio stations these days...support progressive rock bands like these and buy this album

Are You Kidding Me?
I cannot belive some people. Im not going to say anything along the lines of "This music sucks, my music is better" even though some before me have done just that. All I am going to say is that this CD/Band offers pure happiness for me. Whenever I hit play, and Pink Floyd comes out...all I can do is listen, everything else stops. Some people say they cant catch the riffs on Pink Floyd's work, but I guess everyone is different. I am a younger listener, and believe that the music of today is complete crap. Crap, crap, crap. Every now and then something good rolls along, but it seems to me that the effort being put into music these days just isnt what it used to be. Every single musiccal note of P.Floyd and the bands of their age is crisp, clear and sharp. A+ ... Read more