Amazon.com essential recording

One of the Stones' most beloved albums, 1969's Let It Bleed was a benchmark for several reasons. First, founding guitarist Brian Jones died during the recording process. Second, the Stones take their last significant look at pure blues (Robert Johnson's spooky "Love in Vain") and country ("Country Honk," the two-stepping alter ego of "Honky-Tonk Women") before folding both styles into a cohesive rock & roll vision. Third, it contains some of the band's most eerie hits, such as the flame-enveloped "Gimme Shelter," the drug-reality anthem "Monkey Man," the epic "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and Mick Jagger's menacing "Midnight Rambler." --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (110)

Essential Stones Recording
"Let It Bleed" is one of the best Stones albums ever. It features 9 great tracks, including a few classics. The album includes some of the darkest Stones songs ever, such as the fiery "Gimme Shelter", the long opus "You Can't Always Get What You Want", and the drug anthem "Monkey Man". These tracks have indeed stood the test of time for the greatest rock 'n' roll band
in the world, and all became live staples. Even "Country Honk", the country version of "Honky Tonk Women", is good. The title track is another Stones favorite, with soft and pensive acoustic strumming and beautiful piano playing. And Robert Johnson's chilling blues "Love In Vain" is another song the Stones make their own. The album is also significant for two reasons. One, it
was the last Stones album to feature Brian Jones on it, playing autoharp on the blues "You Got The Silver", and percussion on the menacing blues "Midnight Rambler". And it was the first one to feature his replacement, Mick Taylor, who plays guitar on "Country Honk" and the rocker "Live With Me". Let this album bleed all over your record player, and play it until it's all scratched up.

Let It Bleed Profusely
I admit I have not heard "Beggar's Banquet," "Sticky Fingers," or "Exile On Main Street," but "Let It Bleed" is the best Stones album I have yet set my ears on.
1969 saw the release of two of the decade's greatest albums, "Abbey Road" and "Let It Bleed." I won't compare the albums, but I can certainly say that each one is brilliant in its own right. Below are brief critiques of each song on "Let It Bleed."

1. Gimme Shelter: Unarguably a classic song by the Stones and anyone, "Gimme Shelter" has great lyrics and guitar work.
2. Love In Vain: A good blues song, especially because of the mandolin solo.
3. Country Honk: The rock version ("Honky Tonk Women") that appeared as the B-side of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" may be better, but this is still a great song. The fiddle and guitars show that a band only slightly inferior to the Beatles can at least play better country (the Beatles' "Rocky Raccoon" is sheer mock-country).
4. Live With Me: Keith always has the best bass lines, while Bill Wyman is hardly more than Mick and Keith's "sweetest pet in the world" to put it Stone-esquely. The guitars are great as well.
5. Let It Bleed: A good title track, but not the best song on the album, "Let It Bleed" is good country-honky-tonk-rock without a mocking tone to it.
6. Midnight Rambler: I love this song for everything - its unconventional length, virtuoso harmonica and guitars, and threatening lyrics.
7. You Got the Silver: One of the album's lighter songs, "You Got the Silver" is an example of what Keith Richards sounded like before the dreadful "Losing My Touch" from "Forty Licks."
8. Monkey Man: Lyrics aside, "Monkey Man" has the best guitar lick on the entire album. My personal favorite.
9. You Can't Always Get What You Want: You can't appreciate the Stones without having an ear for this classic, a great closing track.

Buy "Let It Bleed", please, and don't you dare buy any album released after "Tattoo You" along with it.

The Best
The Rolling Stones Led It Bleed is indeed a wonderful album. I have the 1986 abkco version on CD were all of the songs are out of order. The new version is just as better including hits like Midnight Rambler, and Gimmie Shelter. I think Let It Bleed is the best Rolling Stone's studio album for so many reason's. So I gave this 5 flaming stars for the worlds greatest rock n roll band. This is a must have for any stone fan Led It Bleed is the real deal. Highly Recomended!

ugly and bad
THIS IS DEPLORABLE
A MISCONCEPTION
A FLUKE
A FALSEHOOD
AN IDENTICAL SIN
A HORRENDOUS DISASTER
A FAKE
A BLUNDER
A SICK JOKE
A MISCHIEVOUS DORK
A PLAIN AND SIMPLE LIE
A HOAX
A MISINTERPETATION OF LIFE
A SET OF BLINKERS
A CAREFULLY STAGED ASSAULT ON THE CONSCIOUS MIND
A TOY FOR DUMB CHILDREN
A FAILED APHRODISIAC
A DRUNKEN DOODLE
A THOUGHTLESS RACKET
AN UNWANTED ANNOYANCE
A PARODY OF RUBBISH
AN ASS OF A RECORD
A TERRIFYING ACT OF TERRORISM
AN ACT OF SENSELESS VIOLENCE
A DEPREVATION OF SORTS
A BLOODCURDLING EXPERIENCE
AN UGLY MONSTER
A JINX

AND IT HAS BEEN AROUND TOO(...)
LONG.

Pretty good, but slightly over-rated
Im a huge Stones fan, and I only moderately like LET IT BLEED. I think Beggar's, Exile and Sticky Fingers are all MUCH better albums. There are some TRUE gems on the album, but also some duds.
The first true gem is GIMME SHELTER. A classic, amazing song- i love it. But then you meet LIVE IN VAIN and COUNTRY HONK that are complete throwaways. With such tracks like this, Im surprised the album is praised as much as it is. The former is a mediocre song that stops dead in its tracks. It takes the momentum of GIMME SHELTER to a screeching hault. The latter is a country version of the classic HONKY TONK WOMAN. The album would have done MUCH better if it was just replaced by the classic song. Then comes LIVE WITH ME, which is a good track, slightly short of great. However, the title track is very good. Wonderful blues and slide guitar licks. MIDNIGHT RAMBLER is a decent track, but it drags on for MUCH too long. However, YOU GOT THE SILVER is an album highlight- a great song with great lyrics. Keith takes the lead vocal and guitar duties on that track (Mick Jagger is not present at all except as a writing credit with Keith on the track), Brian Jones (in one of his last sessions) plays harp, and fan-favorite Nicky Hopkins joins in on Piano and Organ. Then comes MONKEY MAN, which is another really good rocking track. YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT says a lot about the album as a whole. Ironic title I must say. However, that track is very good, minuse the 90-or-so second intro with the London Bach Choir. It served as sort of a prophecy of how decadent the band would become in the near-future.
So although the album has some true gems, I don't find it to be up in the same ranks as MANY of the Stone's other albums. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Riff rock had been what Jimmy Page's former band, the Yardbirds, were all about, and on Led Zeppelin's second album, released, like its predecessor, in 1969, the inventive guitarist demonstrated that he'd indeed learned his lessons well. Witness "Whole Lotta Love," a woozy epic based on one simple, head-banging-friendly guitar riff. Or the mock-dramatic "Heartbreaker," propelled by far more intricate but similarly effective note squashing. Between Page's sonic wizardry, John Bonham beating his drums into submission ("Moby Dick"), and the juice running down Robert Plant's leg ("The Lemon Song"), Led Zeppelin here just about succeeded in raising rock & roll excess to an art form. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (248)

Led Zeppelin II
Zeppelin's "II" is simply put, the most influential hard rock album to ever be stocked on shelves. It fuses blues and straight-up rock to a perfect degree, and includes elements of folk, and even traces of metal in it as well. This album gets off to an exceptional start with "Whole Lotta Love," and its infectious riff (the electrifying guitar solo is also one of Page's best, and is worth waiting around for through the dark and imaginative midsection). "What Is and What Should Never Be" is another classic that goes from light to heavy in an instant. The slide guitar and gong are nice touches. "The Lemon Song" is pure blues mayhem with wild solos, Plant sounding annoying (as usual), and a hot bass line. "Thank You" is a surprisingly good love song that has some great drum outbreaks, all credit to Bonham. Next up are "Heartbreaker" and "Living Loving Maid"(She's just a woman). These two tracks go together perfectly, with both of them being medium-paced, blues-based rock tunes. Heartbreaker contains a superb solo, first unaccompanied, and then played together with two other guitars. "Ramble On" showcases John Paul Jones' bass playing expertise, and has some of the greatest lyrics of all of Led Zep's songs (inspired by Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings"). "Moby Dick" is built upon a fantastic guitar rhythm section, and the monster drum solo by Bonzo is a brutal dose of percussion at its finest. Finally, the album ends with "Bring It On Home" to bring the album to a close, and this song features Plant playing an electric harmonica, and Page's explosive riffs shredding through the otherwise peaceful tune, half way in. All of the songs on "II" differ from one another, which makes one view this album as more of a compilation than a one-themed release, and this variety accounts for it being considered one of the greatest albums of all time. It still sounds fresh today, due mostly to unpredictable rhythm changes and top notch recording quality. If you like rock music, or any of the other genres that branch out of it, you will not be disappointed. I strongly recommend this album.
Peace

Ramble on baby...
This is one of my favorite LZ records, mostly because of the outstanding bass guitar work by John Paul Jones, but also because of the memorable sungs, increasing presence of Robert Plant and classic riffs by Jimmy Page. John Bonham plays some mean drums, too.

I wavered between 4 and 5 stars, but had to knock a star off for lyrical rip-offs during the Lemon Song and the vocal black-face portrayal in Bring it on Home. Still, I highly recommend this album, especially for novice rock musicians and fans just becoming acquainted with the Led Zeppelin catalog. There's a lot of good stuff here.

"Whole Lotta Love" kicks things off with one of rock's all-time classic guitar riffs. Plant's vocals are much more self-assured here, and we can sense the beginnings of his 'golden god' image, plus there's that orgasm sequence in the middle, with all those crazy guitar effects. One of Page's better electric solos here, crystal clear like you're sitting right next to the amp. Great dynamics, especially by Bonham, who had superb timing and could really coax feeling from his drums.

"What is and What Should Never Be" has a nice mellow groove, snaky bassline, and soft/loud dynamics that rise above the lyrical content. Nice guitar/bass interplay during the solo, and great energy at the end.

"The Lemon Song" features some not so subtle innuendo and imagery copped from Robert Johnson. "Squeeze my lemon..." While this is mostly standard white blues with edgy guitar, Jones balances with tissue paper touch on the bass and a fine extended solo. The tempo changes give this one a lot of energy.

"Thank You" is probably one of the least misogynistic tunes in the LZ catalog, a pledge of undying love even "if the sun refused to shine." Plant sings with emotion. There has always been something about the transitions and harmonies of this song that were awkward and didn't quite work for me.

"Heartbreaker" is another classic riff and rock/blues progression, with cool bass licks backing the vocal lines. This song has a quirky solo that starts with some cool licks, then dissolves into a stuttering, sloppy pick frenzy, before gathering speed again with a second solo part, then back into the verse. If I had to rate Page as a guitar player, I would say his acoustic and electric rhythm playing were exceptional, but his electric solos were hit and miss.
There's hardly a missed beat before going right into "Living Loving Maid" with a driving rhythm, with more outstanding bass and drum interplay, another memorable Page lick and interesting rhythm/tempo changes.
"Ramble On" is on of my favorites, with a beautiful bassline, excellently strummed acoustic guitar and gently tapped percussion. One of Plant's better vocal performances, wonderfully modulated. Check out that bass work during the choruses. The lyrics begin to introduce us to Page and Plant's interest in fantastic mythology, mentioning Gollum from Lord of the Rings, and a love story involving a ranger-type character.

"Moby Dick" is an instrumental with a basic rock/blues progression, built to showcase a drum solo by John Bonham.

"Bring it on Home" begins with a Delta-style blues feel, some cool harmonica, and Plant singing in an affected American South dialect that sounds ridiculous. Still, I like the way this song builds from blues into a hard rock piece. Nice guitar overdub interplay, and Plant redeems himself with his vocals on the rock part.

Add this one to your rock library. It's a classic.

Awesome
Man what can I say, amazing CD, been hooked on Led now for 2 or 3 months and every new Zep CD I buy i get addicted too. This is a amazing CD, Starting off with Whole Lotta Love a awesome song for both Plant and Page, the guitar riffs rock, and Pages singing is at its best. Then What is and What Should Never Be, I loved this song its just amazing. Next The Lemon Song, the first part is great, with awesome guitar, the last part isnt too clean though, not a huge deal and i still love this song but not my fav number. Thank You is a great tune, Then Heartbreaker and Living Loving Maid, super songs, again not the cleanest but amazing guitar as always and super singing. Ramble on, again not my fav Zep tune but still great, Then Moby Dick, words cannot explain this song, amazing John Bonham proves he is and was the greatest drummer to live. And lastly Bring It On Home, good song great Plant vocals. To sum it up I would say this is Jimmys CD the guitar riffs are like non other absolutly fabulous.

Another High Five.
I've been looking for albums I consider all fives. One of them is rock legend's 'II.' Led Zeppelin, a contender against the more prolific and modest 'The Who', were loud, raw, and action packed. This is the album that delves into this description.

The sequel to 'I', 'II' picks up right where their previous debut left off. Songs like 'Ramble On', where the fine, catchy rhythm blasts into the hard paced, loud mouthed Robert Plant are so rocking, you can't stop and think, 'Man, these guys still freakin' rock.' 'Heartbreaker' is another fine example of fine tuning. With the infamous scale that is one of rock's greatest hooks, the song really has you headbanging as if it's raw power is something new.

The album has it's moments and it has it's shines. 'Moby Dick' is one of them, but in essence, this is definitely not a studio song. If you want the real deal, buy 'How the West Was Won' and you'll understand. Nevertheless, it's still killer. 'What It Is and What Should Never Be' is such a fine example of different sounds, it's worth the price of the album alone. Along with the overdone, but still medium rare 'Whole Lotta Love', Led Zeppelin 'II' is one of those albums where every song is great and every song can be played over and over...on the same listen.

This sits proudly next to 'Tommy', 'Out of Our Heads', 'The Doors', etc in my vinyl collection. On CD, this rests kindly on my dashboard and I'll always put it in. 'II' is better than 'I' in my opinion, and I think you might see it that way as well.

Overrated Rock, Overrated Rock, Overrated Rock
I used to love LZ, but they've soured on me as well because of all the law suites over old blues songs. And that they were pretty much a studio band posing as something they were not. Man, was I disappointed. LZ really weren't that original after all.
SCORESHEET:
WHOLE LOTTA LOVE- good impact, but a Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters rip-off
and that ugly jam section in the middle. Dixon took them to court in 1977.
WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE- one of their better songs.
THE LEMON SONG- another rip-off (a remake of killing floor) and it is boring.
THANK YOU- a nice ballad, but nothing that you really need to own.
HEARTBREAKER- an FM staple, a classic! It is the 'wallpaper of our lives'.
LIVIN LOVIN MAID- LZ putting down woman again. Good riff, but a bad message!
RAMBLE ON- a good song that is simply overplayed. Vocalist Plant is no Ian Gillan!
MOBY DICK- a great riff, but that drum soloooooooooooooboring.
BRING IT ON HOME- starts off good, but gets repetitive by the end. Another rip-off too!
Look for their greatest hits collections before buying their regular albums.
If your looking for even more hard rock that swings, try Deep Purple 1970/1973 (In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, Who Do We Think We Are or Made In Japan). ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The Arista debut of Carlos Santana and band gives fans of the soulful guitar vet two albums in one, but it's a decidedly good-news, bad-news proposition. First, there's a fine collection of late-'90s-model Santana--tastefully tooled songs driven by Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms ("[Da Le] Taleo," "Africa Bamba," "Migra," "Primavera," and the emotionally charged instrumental "El Farol") that allow Carlos plenty of elbowroom for his passionate soloing. Then there's the collection of tracks featuring a lineup of de rigueur alternative and hip-hop stars, including Dave Matthews, Everlast, Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Eagle Eye Cherry. To their credit, Matthews ("Love of My Life") and Eagle Eye Cherry ("Wishing It Was") muster enough chemistry to make the fusion work. But the rest of the collaborations feel like an unnecessary stretch to reach out to a younger demographic that El Jefe has little trouble attracting on his own terms. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (1038)

an amazingly superb and rhythmic masterpiece
Having met drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez at the 1999 Berklee College of Music World Percussion Festival, (who by the way is playing drumset on track 4 of this CD), I can now say that I am one of the lucky ones who have personally experienced the true warmth and down-to-earth vibe of the Santana band, and you too can see it all evolve on Supernatural. All of us, (especially all you musicians out there) can learn at least one thing from this CD, and no matter what it may be (lyrics, Afro-Cuban/Latin styles...happiness..pain..triumph and tragedy...etc) it can and will reach your soul once you put the cd in and start listening to Carlos and friends jam out on "Da Le (Yaleo)". Another thing that I loved about this recording is how the group managed to get such incredible artists to join them (such as Dave Matthews, Carter Beauford, Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, Wyclef Jean, Luaryn Hill...among others) and create one of the best CDs I have ever purchased. I highly recommend this album. :)

Review of Santana's Supernatural
Artist: Santana Album: Supernatural Producer: BMG/Arista Genre: Rock Category: Rock/Pop

With the hypnotic guitar playing and rhythm, the 70's guitar wizard Carlos Santana has come back strong from years of utter silence. For everybody in their mid-thirties, the name Carlos Santana should easily click in your memory. He is now back and as hot as ever. With songs like "Black-magic Women" and "Oye Como Va" to his credentials, the name Carlos Santana was able to attract names such as Eric Clapton, Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, ex-Fugies Wyclef Jean and Lauren Hill, and Dave Matthews to join in and produce his latest album "Supernatural".

Santana's new album "Supernatural", is a mix of South American beats, honey-sweet guitar licks and solos, and poetic lyrics that blends in harmoniously. It felt as though Carlos expressed all of his emotions into this one album, so the mood is constantly and continually changing.

The song that officially marked Santana's return to the limelight was "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas. This catchy tune consists of a supporting cast of drums and brass, the distinct guitar licks of Carlos, and the deep, scratchy voice of Thomas. Another song that help launch his album depute is "Maria Maria" with special appearances by Everlast and Wyclef Jean. Even though the lyrics are a bit repetitive, the combination of Everlast's silky voice and hip-hop rhythm is strangely hypnotic and quickly became a FM hit. But the song that defines "Supernatural" most is "Love of My Life" featuring Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews' Band. From a production standpoint, the song is beautifully composed with every aspect fitting in flawlessly. From an emotional standpoint, this carol just somehow is able to reach into your heart, and the lyrics can be related to real life.

Overall, this album is one of Santana's best albums. This is supported by Santana's sweep of the Grammy's Music Awards including the award for Best Album. Even though some of the tracks in "Supernatural" weren't his "best" work, the excellent ones easily eclipsed them. It is clear that he succeeded in creating sweet rhythmic music for people of every age.

EXCELLENT! GENIUS!
This has to be the best CD ever. I listen to it ALL the time & never tire of it. Brilliant work!

Just the best
One of the best albums I have EVER heard, probably the best that I own. No matter how long its been since I last heard it, I can put it in my CD player and get right back into the groove of the songs. Smooth is just amazing, Maria Maria has a great urban feel, and the collabos with Everlast, Dave Matthews, and Eric Clapton really work well. I remember when I saw him perform at Jones Beach three summers ago -- this music was great then and its just as good now.

Barely listenable
I've been a Santana fan ever since I was turned on to them in 1984 and consider Carlos & Co (and the various permutations of the band) one of my all-time favorite atrists. I was disappointed with SUPERNATURAL from the moment I listened to it. There is little on this album that is not re-manufactured pop, and it in no way highlights the exceptional musicianship or band interplay that Santana is known for. Songs like "Maria, Maria" and "Turn Your Lights On" are about as far from the classic Santana sound as one can get, and the entire collection of songs has the tired "let's-try-to-write-a-hit-single-and-make-some-big-money" kind of feel.

If you are seeking Santana at their pop best, check out "Zebop" or Beyond Appearances" instead. If you want Santana at their very best, buy the first three albums and the "LOTUS" live album as each of these four are masterpieces. Avoid SUPERNATURAL. ... Read more

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Less than a year after the release of CSN's groundbreaking debut, the group returned with Stephen Stills's former Buffalo Springfield cohort/rival Neil Young augmenting the threesome. The result is a less concentrated but more kinetic creation; Young swims through the celestial harmonies of rock's best barbershop trio like a fly in consommé. While somewhat dated ("Almost Cut My Hair"? Wait a while, David, it'll fall out), Deju Vu is teeming with early '70s FM staples, including "Helpless," "Teach Your Children," and "Our House." --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Rock Classic
For the release of Deja Vu, the already powerful trio of Crosby, Still & Nash became even better by adding a fourth, Neil Young. The album is a great collection of songs, played by artits at the peak of their powers. Although some of the themes (i.e. "Almost Cut My Hair") are heavily dated, CSN&Y's harmonies are timeless. Their vocalizing on "Our House", "Teach Your Children" and Neil Young's brilliant "Helpless" is absolutely gorgeous. The album brings forward each of the members' individual stylings from Stills' folk-rock to Nash's ballads to Young's country-rock to Crosby's hippie-rock and blends them seemlessly on the album. "Carry On" opens the album with a kick, "Deja Vu" adeptly captures Crosby's state of mind at the time, "4+20" is a short but powerful song and the scorching "Woodstock" is the hippie generation's anthem. It would be 7 years before CSN would release a studio album and almost another 20 before the quartet would release one(the awful American Dream). They never again would match the creative and commercial power of this album.

perfecto mundo
Deja vu is the quintessential album of the 1960's counterculture. No less than 7 cuts from the disc, 'Carry On', 'Teach Your Children', 'Almost Cut My Hair', 'Woodstock', 'Our House', 'Deja vu', and 'Everybody I Love You' can be considered poster children for all the New Left stood for and aspired to in the late 1960's and early 1970's. It is a remarkable disc, equaled only by the debut Crosby, Stills and Nash LP in its social relevance, and in pioneering and defining the folk-rock genre.

Each of the four artists in this, the quintessential rock 'supergroup', contributes two of the most essential compositions in their careers. The album was particularly noteworthy for the writings of David Crosby ('Almost Cut My Hair' and 'Deja vu') and Graham Nash ('Teach Your Children' and 'Our House'), and the stunning background vocal contributions they provide on the Stills and Young compositions, excepting the solo acoustic '4 + 20'.

Stills, who played most of the instruments on the debut CSN LP, backs off a bit to leave room for Dallas Taylor on drums and Greg Reeves on bass. Jerry Garcia and John Sebastian are also credited with instrumental contributions. In addition to the stark '4 + 20', Stills reaches back into his past, culling lyrics from his Buffalo Springfield classic, 'Questions', to serve as a coda on the opener, 'Carry On', and springs forward into his future to graft lyrics that would open 'Know You Got To Run' from his second solo LP into 'Everybody I Love You'. Neil is given a rare co-songwriting credit on 'Everybody...' with Stills (can you name another?). In spite of their long association, they weren't exactly Lennon and McCartney!

Despite all the aforementioned blockbuster songs, CS&N were apparently insecure in releasing the disc without adding Y. Neil offers the classic composition 'Helpless' and the underplayed medley 'Country Girl', which stands high among Young's finest works. Top off the collection with the hyper, grinding, high-flying rendition of the Joni Mitchell anthem, 'Woodstock', and you have one of the finest rock albums ever produced.

The album is a near perfect mix in terms of musical styles and subject matter. Though thought of today as somewhat stereotypical in personifying the 'hippie mystique', the album 'Deja vu' is representative of the ideals youth held, or at least liked to think they held, in the midst of the various social revolutions going on around them. It is nothing short of essential to any comprehensive collection of modern rock music, and to an understanding of the era and a generation.

A sign of the times, and their best offering.
Though they have released other fine albums, this is the best from these four legends. What else would you expect from former members of "The Byrds", "The Hollies", and "Buffalo Springfield"? Included are the classic tracks "Carry On", "Teach Your Children", "Our House", and "Woodstock". The others are all good too however. If you looking for this same quality of record without "Neil Young" (why would you do that), check out the debut from "Crosby Stills & Nash", it's just as good. Also the short but great "So Far" collection is roughly the best of these two albums. All of these releases will make you feel like you're in the 70's again. I think that's called "Deja Vu".

A quintessential album
This set may be well considered the best work of this unforgettable ensemble.
This album contains the real essence of the seventies. Filled with inspiration, and overall, commitment. This quartet was one of the top ten notable bands in USA , original sound , lyrics and wildness, charming and rebelness , country folk and wonderful songs . Think in Our house , a superb ballad , in contrast you have Woodstock .
This work is a must in your collection and in my personal opinion , one of the twenty most influyent albums in the rock music in any age.
Don't forget this team worked out in Woodstock and became one the most shinning stars in that unique musical meeting in 1969.

This Album Is CSNY's Defining Statement
DEJA VU is Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's defining statement. With Neil Young having overcome three handicaps (epilepsy, diabetes, polio) to add a little muscle to the original trio, this album combines hard rock and ballads with enormous success. This album defined not only CSNY, but a whole post-Woodstock generation, and is essential to any folk-rock collection. ... Read more

Reviews (91)

Something different, finally...
I totally disagree with the idea that these guys are anything like the Strokes or any other indi-pop band I've heard. These guys are actually good. The sound, as someone else mentioned, is refreshing. Every time I put the CD in, people ask who it is. For a debut, it's an unbelivable album.
In terms of influences, I hear undertones of The Black Crowes, AC/DC, Tom Petty, and Rolling Stones. Odd thing is, of those guys, the only one I like is Tom Petty. But I like Kings of Leon. They have some serious energy, great hooks, fun lyrics, and they play the hell out of their instruments.
There are two or three songs I don't like, but for the most part these guys put together a great string of tunes. "Happy Alone" will stick in your head for days. "Dusty" is probably my sleeper favorite. Sort of this spoken-word ramble with thumping bass and cool twangy guitar licks. Kinda like what you might get if you put Chuck Berry in a garage band...
I'd love to see them live, and will definitely check out their next album.

great band
I bought this album not knowing much about it. I had read some reviews and stuff and decided to give it a try. The first time I heard it I thought that it was really good. The vocals are different. After hearing the vocals a few times you get used to it. Once you get past that the album is awesome. The instrument play is above the rest. The only better instrument play these days is the White Stripes. The strokes suck and to compare Kings of Leon to them is absurd. If you cant see the southern rock influence then you dont live in the south and dont listen to our music. Buy this cd. You wont regret it. Oh yeah and if you are skeptical about the vocals dont be. They are good to. They arent your cookie cutter vocals. The lyrics are good to. Happy alone and Holy Roller Novicaine are the best tracks.

The Bottom Line
"New Southern Rock Band" is a term that seems to be all but extinct sans any project that has to do with a side-project or a re-tooled version of the Allman Brothers. Alas, here comes Kings of Leon. Youth & Young Manhood to me is almost the perfect quintessential debut album title for a younger rock band, and the attitude and presentation of their first release depicts this theme quite well. First of all, this IS a fresh, original sound. For the most part, Kings of Leon present themselves as a southern rock influenced group who speed things up a little but are careful to keep the soul intact. If the songs sound familiar, you might have heard them approximately every 10 minutes during the movie "Stuck on You," on which they are prominently featured. Rightfully so. Take this one with you on the road for a weekend trip, pop it into the player, and you'll have a new favorite.

One word - FANTABULOUS!
To be honest, i only bought this album because the 'kings' looked hairy, and i like hairy men! and thank the LORD i DID indeed buy this AMAZING album because it is the best debut album i have ever heard.The kings have introduced me to THE most beautiful and graceful song i have ever heard, 'talihina sky'. it is TRULY a work of art (and none of that rubbish you find in the tate modern).Some might say that Caleb's lead vocals are annoying, or even unbearable but to me, it is a refreshing change to hear raw and unspoiled vocals and it is a crying shame that so many artists have yet to take the jump and to stop using computers or whatever to 'perfect' their voices. I couldn't say what the best song on the album is because they are all so incredible it would break my heart to say. However, i can say that the highlight of listening to the album was pressing the 'repeat' button when the beautifully crafted 'talihina sky' ended and the album was over. What i also love about this album is during most of the songs ('Joes Head' and 'Trani' in particular) the lyrics seem so mixed up and Caleb's singing is so fast and his accent is so heavy that it is impossible to decifer what he is saying. However, i didn't care and carried on listening because the music truly speaks for itself. Also, when you look up the lyrics it is a nice surprise to find what the songs are about and then when you listen to them again it is almost as if the songs are reborn and they are now new to you. 'holy roller novocaine' has THE most amazing bass line which really made me listen to the music, rather than the lyrics. Caleb has a voice that could cut through glass and his raw lyrics are amazing. The drums also excell on this album and the drummer's backing vocals are also FABU! So, to sum up this BEAST of an album, it really made me fall in love with music all over again and if you want to own the most amazing debut album on the history of the earth, you would buy this record. Or if you choose not to, then you wouldnt know talent if it came up to with a lampshade on its head, shook your hand and said, 'hello, my name is talent, how u doin'?' PEACE OUT! (buy the record, if you regret it you may sue me!)

Best and Most Promising Debut of 2003
The Kings of Leon are the return of rock and roll. No band has rocked so hard and well on a debut like this in a long, long time.

The Kings of Leon loudly proclaim the return of southern rock and do it insanely well. This album really is better than most give it credit for. It's not just a really good album, it's an incredible album. The only credible knock on this album I've heard thus far is the lead singer's voice. I love it, some hate it. It's just one of thsoe things. He all but completely yells his voice out on track 5, "Trani." As I said, I love it, others will hate it.

Regaurdless of whether or not you like his voice, by the time you've gotten to "Holy Roller Novocaine," you become so engrossed in the music that you don't notice there's no more songs after that. This is the kind of great rock music that seems to be missing from the world today. Easily one of the best of 2003 and the best debut of 2003. Expect more from these guys for quite some time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's The Lion King does so with flair. Composers Mark Mancina and Lebo M worked closely together to fuse the movie's many disparate elements. Where there was a veritable army exercising creative influences for the animated tale, this brings it all under the wings of a like-minded few. This is genuinely apparent as one track flows into the next. The African rhythms--both vocal and in instrumentation--come across as authentic and original all at once. No doubt this is largely through Mancina's passion for peculiar instruments and the possibilities suggested from nightly live performances. "Grasslands Chant" is a good place to hear this. The hit favorites are here of course, but both "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are pleasingly unrecognizable with chorus and shifting beats. Better still is the likelihood they will now be eclipsed by some of the new numbers. Mancina's own "He Lives in You" being a strong contender. With a sound mix as crisp as you'd hope to find, this is rousing stuff. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Innovative Theatre Meets Family Entertainment
First of all, to address some of the other reviewers who didn't believe "The Lion King" deserved the Tony: What the American Theatre Wing recognized is an historic and important step in theatre history. "The Lion King" on Broadway didn't attempt to merely transfer the cartoon images of the movie onto the stage (a la Beauty and the Beast). Instead, through the guidance of genius director and designer Julie Taymor, the glorious story was lifted and transformed through mask, puppetry, and dance into a multi-disciplinary wonder. I'm a professional puppeteer, and the response of the puppetry community to this show is staggering. Curriculums are being reworked, new parterships are forming, and a puppetry renaissance has begun.

Now, onto this CD: I can understand that if you haven't seen the staged version, you wouldn't expect to hear the changes that have been made to the soundtrack. Fortunately, I was given the CD "Rhythm of the Pridelands" before seeing the show. Many of the new songs are from that album, which was new music inspired by the movie "Lion King" and written by Lebo M, the talented African artist whose voice you hear in the movie version of "Circle of Life." This soundtrack is a unique and exciting blending of the original soundtrack and "Pridelands," and has an organic and harmonious feel to it. The new African chants serve to balance the more cutesy tunes from the movie. In the end, there is something for everyone. Listen without prejudice, and discover the beauty of the music.

FOLLOWING A BAD TREND, BUT JERKING THE TEARS
If you're thinking of not buying this CD because you already have the movie soundtrack, HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! Not only does the Original Broadway Cast Recording have more songs than there are in the movie, but the original songs have been adapted and, in some cases, lengthened quite a lot. To be honest, there are a few poor attempts of "filler" and trying to add something with a rock edge, but the beautiful, rhythmic african chants and additions such as "Shadowland" and "Endless Night" bring tears to my eyes. They're worth paying for the entire thing. This CD gives you more of an emotional look at all of the characters and their despair. Disney followed the same trend they did with BEAUTY by adding a dozen songs with only a couple worth listening to, but they're tear jerkers and if you just sit back and listen to the chants and ballads, they're sure to touch your heart as they did mine... just skip the stuff in between. But it's a MUST HAVE for anyone even SLIGHTLY interested. Cuz I'm not even a Lion King Movie fan.

THE BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL SINCE EVITA!
AS YOU SEE, THERE ARE A LOT OF BROADWAY SHOWS ON BROADWAY NOW. YOU KNOW, YOU GOT MAMA MIA, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, AVENUE Q AND SO ON AND SO FORTH. YOU KNOW WHAT'S THE BEST? THE LION KING OF COURSE! AND THIS CD SPOTLIGHTS ALL THE CLASSIC CAST LIKE JOHN VICERY, [THE MAN I USED TO LOOK UP TO.] JASON RAIZE, [HE DIED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I MISS HIM SOOOOOO MUCH.] AND THE REST! IF YOU HAVE TO BUY ONE BROADWAY SOUNDTRACK, BUY THIS ONE! IT ROCKS! AND THEN GO SEE THE MUSICAL! SURE, IT'S ABOUT 200 DOLLORS...BELIVE ME,IT'S SO WORTH IT. THIS CD HAS AN AWSOME BOOKLET INCLUDING SOME PICTURES IN THE BACKROUND, LYRICS, AND SO MUCH MORE. AND IF THATS NOT GOOD ENOUGH, I DON'T KNOE WHAT TO TELL YA.

A Really Good CD
I bought this because because I wanted a soundtrack for the Lion King and I was tempted just to buy the Disney one, but I thought this might be more interesting. I was paticuarly interested in the fact that there was more African music. It was really great. Even stuff like Circle of Life had a slightly different sound to it, and the whole thing had a much better atmosphere than Disney gave the film. What I love about it is that it isn't just another Disney soundtrack, but it really has it's own interesting sound. Go buy it!

LOVED IT!
The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast) soundtrack is amazing. When I went to the play, I knew I wanted to buy the CD. I loved the music live and from the CD. I listen to it everyday. The people singing are wonderful. They sound great. I think any and everybody should buy this CD. You'll love it! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

From the swaggering frustration in the first song ("I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping," Mick Jagger sings in the hyper "Rocks Off"), the Stones speed through familiar neighborhoods of country, blues, and R&B on Exile. They never even bother to stop when they've crashed into something. They don't leap into new worlds so much as master the old ones, turning Slim Harpo's blues obscurity "Hip Shake" into a harp-and-piano steamroller and setting spines a-cracking in "Ventilator Blues." Both "Tumbling Dice" and Keith Richards's "Happy" have become hits, but the 1972 album is most notable for its overall murky adrenaline. --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (302)

A masterpiece
This album takes a while to assimilate, or it did for me anyway.
The mix is murky, the songs are less anthemic rockers than weary, bleak blues, and I was actually a bit disappointed when I first heard it.
But give it a chance, and each subsequent listen will reveal something new, eventually establishing "Exile On Main St." not only as the Stones' best album, but as one of the best records of the 70s.

It's got plenty of obvious masterpieces, like the thumping, bluesy rockers "Happy", "Rocks Off" and "Tumbling Dice", and the swinging ballads "Torn And Frayed" and "Sweet Virginia", but lesser-known songs like the gospel-like "Shine A Light", Robert Johnson's "Stop Breaking Down", and the stylish amalgam "Sweet Black Angel" are great as well.

There are too many highlights to mention, really, and this superb collection of blues, rock, soul, country and R&B remains the Rolling Stones' finest hour as well as being their most diverse album.

One of the greatest albums ever
The Rolling Stones' second album to be released on their own label fittingly called Rolling Stones Records, which was distributed by Atlantic at the time, was released in May of 1972. The album was the band's only double studio album but one of the best which ranks up there with The Wall, Quadrophenia, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and Tommy among others. Before guitarist Keith Richards' heroin addiction took over for some time in the mid-1970s, he was what the late producer Jimmy Miller called a workhorse. The album was recorded at Keith's home in France and at Olympic Studios in London and Muscle Shoals in Alabama. Keith's music and frontman Mick Jagger's lyric writing was arguably at its peak on Exile. Songs like the opening Rocks Off, Rip This Joint, Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Keith's classic Happy, Soul Survivor, All Down the Line and Shine a Light are classics which sound like they could have been recorded yeaterday. Ventilator Blues was another highlight as it was the only song that Mick and Keith wrote was co-written by guitarist Mick Taylor whom kicked ass from 1969-74. Exile was the band's second consecutive #1 album and another million seller. The tour in support of the album saw the band getting bigger and bigger. This album is hugely recommended!

The Rolling Stones' Yardstick
If you've gotten this far, it probably safe to say that you know by now that EVERYONE seems to think it is their best ever, of all time, on the desert island, scrounging for gas money because you bought it once more album. And it surely has a pretty good legend surrounding it (south of france, stoned, ripped, twisted..good people). But is it their Best? That all depends.
Me? I like "Sticky Fingers" a little better for one reason: The good songs (Brown Sugar, Can't You Hear me Knockin', Bitch, Sister Morphine) are Transcendant, whereas here the good songs (Tumbling Dice, Shine a Light)Are only "Damned Good". Yes, it's a very fine line, to be sure, but it must be said. And "Fingers" Wins hands down on opening tracks-I mean "Brown Sugar" vs. "Rocks Off"? There's no comparison. Fun Fact: Keith Richards once listed "Brown Sugar" as one of his favorite all-time songs with this justification "Don't YOU think it's a great song?"
That being said, however, "Exile" is the stronger album of the two. The reason? The rest of songs here are neither as bad or as ordinary as the rest of the songs on any other Stones album. Let me put it this way: It's said that any good song will have a sort of "magic" about it. Well, here most every song has that kind of magic in varying amounts. Put on any single song (with the exception of "Turd on the Run", which just doesn't have the magic) and you will end up liking that song on its own merits. It may not be a religious experience, but you will want to hear that song again. It's that kind of album. The same cannot be said for any other Stones Album in their catalogue, and all but the precious few other jewels in the rest of the history of Pop Music.
Of Course, as with all High-water marks, The Stones were destined to fight against the reputation of this masterwork for the rest of their careers, and always be found just a little lacking. A shame, really, for what remains one of the Great Bands Ever and a consistent hit-making force even now, 30+ years on.

A Hot-Blooded Rock and Roll Classic.
Exile on Main Street (1972), the Rolling Stones' seventeenth album, is hot-blooded rock and roll mixed with old-school blues, country, and R&B. This seventeen-track album contains lots of stuff written in the same vein as the proudly rumpled "Satisfaction"--simply put, there are many youthfully reckless songs about being young and having sex. Unfortunately, though, Exile on Main Street starts off with its best track, "Rocks Off"--their finest rendition of the style utilized throughout the album, so after it, songs like "Rip this Joint" and "Hip Shake" are disappointing even though they aren't that bad. "Sweet Virginia" is also a cool song--it's old-style folk/blues, and even though it doesn't really sound like "Wild Horses," it reminds me of it. "Torn and Frayed," the seventh song, is another memorable cut, but after that, the remainder of the album floats past in a heated oblivion--it's not that it isn't good; it's just not very gripping, despite its frenzy and fast pace. This album is fine, I think, but it really isn't my style. Exile on Main Street is written for really cool guys--guys similar to the members of the Rolling Stones--so it's understandable that I don't adore this album, as I'm not the target market. I'm fond of the Between the Button's Rolling Stones, but am disinterested in their harder stuff. If you like the hard stuff, though, you'll love this album. If you don't, you'll be rather indifferent towards it, like I am.

Like a fine wine
It might take several listens to truly appreciate this cd, but believe me, it is worth the effort. It is absolutely an outstanding masterpiece. I don't typically use masterpiece to describe a body of work, but this just takes you away and melts your ear. Like a fine wine, you will thoroughly savour this music time and time again after every listen. At first I couldn't bear it, preferring to listen to Sticky Fingers for the rawness, but gradually moving towards Exile's dynamic and diverse bluesy fidelity. Enjoy! It is truly something to be appreciated and listened to over and over and over... ... Read more

Album Description

Bryan Adams returns with ROOM SERVICE, his first studio album in almost 7 years.A collection of 11 new tracks, ROOM SERVICE was recorded while on the road in Europe - in hotels and backstage at concert venues.With 18 releases, over 25 years of recording and over 60 million albums sold worldwide, this new collection gives witness to Bryan's rock loyalty and consistency.ROOM SERVICE hits the full range of tempos while touching on every nerve of emotions from love lost, love found and reluctance in love.The album also touches on life lessons, from living life to the fullest to appreciating what you have.

In addition to the album release, Bryan will be co-headlining a minor league baseball park tour in the US with Def Leppard (Rock 'N Roll Double-Header Tour) throughout the summer and supporting a Calvin Klein sponsored book , Calvin Klein - American Women, featuring photos of prominent women taken by Bryan Adams, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York (releasing this Spring). ... Read more

Reviews (18)

BA - Back in the Saddle
Finally, a new one from BA.Solid rocking tracks like Open Road and Room Service.A must have for Bryan Adams fans, both new and old.

Amazing New Album (cd)
Finally - a new Bryan Adams cd.This cd has the classic B.A> sound that we all love. Favorite tracks are East Side Story, OPen Road and Room Service.Highly recommed this one if your a Bryan Adams fan, still recommend it if your not - you will be .

Room Service- well worth the wait!!!!!!!!!!
It's been a long time coming, but finally, finally, a new CD from our very own bad boy.This CD is one of my favorites, it combines the rock tunes you love to sing along with, and the ballads that make you think.I would recommend any Bryan Adams fan to purchase this CD, money well spent! And to any new fans, this is a great start for you!!! Bryan Adams is the most talented singer/songwriter!ROOM SERVICE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Bryan Rocks!!!!
Well, the wait is finnaly over! We have a new Bryan Adams album - Room Service. And boy, it does sound good. For a relief, the memorable guitar hooks are back coupled with those big drums. And yah, the best part of a Bryan Adams album is that haunting, inimitable voice.

This one is a really diversified album. Rockers like "Open Road", "Room Service" "She's a little too good for me", set your feet tapping. Then for a change, Adams wrote some real meaningful lyrics for "Nowhere fast". And then there is "Right back where I started from". The guitar riff is so catchy that it just plays in your head all the time just after a couple of listens.
"East Side Story" brings back those youthful memories of buses and those one-sight loves. And cmon, if its a Bryan Adams record, ballads are a must. "Why do you have to be so hard to love" is, according to Bryan himself, Bryan's favourite track on this album. Yea Bryan, we share opinion on this. Then there is the signature style balled "Flying" full with mushy lyrics and slush production. "Not Romeo Not Juliet" is probably for most youth who can't decide if they are in love or not, when they know that they are. But the best of all ballads is "I Was Only Dreamin'" where Bryan showcasts his vocal range in a mind-blowing way.
All in all, you must buy this record.And go home and turn up the volume, and wake up your neighbours. Wake them up to a talented man named Bryan Adams.

Narrative Side of Bryan Paradise
Bryan's first studio album in six years has been finally out in the U.S. Six months behind Europe and Japan. My first impression is this album is somewhat like missing link between INTO THE FIRE, representing reclusive side of Bryan and WAKING UP THE NEIGHBORS, well-balanced Bryan Adams masterpiece in 1991. This album also has his signature rocker SHE'S A LITTLE TOO GOOD TO ME and ROOM SERVICE but on this release narrative songs give me strong impression. THIS SIDE OF PARADISE is such a nice narrative song which is already one of my all time Top 10 Bryan songs. NOT ROMEO NOT JULIET is another excellent narrative song which will be sure to become AAA station favorite. Ballads are excellent as well particularly FLYING and I WAS ONLY DREAMING. OPEN ROAD and ROOM SERVICE already released as singles in the Europe are so-so songs.

Verdict: Bryan is back to form. I am happy about that.
Rating: 85 out of 100. Not the finest but a solid one.
Best Fit Mood: Definitely best for morning listening. Or while driving along, say, Midwestern highway.
Recommended for: Bryan fans who want to boost his chart record in the U.S. Some of Richard Marx, Eric Clapton, Train, Hoobastank, Survivor, and George Harrison fans.
... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Buoyed by the runaway commercial success of Led Zeppelin IV, Jimmy Page used this 1973 follow-up to hone his already impressive production skills, and the result was a collection sporting an impressively expansive sound. Benefiting--especially on tracks such as "Dancing Days Are Here Again," "The Crunge," and "Over the Hills and Far Away"--was Zeppelin's always underrated rhythm section: thunder-fisted drummer John Bonham and rock-solid bassist John Paul Jones. Jones also emerged here as a secret weapon on keyboards with his subtle work on more pensive fare such as "No Quarter" and "The Ocean." And the goofy "D'yer Ma'ker" showed that Zeppelin had more of a sense of humor than most people ever gave them credit for. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (191)

Led Zeppelin changes the pace
Following the huge success of ZOSO (Led Zeppelin IV), Led Zeppelin had the confidence and reputation to go for a different sound and style. That change is evident on Houses of the Holy, their next release. Although it doesn't quite match up to it's predecessor, HOTH is still a solid release in it's own right.

Kicking off the album is the heavy rocker The Song Remains the Same, a frenzied tune you can't help but like. Following is one of Zeppelin's most underrated songs in The Rain Song. Much more laid back than SRTS, Rain Song is very beautiful thanks to some great keyboard accompaniments by John Paul Jones. Next up is the folksy Over the Hills and Far Away, the albums most enduring track radio airplay wise. It showcases Jimmy Page at his acoustic best. After Hills comes the funk inspired The Crunge, which is probably the weakest track of the album, although it features some great drumming by John Bonham. Dancing Days follows, which also recieves a lot of play time on the airwaves. D'yer M'aker, which displays a sense of humor rarely seen in the band with it's catchy lyrics. No Quarter is next, and along with SRTS is the song of the album. Dark, moody, and electrifying, the song works in part once again to some wonderful keyboarding by Jones. Closing out the set is The Ocean, another heavy rocker with a neat a capella section in the middle of the song.

Unfairly compared to other Zeppelin releases, HOTH is probably the one album that receives the most divided opinions from fans. Depending on your view, it's a fine, varied release or a huge disappointment considering the album that came before it. Perhaps what's most unfair of all is that it happens to be sandwiched between the band's two best releases, the 22 million selling ZOSO and their epic masterpiece, Physical Graffiti.

The Best From Zeppelin
After the runaway success of "Led Zeppelin IV," Led Zeppelin reconvened and did the absolutely astounding---they recorded a follow-up album that's even *better* than "Zeppelin IV" (though I certainly love "Zeppelin IV," mind you). 1973's "Houses Of The Holy" is, in my opinion, the band's masterpiece, a barnburning album that showcases all different sides to this legendary group, from the thrilling, galloping rock of "The Song Remains The Same," to the stunningly beautiful "The Rain Song," to the excellent acoustic/hard rock hybrid "Over The Hills And Far Away," to the cheerful, masterful, good-time rock of "The Crunge," "Dancing Days," "D'yer Mak'er," and the fun finale, "The Ocean." But the album's secret weapon, if you have to pick one, is "No Quarter," a magnificent, heavy, ominous song, and one of the band's most potent numbers. Robert Plant's vocals soar and swoop throughout the album with great gusto, Jimmy Page blows the doors off you with his magnificent fretwork, John Paul Jones' bass is a booming work of art, and his keyboard playing throughout is supreme, while the late, great John Bonham, is, as always, a towering monster on the drumkit. Cap it all off with Page's brilliant production and a stunning, memorable album cover (in this case, anonymous nude girls climbing on rocks) and you've got yourself a Led Zeppelin masterpiece. "Houses Of The Holy" is a thrilling Zeppelin album, with Led Zeppelin totally on top of the world and on top of their game. An outstanding rock classic.

One star
This CD just not good. Man who sing songs look a like a man and sound like woman, like woman feeling painful too much, guitar player use guitar that sound cheap, just loud and songs making no sense. Also naked children on CD cover! I just try to warn people careful spending good earned money on strange CD. And music fan from Houston, in your review you misspell many words so it look like your english not so great either.

To music fan from Houston
Ok, ok I not review this CD again. I just try and warn people before they spend their good earned money on strange CD. Maybe they be sorry they buy it! And my english teacher say I doing good in english for being here only six month. Your english not so good either. I FROM Chicago, not "form" like in your post. And THEREOF one word, not "there of" like you say. And it GRAMMAR, not "grammer" like you spell it. Clean up your own chicken before they come home to roost!

And nothing wrong with Maddonna. You listen her CD, you see how much talent she have. Brintey Spears new CD good too. She the next Madonna. Better than strange band who make CD using cheap guitar and singer who look a like a man but sound like woman and like he feeling in pain so much.

Hey...Music fan form Chicago!
Music fan form Chicago shows the intelligence level (or lack there of) of your typical Madonna / Britney Spears fan. Do us all favor ...never write another review ever again. Also...take some gammer classes. Maybe one day you can learn how to spell, and form complete sentence without sounding like an idiot. But maybe that's just wishful thinking. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With their dueling guitar leads and harmonies built on a double drummer foundation, the Allman Brothers Band cast the mold for the southern rock sound that would proliferate in the '70s. Virtuoso musicians, their songs drew upon a number of southern influences, including country, the blues, New Orleans jazz, and even gospel, creating a sound that was distinctly theirs. Decade of Hits is a great catalog of the Allman's at their guitar wielding best. The sweet, infectious harmonies on the instrumental "Jessica" have become a classic reference point in themselves. Next to the tragedies that plagued them--two motorcycle deaths, heroin addiction--the Allman's are probably best known for the heroic "Ramblin' Man." Written and sung by the now legendary Dickey Betts, the song contained everything that made the band great: intricate guitar harmonies, a strong melody, and just enough twang to keep the thing tight. Decade also contains Allman staples "Melissa," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," and "Southbound." --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Perfect selection from their catalogue
The Allman Brothers Band A Decade of Hits has a very essential selection of songs from the bands best albums. The ABB was composed of some of the best musicians from the south. Duane Allman's sweet slide guitar is heard at its peak on Ramblin Man and Statesboro blues. Dickey Betts finest compositions were not spared on this one. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, Ramblin Man, and Jessica among others are sweeping instrumental jams where the talents of all the band members are shown. And if you thought this band was just big on the electric guitars, organs, and dual-drummers, then they've thrown in a Little Martha with just Duane on the acoustic with a pacific tune. After Duane died the band had forge on and Greg wrote the uplifting Ain't Wasting Time Nor More. The band proved they could still rock on songs like Crazy Love and Wasted Words. Some of the material on this album is taken from the Fillmore Concerts such as Statesboro and One Way Out. These two tracks just hint at the enormous amount of riffs, licks, and solos that appear on the "Live at the Fillmore East" album. So if your into the more instrumental "jam band" aspect of ABB then buy the Fillmore East live album, even though this album covers that aspect of them sufficiently. The thing that I love most about this band is that they not only are incredible songwriters and singers but they are such masters of the instruments that they play. This album shows all the different talents that the band had and now all that is left other than the remaining members is the music. And this is the best of their songs.

A strong anthology
Concentrating as it does on the most popular songs released by the Allman Brothers, "A Decade of Hits," manages to hit all of the 1970s studio highlights from this troubled band's heyday. While it is true that the Allmans cemented their reputation with incredible live marathon songs (some lasting a half hour or more) there's hardly room on a disc like this for them. Instead, this CD makes the argument that the Allmans were first rate writers of more conventional rock songs as well. Many of these are staples on classic rock radio, like "Ramblin' Man," "Melissa," "Blue Skies," and "Midnight Rider." Other highlights include "Ain't Wasting Time No More," "Jessica," the Duane Allman swan song "Little Martha" and "Statesboro Blues." Also included are a couple of longer early blues rock cuts, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Whipping Post."

The only drawback on this CD is that it doesn't contain any bonus material. But anyone just beginning their Allman Brothers collection could hardly ask for better.

Allman's are a little hard to get into, so just buy it !
and listen it for yourself. I paced and picked this up and down many times at the store before I bought it. I just say blue jeens on the cover and thought "hick-city usa!". I live in Florida, but I'm not very "Southern" so, the thought of buying something similar to "cough" Lenard Skynard scared me. Well the Allman Brothers, with a few exceptions, are much beter than expected. This is "hits" from thier prime and its still good. The music is engineered very well and is fun to listen to. There are drop dead instrumentals like "In Memory of Elizebeth Reed" and , of course "Jessica". There are a few songs a little hokey for me like "Blue Sky", but it still isen't so bad. This is feel good music, so don't except anything depressing. Listen to modern rock if you want something to get depressed about.

A good introduction to the Allman Brothers Band
This superbly remastered 75-minute overview is a very fine introduction to the Allman Brothers Band, and it includes most of their early classics, songs like "Statesboro Blues", "Whipping Post", "Melissa", and "Ramblin' Man".
But it is certainly a shame that some of their best early blues songs, like "It's Not My Cross To Bear", "Black Hearted Woman", "Come And Go Blues", and the Allman's take on "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Trouble No More", have been omitted, and if I were looking for the perfect introduction to the Allman Brothers Band, I would go with the lesser-known anthology "The Road Goes On Forever", which came out in 2001 in a superb expanded edition. The beginner may still prefer to go with this cheaper single-disc overview, but "The Road Goes On Forever" is the very best choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview of the Allman Brothers' classic recordings.

Does it get any better than this? I think not
A Decade of Hits could be a greatest hits, with only a few omissions. But even on many so-called greatest hits albums you're not likely to get everything you'd like. Usually, you have to shell out even more money for every song by a particular band or artist. And even these often remain largely incomplete. Therefore, it is hardly fair of me to fault A Decade of Hits when it delivers numerous great songs and doesn't even claim to be a greatest hits or complete song collection.

Of the 16 songs on the CD, 13 are excellent are better-than-average, while 2 are "good", and only one unlistenable (appropriately titled Wasted Words, it should never have made its way onto this fine collection), but this is just my opinion, and others are free to disagree. What this means further is that there is better than a 93% satisfaction rate (hence the 5 stars). Moreover, the price is a steal--you would pay more than $1 per song for some of these gems, and yet you're paying much less than that, around $0.75 per for all 16; if you're interested in what you're paying for the best of the best, about 13 or so, you're still paying only $0.92 or so. Simply stated, it does not get much better than this, and one would be hard-pressed to find a better CD collection, across time and genre, band or solo. That is my 2 cents. Now enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If they are to believed, David Gates and the other members of Bread never intended to become the enduring icons of a subgenre they virtually invented: soft rock. Indeed, scattered throughout this expanded edition of a perennial bestselling catalog album are tuneful evidence of their original intent, as one band mate said, "to make the '60s last a little longer." But it's the familiar, largely Gates-penned and -sung hit singles that remain the band's legacy, from "Make It with You" through the reunited band's last hurrah, "Lost Without Your Love." Though they've become oft-mocked clichés, these are singles informed with a rare, often complex melodic sense, delivered with a deceptively breezy tone by one of pop's purest tenors. Gates and Bread clearly colored artists as diverse as '80s MOR icon Christopher Cross and nouveau singer-songwriter David Mead. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Stunning Collection
Rhino's remastered "BEST OF BREAD" is, above and beyond, the ultimate single disc hits collection of the group's endearing hit singles that also includes some of their lesser known "45's" and notable "B" sides. To give BREAD credit for "inventing the soft rock sound" is a zealous huge mistake...that honor belongs to the quintessential soft rock 1960's pop band, The ASSOCIATION, and their chart companions The Turtles, who quite remarkably, effortlessly, unknowingly and undeniably pioneered the genre, set the groundwork and created the market for such stellar hit recording pop bands such as the Carpenters, ABBA, Bread, Tony Orlando & Dawn, Culture Club, Bangles, and solo artists such as Whitney Houston, Madonna, Phil Collins, and Anne Murray, and amongst many others, who all went on to sell millions upon millions of records with their respective soft rock hit singles and albums. BREAD is a genuine pop rock band that deserves its credit for their enduring and originally composed hit singles, but, they were not the pioneering band they have been unfairly acclaimed and credited to be. BEST OF BREAD remains an ESSENTIAL collection for every Top 40 music lover's library.

Soft Rock Excellence
One of the biggest problems I had with Bread was not with their music, but that my friends who liked Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath. Alice Cooper and others of various "more serious" rock genres, as did I, made fun of me any time I mentioned Bread. Well, the fact remains that I did like Bread and continue to like Bread from time to time, so much so that I own this CD.

David Gates has a great voice for the maudlin music he sings. The song I think of most is "Diary", a poignant song about the fear that all of us as young males had that the girl we love loves someone else. David Gates just rips your heart out with his soft mellow words as he reveals that the writings in the diary of his girlfriend weren't in fact about himself, but another guy. Talk about a gut-wrencher.

But of course the gut-wrenching emotion doesn't stop there. Here is a guy singing about himself and all of us and our dreams for the girls and women we love. "Lost Without Your Love", "Sweet Surrender", "Aubrey", "It Don't Matter to Me", "Make It With You", "Everything I Own", and more...David Gates just refuses to let you be anything other than morose about relationships. But somehow that doesn't matter. It seems like there are times when I just can't get enough of David Gates pouring out his heart, making me feel that he and I are one when it comes to how women can tear our hearts out. But that's okay, because it feels good to hear about it in David's songs.

Okay, I admit that maybe you have to be a little self-destructive in listening to this music. However, it can be a little cathartic too to listen to what you feel out loud. Just don't listen to this music while you are drinking a lot, you might feel too maudlin for your own good. On the other hand, if it makes you go sing a Bread song outside the window of your girlfriend's house, or apartment, maybe it's a good thing.

This CD is great stuff in small doses. Well performed mellow and soft rock, very romantic. Perfect for the right mood. I wish they still made music like this.

MY SOFT SPOT
well, i was a little baby when these guys were playing, but i do remember their songs. It just so happens that i love their music. Guitar Man is a very inspriational song for any musician (which i am one). Lost without Your Love is amazing love song. Pretty much all the songs on this are really nice and sweet. As for the guy who wrote a review for this, "Da Peace Dawg"... yo man, i listen to AC/DC, Metallica, Iron Maiden as well...and i love these guys...everyone has a SOFT SPOT...yours is Dokken, obviously..(i am laughing)...everyone else...all love..peace

Wonderful
So many wonderful songs on this CD..big hits of a long time ago, but still very good! Bread had a knack for these kinds of songs, songs that capture the heart!

These guys were so weak
Thanks, Bread, you ushered in an era of Air Supply, Christopher Cross, Toto and Chicago. And for that, these guys are to be revered? Gimmee a stinkin' break. Rock music was at its worst in the early '80s, and it's these shaggy-haired hippies that are solely responsible. Thank goodness the world was soon saved by Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Styx, AC/DC and Dokken. For without those groundbreaking metal bands, we'd still be saddled with the dusky '70s boredom that is Bread.

Avoid this sluggish "rock" at all costs, and instead pick up anything Motley Crue or Judas Priest.

ROCK AND ROLL SHAN'T NEVER DIE!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The pre-Hotel California years were arguably the best for The Eagles (though there were, thanks to Joe Walsh, some stellar future moments). Their mix of country, folk, and rock had a harder, grittier edge, and helped define what would become known as the Southern California sound. There was just enough of a country feel in the beautiful harmonies of "Best of My Love," to blur the edges between the genres. "Take It Easy" and "Lyin' Eyes" could easily have come out of the new Nashville school, as well. The twang that characterizes the guitar intro to "Already Gone" and the leads in "Witchy Woman" and "One of These Nights," also pays tribute to country's guitar greats. Greatest Hits 1971-1975 houses a scant ten singles, but not only does it illustrate the magic of the collaboration between Glen Frey and Don Henley, it shows the breadth of The Eagles impact on the many who would follow their lead. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (120)

A great album that any Eagles fan would enjoy
Before I begin I'd like to point out that what most people don't seem to notice is that this is only the best selling album in the United States NOT of all time (meaning around the world). "The Eagles Greatest Hits 1971-1975" has only sold 29 million copies worldwide. Worldwide, Thriller still stands at 56 Million worldwide. So while Thriller is second in America its still the best selling album of all time.

Though some may argue that "The Eagles" rightly deserves the number one spot. Traveling around the world you'll notice that "The Eagles" isn't nearly as popular worldwide as Americans wish they would be.

These songs are classics however and I'll say that while this album is better than Thriller in many ways why compare THIS music to Michael Jackson? Sales don't mean a thing! It's about whether or not the people like it or not. Just because it sold 27 million in the US doesn't mean all 27 million that bought it loved this album.

I did love this album however, enjoy this CD a lot. Ten songs is great but they really should've put more songs on this album. More hits, and maybe even some of their earlier hits could've been used. The album doesn't do nearly as much as it could to secure the music "The Eagles" have given us.

A greatest hits that could have taken it to the limit
Having read David Fuller's review, I couldn't agree more...buy the gold disc! Worth every penny!

This album has, as of November 1999, become the biggest seller of all time: 26 million copies worth. Thriller is in second place at 25 million. And it's easy to see why. This perfectly captures the Eagles early years of country rock, before the Eagles turned all out rockers with Joe Walsh and Hotel California.

In fact, the ten selections are well sequenced flowing nicely together. Henley's vocals are judiciously split four per side. Each album is evenly represented on both sides of the LP.

The gold disc boasts superior sound, remastered directly from the two track stereo tapes. Curious is the fact that the track times are two seconds longer on each track. Compression on the orginal LP and CD perhaps? The jacket depicts the 3-D effect on the eagles skull, and features all the orginal graphics, including the LP labels.

One reviewer wished this CD could have been expanded. A couple of interesting facts: One, there were two singles from Desperado, Tequila Sunrise is on this, but Desperado was not a single. I'm glad it is on this. It is a track deserving of being on a greatest hits. However, the other single was Outlaw Man! Interesting!

Second, On The Border had three singles. Two of them are on this, but James Dean is not.

Lastly, we have a missing B-Side. The flip side to Take It Easy is a song penned by Henley-Frey called Get You In The Mood. To my knowledge, it is not on any Eagles album. I do not have much information on this 3:52 obscurity.

What we need is a comprehensive Eagles singles anthology. Let's hope we will get that, I mean the 30th anniversary is coming shortly. That's a hint!

EAGLES KICK A$$
It F***IN rocks out.If you are a big eagles fan or you don't even like the eagles, you will still say that this album rocks out.Rock the F*ck ON!

They're are still loved, even after 3 decades for a reason!
I just wanted to respond to a previous entry about the Eagles being better without Joe Walsh! Of course that is a personal opinion, however here is mine! I love the Eagles, and without Joe Walsh, there would be no Eagles!! Those guys together, are like magic.. This CD is by far one of the best CD's I own! Not only do I recommend it, I encourage it. All of the songs just get you rockin, whether you're on the road, at work, or just hangin out! I was lucky enough to see them perform, and let me tell you, they brought the house down, every single one of them!

Better without Joe Walsh
-
Yeah I know that may be heresy for me to say that but I really didn't care for "Hotel California" or "The Long Run" all that much, and preferred The Eagles when Bernie Leadon was with the band. Just my personal preference, ok?

This CD takes some of the best tracks from those early (pre-Joe Walsh) Asylum albums and by today's standards, it could have been longer, but the vinyl only had ten songs on it to begin with, so it's consistent.

See if you can find this at a steep discount. The same with "Greatest Hits Volume 2" which only pulls off tracks from the last two albums with Joe Walsh.
_ ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sloppy in conception, and even sometimes in the playing, Let It Be often gets a bad rap. Unfairly, as it's often as charming, well written, and (oh yeah) rocking as the Beatles' "better" albums; it's also more outright fun than Abbey Road, the masterpiece it followed into the stores. With Lennon and McCartney working together on the perfect "I've Got a Feeling," "Two of Us," and "Dig a Pony," it's hard to believe these guys were about to implode. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (275)

Raw and underappreciated classic...
Generally regarded as the weakest record the Fab Four ever released, Let It Be has unjustly become the least appreciated Beatles album. With the release of Let It Be...Naked, a newly remastered, un-produced version of the album, I feel that the original record released in 1970 is in need of some defense. Recorded after the monolith "White Album", the project began as Paul McCartney's idea to return to the band back to it's stripped down, rock n' roll roots. This was probably the most tension-filled period of Beatle existence, and George Harrison even quit the band for a short time during recording. Eventually, the band gave up and sent the tapes to legendary "wall of sound" pioneer Phil Spector to produce a releasable album. Let It Be was the result. The general consensus is that Spector butchered the album with his production on songs like George's "I Me Mine", John's "Across the Universe", and especially Paul's "The Long and Winding Road". I strongly disagree: "I Me Mine" was a short fragment of a song until Spector looped one of the verses and turned it into one of Harrison's finest Beatles contributions; "Across the Universe" was a tossed off acoustic number that John supposedly hated, but with the Spector production it becomes a soaring, majestic classic. Finally, Paul was infuriated when he heard the Spector version of his "Long and Winding Road", and many fans agreed that the song's production was overdone. I don't think so: the song itself was an overblown pop number, and without Spector's touches it just sounds like an awkwardly produced overblown pop number.

The rest of the album is comprised of the raw rock n' roll songs that were products of the original intent of the sessions. "Two of Us" is a strong acoustic duet between Paul and John; "Dig a Pony" is a hard hitting song penned by Lennon that is reminiscent of his own "Instant Karma". Everyone has heard the classic title track, one of the most beautiful songs the band ever recorded. "I've Got a Feeling" is a raw, exciting track consisting of two song ideas combined into one for a wonderful effect. The whole album carries a careless, even funny atmosphere, mostly due to the various snippets of studio chatter and the short jam tracks ("Dig It" and "Maggie Mae") that are interspersed throughout. The hilarious and unforgettable John Lennon comment after the classic album closer "Get Back" is the perfect cap to the record that is basically a snapshot of the Beatles as a creative unit whilst they were falling apart at the seams. For this reason alone it is an essential purchase for any rock fan, but fortunately it is laced with spectacular songs that seal its place as an underrated rock classic.

On a separate note, I strongly advise first time listeners out there to purchase this before the bastardized Let It Be...Naked, which exists only for McCartney to get rid of Spector's production. Even more irritating is the fact that the jovial atmosphere that made the original so special is totally lost on the reissue due to the absence of the enjoyable jam tracks and deletion of ALL studio chatter. The fact is that the original Let It Be best represented the Beatles vision (Lennon actually liked it, George has passed away, and Ringo is Ringo). Don't buy into McCartney's singular vision. Just hear this record.

One of the Greatest Albums ever.
This album is such a great and wonderful work of genius. It's the only Beatles album produced by Phil Spector, but it shouldn't have been. Phil did a great job. It starts out with 'Two Of Us' which is great. It's just a light-hearted feel-good song. Then 'Dig A Pony', one of the Beatles best songs. John and George's guitar playing on that song is great. Next is 'Across The Universe', which has a great melody and great vocals. Then, 'I Me Mine', possibly Harrison's greatest song. 'Dig It' is very short, but it leads into 'Let It Be', which is one of the greatest songs ever. 'Maggie Mae' is short and catchy. I get it stuck in my head all the time. 'I've Got A Feeling' is good, and 'One After 909' is up-tempo, but 'The Long And Winding Road' is the albums best song. You can hear the emotion in Pauls voice. 'For You Blue' is another key example of how Harrison could craft a great song. The last song, 'Get Back', is perhaps the most well-known song on here. It is very good. All and all, I'd say, BUY THE ALBUM!

It's fun
Listening to this I thought one of two things, is this bad in comparison to albums like Abbey Road and Revolver, or is it just different? I think I'm leaning towards diffrenent. I have to stand up for Spector, his production gives the album a unique sound to the Beatles catalogue. And what's wrong with him trying to be experimental as a producer on Across the Universe? It's an unusual song. I'll have to see if I can hear the other version and tell you which one I like better. While I wont tell you this is the best Beatles album, there is still moments of greatness. I me mine is a tongue in cheek look at either egotism and/or introspection. The way George sings it give it drama. Get Back and For you blue are excellent, chugging rhythm and blues numbers that are fun, and then there's two McCartney Staples, Let it be and The long and winding road. I personally like Spectors production, and as I said it's unique for a Beatles album to have such a production. Across the universe is an intereseting song and the other songs are fun, if anything. It's interesting to hear the Beatles trying to just have a bit of fun without trying to make a masterpiece. It was a wonderful idea to make a 'live' album, minus the polish and endless takes of their usual album. There's only one song I don't like, all the others are a great listen.

Probably My Favorite Beatles Album
This album has always seemed to get bad reviews. The absence of George Martin as producer is often cited. However, I couldn't help but enjoy every song for its uniqueness. Perhaps this isn't the most original of all Beatles albums, but the group was under a huge amount of stress at the time. For life-long fans like myself, it's an essential. Many of the songs like "Let It Be" and "I Me Mine" indicate how the group felt at the time--the turmoil surrounding them. I also enjoy the studio talk and cool cut and paste songs like "Dig It" and "I've Got a Feeling." "Dig it, dig it, dig it..."

Good but not great
Even though this was recorded before Abbey Road, Let It Be was the final release of the Beatles, and it feels like their last recording. Phil Spector must have been baffled with the tapes he received, because his production here is sloppy: besides famously overpowering The Long and Winding Road with too much orchestration (granted, some disagree) he adds bits of dialogue, goofing, and warming up to the main tracks. This is probably to give the album more of a "live" feel as was the original intention, but Let It Be feels too rough and uneven. Still, there's some appeal to that raw vibe (when it doesn't feel forced by Spector or overpowered by orchestration). Nonetheless, I prefer Let It Be...Naked and recommend it to the casual fan who wants the songs here (save Maggie Mae and Dig It which aren't included on Naked. However, I doubt any casual fans will be looking for those songs). While Let It Be doesn't earn 5 stars in my book, I can't give it a very low rating either, because some of these songs are just fantastic, even if the delivery of the product isn't as polished as Naked. Let It Be, Across the Universe and I've Got a Feeling are pretty unforgettable. Other favorites of mine include Dig a Pony, Two of Us, and the underrated For You Blue, which is catchy as hell. Also it must be stated that Get Back is a great album closer, complete with the sketchy start, the spirited live playing, and the humorous outro which is a nice touch to end the Beatles' last album ("hope we passed the audition...") As a song list, Let It Be is hard to beat. Completists (like me) shouldn't hesitate to buy this CD. If you have this, the dozen other Beatles albums, and the two Past Masters collections, you've got everything the Beatles released in the eight years between Ringo joining and Paul publicly calling it quits.
4/6 ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Most critics complain Back in Black, the album AC/DC recorded after the death of their original lead screamer Bon Scott, is ridiculously juvenile, obvious, snickering, bludgeoning, derivative, single-minded about sex and booze, a big cartoon. All true, of course, and--on rock 'n' ragers like "What Do You Do For Money Honey," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the title track--all great. As Scott's replacement Brian Johnson reminds us, loud and crunchy, no-holds-barred "rock and roll ain't noise pollution...it makes good, good sense." Never trust anyone who refuses to drink domestic beer, laugh at the Three Stooges, or crank Back in Black. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Still the best
In February 2003, the American distribution rights to AC/DC's back catalog transferred over to Epic, their new label. Epic then reissued the band's catalog as remastered digipacks containing lavish, expanded booklets with plenty of rare photographs, memorabilia and notes.

Although the digipacks may wear a little too easy, the sound is terrific, clean and muscular, enhancing the raw qualities of the original record. And "Back In Black" certainly deserves this kind of loving treatment; it is AC/DC's best and most popular album by far, having sold well over forty million copies worldwide, which makes it one of the ten best-selling albums ever, regardless of genre.
(AC/DC remains the single best-selling hard rock or heavy metal band in the world, nearing the 150.000.000 mark, and outselling bands like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and even the mighty Led Zeppelin.)

"Back In Black" is one of rock's all-time classic records. Not a single weak track is included, even the lesser-known album tracks are strong, and it is filled with powerful riffs, huge hooks and tough, bluesy grooves.
The lyrics are a joke, of course, all booze and sex and rock n' roll, and Brian Johnson screams rather than sings, but AC/DC at the top of their game wrote the best, catchiest hard rock songs you can imagine, like the grand, anthemic "Hell's Bells" or the magnificent title track.

And AC/DC doesn't just thrash away or plod along like your average heavy metal band; they literally swing on "Have A Drink On Me", and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young churns out one sturdy riff after another. Just listen to the incredible groove he lays down on songs like "Given The Dog A Bone", "Back In Black", "You Shook Me All Night Long", and the slow, bluesy (and superbly sleazy) "Let Me Put My Love Into You".

Hard rock doesn't get any better than this. In fact, it barely ever gets this good.

Still the best
In February 2003, the American distribution rights to AC/DC's back catalog transferred over to Epic, their new label. Epic then reissued the band's catalog as remastered digipacks containing lavish, expanded booklets with plenty of rare photographs, memorabilia and notes.

The sound is terrific, clean and muscular, enhancing the raw quaities of the original record, and "Back In Black" certainly deserves this kind of treatment; it is AC/DC's best and most popular album by far, having sold well over forty million copies worldwide, which makes it one of the ten best-selling albums ever, regardless of genre.
(AC/DC remains the single best-selling hard rock or heavy metal band in the world, nearing the 150.000.000 mark, and outselling bands like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and even the mighty Led Zeppelin.)

"Back In Black" is one of rock's all-time classic records. Not a single weak track is included, even the lesser-known album tracks are strong, and it is filled with powerful riffs, huge hooks and tough, bluesy grooves.
The lyrics are a joke, of course, all booze and sex and rock n' roll, and Brian Johnson screams rather than sings, but AC/DC at the top of their game wrote the best, catchiest hard rock songs you can imagine, like the grand, anthemic "Hell's Bells" or the magnificent title track.

And AC/DC don't just thrash away or plod along like your average heavy metal band; they literally swing on "Have A Drink On Me", and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young churns out one sturdy riff after another. Just listen to the incredible groove he lays down on songs like "Given The Dog A Bone", "Back In Black", "You Shook Me All Night Long", and the slow, bluesy (and superbly sleazy) "Let Me Put My Love Into You".

Hard rock doesn't get any better than this. In fact, it barely ever gets this good.

Their masterpiece
Where to start with Back in Black? This is easily AC/DC's best work and is certainly one of the greatest hard rock/metal albums ever made.

A tribute to former signer Bon Scott, Back in Black opens with the tolling of bells in the intro of the haunting Hells Bells. It only gets better from there. Each of the 10 tracks on Back in Black are outstanding. Of course the 'hits' Back in Black and You Shook Me All Night Long have helped this album maintain it's popularity. But there are a lot of albums with two 'hits' that don't have the staying power of Back in Black.

24 years after it's initial release Back in Black still delivers. If you are a fan of hard rock or heavy metal you will love Back in Black.

BEST ALBUM EVER MADE
now look at some bands where a band member dies and they go away forever,did ac/dc....NO!this album contains so much emotion,after the great bon scotts death people and critics thought ac/dc would never be the same,they were correct,they were even better.EVERY song is a hit and a classic!the album took a while to sale in the us.now look at it the 6th (or 7th)best selling album of all time!!brians vocals,angus and mals guitar riffs,cliffs bass playing power,phils groove,and the emotion and sadness make this awwwwwwwwesssssoooooooommmmmmeeeee!

an AC/DC classic
Brians first album with AC/DC. This album has some great songs on it Back in Black, Shoot to Thrill,Hells Bells and a many others the only dumb song on this album is Givin the Dog a Bone a really cheesy track indeed. I reccomend getting the remastered version over the original CD release. Epic has also re-issued all of AC/DCs albums on high quality vinyl so go and get this classic gem. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

America Gets Their Complete Greatest Hits On One CD!
Finally, America gets a Complete Greatest Hits on one cd, without having to buy their expensive box set. I've always enjoyed America's brand of folk rock from the first time I heard on radio "A Horse With No Name" way back in 1972. I actually thought it was Neil Young singing and to my surprise I never realized it was this great band called America. This Complete Greatest Hits has it all, from songs from 1972 to 2002. All the great songs are here such as "A Horse With No Name", "I Need You", "Ventura Highway", "Don't Cross The River", "Tin Man", "Lonely People", "Sister Golden Hair", and so on. I always thought America had harmonies similar to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young who are my absolute favorite artists of all time. If you, like me love America then you gotta have this collection.

A new classic
An excellent compilation plus two brand new songs! It contains all their charted singles and some of their album classics that received a lot of airplay and were hits in their own rights! If you are a new or casual America fan, this is the CD to start with. It is the most complete single CD compilation available. And if you are a hardcore fan, you will have to buy this for the two new songs (and you know Rhino planned it that way). The sound quality and packaging are first class, but Rhino always seems to do everything first class. Highly recommended!!!

AMERICA classic music for real people
AMERICA has some of the most soothing & also some of the most energy creating music on earth. Sort of in a quiet way their music can fill you up if you allow yourelf to get lost in a full LP. Their lyrics are both heartfelt as well as soulful.
They have done almost 20 LP's/CD's of original material, you really have to listen to some of their newer material. They are still touring & going stronger than ever. They did release a Christmas CD, HOLIDAY HARMONY last year. It is amazing ! This greatest hits is a great representation of some of their finest work.

incomplete greatest hits
america should included 3 more songs to make it really a complete greatest hits album. these songs are ALL MY LIFE, ALL AROUND & INSPECTOR MILLS.

Very Good Greatest Hits CD
It's about time when they would release the best hits of America ranging from the early 70's to the early 80's on one single disc and we get to hear two brand new unreleased tracks and they're one of the best groups of the 70's due to a wide diversity of music ranging from folk rock, soft rock and pop rock, if you're a new fan of America, then this CD is an excellent choice for you and the booklet is very informative and interesting, I had no idea that Dan Peek left the group in 1977 until I bought this CD 2 years ago, no fan of 70's music should be without this CD, even the ones on a small budget. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Some of Queen's Greatest Hits
Queen released albums from 1973 to 1995. In that time Queen made a lot of music that was "great". Thus, as with most artists that have been around for more than 20 years, it is impossible to capture all of their hits or best music on a single CD. Recently this difficulty was recognized with a boxed set of three CDs that captured a much greater cross section of their music.

I consider this collection of Queen music their popular music. Much of it was mellow or radio friendly, and thus much of it hit the top 10. Given that Queen had a very eclectic repertoire, you'll find quirky songs such as "Fat Bottomed Girls" next to the mellow love song "Somebody to Love". Queen's progressive rock and harder rock songs are only barely represented on this particular collection, though strains of their harder edge show through in songs like "Bicycle Race" and "Another One Bites the Dust".

In many ways Queen was an album group. While most of their albums stop short of being true concept albums, most of their albums did have a theme. Also, their music was organized carefully to provide a presentation of the music that was greater than the sum of the individual songs. Thus, listening to a "greatest" collection does little to express the true scope of this group. I recommend this CD as one that provides a small sampling of Queen, and some of their more mellow music at that. You need to also have "Classic Queen" to additional hits such as "Bohemian Rhapsody". You may also want to consider "The Platinum Collection: Greatest Hits I, II and III", which is perhaps the most comprehensive set short of buying albums.

Though this CD is lacking in its breadth, I still give it 5 stars because Queen was such a great group, and the songs here do represent a small portion of their incredible talent.

EXCELLENT Compilation!
This is one of those rare high quality "greatest hits" compilations that deal a hearty selection of great Queen Songs during their finest hours. If you want only one Queen CD with a solid grouping of Queen's work, this package is the way to go. You not only get their signature songs, but also a great sampling of their best songs that got little radio play like "Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy," "Seven Seas of Rhye," and "Now I'm Here."

All of Queen's albums from their debut up until the 1978 release of "Jazz" are, in my opinion, such excellent pieces of work that any could qualify as a "Greatest Hits" collection. In fact, the only reason I would want to steer you away from this CD is because while everything here is very good, there is so much premium Queen music packed into each of their individual albums of that era. "Sheer Heart Attack" is a masterpiece, and "News of the World" is such a strong album that it is almost one big song unto itself.

My only disappointment with this CD is the lack of material from their first two albums. Songs like "Keep Yourself Alive," "King Rat" and "Ogre Battle" would have been great on this collection. Still, this is a minor complaint, since this CD is a much tighter and solid collection than the other two prominent Queen compilations: "Classic Queen" does have "Keep Yourself Alive" but is a hit-&-miss album overall, and the 2 disc "Greatest Hits" is good, but does not let the band's greatness shine like this CD does.

If you are just getting familiar with Queen's work and want to sample a CD to get a feel which tunes grab you, this is a really good place to start.

No Bohemian Rhapsody
This is a very Queen album, but it doen't have Bohemian Rhapsody on it and thats their best song. Still you should definitley get it if you can.

Definitely worthwhile
This collection is necessary to anybody who likes rock. Queen are the greatest band ever (in my opinion).

Queen are famous for 'We will rock you' and 'we are the champions', but those aren't the best songs on the album. 'Another one bites the dust' and 'Crazy little thing called love' are all-time classics, and they were Queen's first two #1 hits in the US.
'Killer Queen' and 'Somebody to Love' are both brilliant songs. Other notable songs are 'Bicycle Race', 'Now I'm here', 'seven seas of rhye', and 'Don't stop me now.'
There are, however, two minor errors.

1) Bohemian Rhapsody, the best song in the history of the world, is missing. But it's on 'Classic Queen', so now worries.
2) 'I want to break free', although a fantastic song, was released in 1984, when everyhting else was before 1982. Classic Queen is supposed to pick up where this album left off.

Classic Queen MUST be bought with this to do justice. It covers Queen's later works.

WHAT??!?!?!?!?
this is a pretty good queen greatest hits cd with just most of their popular radio hits and i gave it two stars for the one problem i had with this cd WHERE IN THE HECK IS BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY?!?!?!?!?!?!?? for that reason alone nobody should buy this cd go and look for a better greatest hits cd of queen one that has RHAPSODY!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Spanning 22 years, this double-disc, 36-track compilation chronicles the initially unlikely and ultimately triumphant conflation of a failing, veteran English neo-blues band (Mick Fleetwood and the McVies) with a pair of mercurial American also-rans (the baroque folk-rock genius Lindsey Buckingham and crypto-songbird Stevie Nicks). The creative alchemy was immediate, as 15 epochal tracks ("Dreams," "Say You Love Me," "The Chain," "Don't Stop") from Fleetwood Mac and Rumours here attest. They could have arguably repeated that mega-successful formula for a decade, but chose a more musically expansive tack, represented "Sara," Think About Me" and the other core tracks drawn from the ambitious Tusk. While the band's megahit luster faded as the solo careers of Buckingham and Nicks took flight in the '80s, their power was still apparent in the dusky-bright pop of Christine McVie's "Hold Me" and "Little Lies." Sequenced with compelling listening rather than chronology in mind, this set also includes the strongest of the Mac's latter-day recordings (Nicks's "Paper Doll," "Silver Springs," and "No Questions Asked"; McVie's "As Long As You Follow"), as well the Lindsey Buckingham showcases "Go Insane" and "Big Love" from '97's The Dance. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (113)

Best Compilation...
This 2-CD compilation chronicals Fleetwood Mac's massive career post 1975...when Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined the former English blues/rock band. The first DISC is ENHANCED for computers and contains some great footage of Fleetwood Mac recording their new studio album due out SPRING 2003 with a tour to follow....the enhancement also gives you lyrics, and a link to a special website with rare live performances...

The selection of the 36 songs placed on this CD is great. You have the big hits like "Dreams," "Rhiannon," "You Make Lovin Fun," "Gypsy," "Sara," "Say You Love Me," "Hold Me," "Go Your Own Way," etc....and some great songs like Nicks' haunting "Sisters of the Moon," and Lindsey's live performance of the hit "Big Love," from 1997.
An added extra is the 1977 version of Stevie's ode to Lindsey, "Silver Springs." Many people do not have this version, but it is here. ALL of the songs have been remastered for SUPERB quality, and some of the songs are diff. versions than on the album...all of the songs are VERY full, and sound GREAT..the booklet has rare photos, and the whole thing is just GREAT....VERY recommended for any Fleetwood Mac fan, or any rock music fan.
Fleetwood Mac's massive career is all put into two CD's here. It also contains the 1997 great live versions of Lindsey Buckingham's solo hit "Go Insane," plus "I'm So Afraid." You can hear Stevie's bewitching vocals crystal clear in numbers like "Gold Dust Woman.." You have the beautiful songbird on Disc 1, Christine McVie, with songs like the haunting and classic "Songbird," the catchy "Love in Store," and her hits.
"THE CHAIN" begins Disc 1, and then goes right into the whole band on vocals with "Don't Stop."

The best collection of Fleetwood Mac to date!
2002 is proving to be a popular one for 2-CD anthologies by classic pop artists, including the Stones, Sly Stone, Santana, etc. (not to mention 31 Elvis hits crammed onto ONE disc). Two discs seems like a happy medium for artists who have too many highlights to fit onto one CD, yet who want to provide an economical overview for those who don't want to splurge for a multi-disc boxed set (or don't have that much time time to listen). The 36-track, 2-CD THE VERY BEST OF FLEETWOOD MAC lives up to its title. Granted, in most cases these sets rely on product recycled yet again, but that doesn't necessarily mean diminishing returns: the new sets tend to offer improvements both selection-wise and with the remastering.

If you are a newcomer thinking of buying RUMOURS (1977), instead why not throw in a few extra dollars and purchase this set. You'll find not only 9 of 11 tracks from that album, but also the majority of the 1975 disc FLEETWOOD MAC that introduced this lineup, almost everything you'd need from later studio albums, key non-lp tracks such as SILVER SPRINGS, and three inspired live cuts from their 1997 reunion broadcast. Every track from their prior GREATEST HITS CD is heard here (albeit one in an alternative version). All but four cuts are the album versions rather than single edits, and only a couple of the tracks might inspire debate about their designation as being representative of FMac at their "very best." The multimedia content covers a lot of ground, from a discography and song lyrics to a documentary and other rarities that are worth checking out, even if you're a casual fan. In all, if you just want one collection by this group, VERY BEST is the one to own!

Should have stopped when it was ahead
This 2 CD set includes all of the Fleetwood Mac's hits from albums "Fleetwood Mac" & "Rumours" (Basically it contains the entire "Rumours" album, minus 2 tracks).
"Tusk", "Mirage", "Tango in the Night" are also represented well on this collection. I won't bother to go into every song and whether or not it should have been included in this set, but anything from "The Dance" should have been left off in place of the original. "Big Love", the acoustic and whiny version presented here does not do the song justice. "Go Insane" I guess was a way for Buckingham to sneak in one of his solo hits onto a Mac album. It's also kind of sad to hear a band that was so original and inventive, go from songs like "The Chain" and "Tusk" to elevator pap like "Skies the Limit" and "Paper Doll". I enjoy the early stuff, hits or not, but everything after "Tango in the Night" should have been left to the record store bargain bins. Instead of buying this, look for used copies of Mac's early albums, I've seen them listed for $5 and under, you could probably buy all of them for the price of this one collection.

The mastering could be better
The choice of material is OK I guess, but come on, digital distortion in Songbird (both times when she sings "..the score...") and Rhiannon? Somebody was asleep at the controls.

Thankfully the remastered Tusk CD released this year wasn't pushed as hot as the tracks that appear on this collection were from it.

The 'Nearly' Complete Set
I've always been happy with my Fleetwood Mac Box Set (4 discs; 72 songs) and the 1990 Greatest Hits. But this double CD collection has sixteen more songs than the one from fourteen years prior. These include such unforgettable classics like, "Monday Morning", "Silver Springs", "Landslide", "Think About Me' and "Gold Dust Woman". "Family Man" and "Big Love (live)" are some clever Buckingham numbers, but not great. The videos on this Double CD are nice to watch, but one viewing will be all you'll probably need. Still, with the complete and exhaustive Box Set hard to find (and expensive), this surpasses the 1990 Greatest Hits collection by far. This is much more for the average interested fan, but also required for the collector - so it works for everyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What once seemed Queen's greatest liabilities--a preening flamboyance and pompous, overwrought theatricality--have ironically become their most enduring charms in a gray, postmodern pop-music landscape. While it eschews the glammy, pre-punk hard rock of live faves like "Stone Cold Crazy" and "Tie Your Mother Down" for the band's more quirky club-beat string of latter-day hits, this 51-track triple-CD anthology goes a long way toward documenting the true dimensions of the band's music and fame. Some songs may not be instantly familiar to American fans because of yet another irony: just as their U.S. fortunes waned during the punk and new wave era, the band was exploding into true international superstars. Thus, there may be a sense of discovery here, whether of latter-day Queen material or solo work by Brian May and Freddie Mercury, whose duet on "Barcelona" with diva Montserrat Caballé transcends boundaries of both time and genre. A previously unreleased live performance of "The Show Must Go On" featuring Elton John on vocals is also included. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Make yourself a Queen fan!
I dare you not to be a Queen fan after buying this CD set. This is probably the best Greatest Hits compilation I have ever seen. It includes all their best work, without leaving one or two of the best songs off, so that you have to buy a whole other CD just to get them, a novelty in today's market. Queen had a very unique style, created by four very talented men. Freddie Mercury, particularly, is one of the most talented rock singers I've heard. His untimely death was a great loss to rock music, curtailing what should have been a successful career continuing through today. The music Queen created has something for everyone, from rock 'n roll anthems, to dance flavored pop, to easy listening ballads, to swelling show-type tunes.

All of the songs in the collection are good, including nothing that could be classed as "filler". Disc 1 contains their hits up to about 1980, while Disc 2 covers their eighties hits, all of which are pleasantly representative of their era. I even like the unpopular "Greatest Hits 3". I like the samples of the band members' solo work, and the covers/samples of Queen's music by other artists, the standout of which is "Somebody to Love" by George Michael + Queen. I even like the remix of "Under Pressure", and I am someone who doesn't like remixes (especially when they do it to a favorite song), but this one is actually good, and contains some vocal variations from Freddie. And since I'm feeling kind today, I'll even say that the Wyclef Jean number on "Another One Bites the Dust" is interesting, and shows Queen represented in yet another form of music, hip-hop.

This is a great collection that is also a great bargain, especially for those new to Queen who want to sample the best stuff before diving into their pockets for the rest of the catalogue. So buy it, but be careful, because Freddie Mercury and Queen have converted me, and I'm now compelled to buy the rest of their cds; You just might feel the same!

2 for the price of 3?
Note the name of this compilation of songs. "Queens greatest hits". Not the best of, or queen stuff or something like that. The first 2 Cds are great but the third is pure rubbish! Maybe it is because the 3rd is severely wanting that they felt the need to combine it with the other two. What is the point? You probably already own at least GH one or two or maybe "classic queen" but there is no real reason to own GH3. Don't buy it!

Queen is one of my all time favorite rock bands and i own 2/3 of all their albums. I persoanlly think it is an abomination that songs performed by other people would make a so called queen CD. If somebody wants to do a queen tribute Cd using various artists much like they did with elton john's songs it would be great. But to throw these songs onto queen greatest hits CD? It's obvious that this is just a way to keep the wheel greased. That maybe; probably; a wycliff jean, david bowie, elton john or george micheal fan will snap this up just because they appear on it. I just think it harms the queen legacy.

I also object to using marginally popular solo efforts on a GH CD. Including freedie's or brian's solo material just cheapens evertything. The solo stuff just isn't the same, isn't as good. Sorry.

Want to experience queen? Than buy the first album "Queen". Then buy "Queen 2" and then maybe "Night at the opera". Experience one of rock's great bands the way you should.

...............socks

Definitive Queen!
The perfect collection to get introduced to Queen or have all their hits in one set. A fantastic buy, I couldn't love it more. Queen is AMAZING and always will be. They are truly the champions and one of the most underrated artists EVER!!! If there is one Queen collection to own, this is IT!

Great Collection at a Great Price
Although this is by no means a "definitive" collection it is a good introduction to those who may be new to Queens music, and a worthy addition to any existing fans home library. The chronological format demonstrates well the broad range of the bands talents, and their ability to grow and adapt to the music scene around them, coming back contantly into the charts for over 30 years. Gifted multi talented musicians in their own right, and long time friends, the flawless studio session reproduction is superb, the band who bragged about never using synthesizers (until the mid 80's when they had to give in)used a host of intruments and music styles throughout their long career, and after the tragic loss of Freddie Mercury in the 90's, consolidated their material, and added some new versions. The third disc is more eclectic, and although not personally my favorite has some good covers of the bands songs (with their participation) by other well known artists, as well as the excellent Under Pressue & Barcelona, and almost painfully bittersweet These are the Days of Our Lives. At under $30 for a 51 track anthology this really is GREAT value, and a timeless collection that will continue to enthrall each subsequent generation of listeners.

GREAT collection of Queen Favorites
(...)Disc 1 and Disc 2 of this box set are the great songs, disc 3 is not that good. But the price is totally worth it just for those first two! Queen is the classic rock band that will have to go down as one of the all-time greats. Even if there had never been "Bohemian Rhapsody", there are SO many other great tunes these guys created as well. Freddie Mercury had freakishly bad buck teeth and was a gay guy who died of Aids, but he was a golden individual in about a million different ways, and nothing can take away anything from the glory of this band. Their best songs are eternal.

David Rehak (...) ... Read more

Amazon.com

If it's your belief that one of the reasons today's rock is so bereft of personality is that all sense of show business has been drained from the music, then a look back at the career of Styx offers proof positive that it wasn't always thus. Greatest Hits offers a comprehensive overview of the band, from its art-rock days--which produced a top 10 hit in "Lady," a new version of which is included in this package--to its years as a perennial album-rock favorite--with offerings ranging from flights of fancy ("Come Sail Away," "Renegade") to proto-power ballads ("Babe," "Crystal Ball") to songs reflecting the working-class roots of its audience ("Too Much Time on My Hands," "Blue Collar Man"). The band eventually succumbed to a shift in musical tides and just plain silliness ("Mr. Roboto"), but for a time, this disc suggests, a satin-suited pomp-rocker was something to be. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (168)

Great For Fans of late seventies pop rock
A lot of memorable songs are on this cd. Too Much Time On My Hands, Renegade, Crystal Ball, etc. I have always liked a couple of their songs having lived through this period of time. I wouldn't call myself a fan, but I can't dis the band either. I think they made well refined commercial music. I have read a lot of totally negative reviews. These people who put down the seventies and all that it stands for. You know at their most commercial I would still take REO and Styx over Nirvana or REM. It's funny how these preprogrammed "intellectuals" of good taste in music, movies, and pop culture in general give the same examples of their "good" music: early REM, early Clash, etc. You know why they stick early in there? Because later in those momentous "intellectual" words they "sold out" like Metallica or Aerosmith. You know why? Because they wanted to be more like Styx or Journey and sell records! Arena rock? What is that? They must have picked up that term from one of those various artist cds sold on television. Pick up this cd if you like this brand of rock. Personally I like quite a few other bands more. Especially "late" Clash. Man, should I stay or should I go? I think I'll go! What lyrics.

Necessary
If you pick up this collection, "Greatest Hits Part II", "The Grand Illusion", "Paradise Theater", "Styx II"(Lady), and "Caught In The Act", you will own all of the Styx albums you will ever need to. As much as I enjoy this group, most of their individual albums have some really, really bad material. This cd is a great place to start. It has all but one of their big hit singles, "Babe" #1, "Mr. Roboto" #3, "The Best Of Times" #3, "Show Me The Way" #3, "Don't Let It End" #6, "Come Sail Away" #8, "Too Much Time On My Hands" #9, and "Renegade" #16. It also features some classic, more minor hits in "Blue Collar Man" #21, "Lorelei" #27, "Fooling Yourself(The Angry Young Man) #29", along with some classic rock and concert favorites "The Grand Illusion", "Suite Madame Blue", "Crystal Ball", and "Miss America". As you can see, this disc is very comprehensive, it doesn't really miss on too much. If only there was room for "Rockin' The Paradise" and "Snowblind", and RCA would have granted permission to use the original version of "Lady", all of the absolutely necessary stuff would be included.

Good Group
Many familiar melodies in this collection! Would be interested to see them on the county fair circuit. Last time I saw them, there were on the "Grand Illusion" Tour.

This band sucks. Admit it.
Sure, if you like bobbing your head up and down to organ-laced, soulless dog sh*t, then I guess you're entitled to like them. In my opinion, all of the lyrics are trite, the vocals are headache inducing, and it was all for profit. Some of you awknowledge this but then embrace it because of it! Who cares if "Blue Collar Man" went gold? Does it really make it better? What if it didn't make any money? Would you hate it then?

Sure, they could write a neat little organ hook, but do we really need another song filled with big, dumb, obvious hooks? Do we really need another song full of lyrics that most probably mean absolutely nothing to their author(s)?

Get this and Greatest Hits two for real Styx Anthology
Styx's Greatest Hits was released in August of 1995 and features 15 classic hits digitally remastered including all of their biggest hits. Lady(origianlly a Top 10 hit in 1975 and the reason for Styx signing to A&M) is included in a re-recorded version because RCA wouldn't license A&M/PolyGram the original recording but yet they did so for Come Sail Away. The difference on this version to the original is the return of guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw filling in for John Curulewski and new recruit Todd Sucherman filling in for the ailing John Panozzo(uncredited) plus guitarist James JY Young and bassist Chuck Panozzo. Keyboardist and vocalist Dennis DeYoung's voice sounds so much better on this version than the original. The other big Top 10 hits are included Come Sail Away(#8 in 1978), Babe(#1 in 1979), The Best of Times(it hit #3 in 1981 and not #16 as one other reviewer noted), Too Much Time on My Hands(#9 in 1981), Mr. Roboto(#3 in 1983), Don't Let it End(#6 in 1983 and was wrongfully omitted on Come Sail Away in favor of the Alice in Chains sounding track from the awful Cyclorama One With Everything) and Show Me the Way(#3 in 1991). Also you get Top 30 hits of Lorelei, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man and Renegade. Lastly you get album tracks like Suite Madame Blue, Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion and Miss America. This is a great starter to Styx and is the top selling Greatest Hits album the band has as it went Platinum. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com

It seems odd that the Band emerged in 1968, defying the counterculture's extravagant rejections of U.S. culture with literary, often Southern-tinged musical and lyrical vehicles. Hearing this 18-song anthology, with its heavy weighting toward the quintet's first three albums--Music from Big Pink (four tunes), The Band (five tunes), and Stage Fright (three tunes)--what still stands out is the Band's command of yearning vocal harmonies, their sense of plainly laid melodies that reveal acoustic depth, and a nostalgia for an imagined American culture. With all their quirkiness and the advance of Robbie Robertson as their centerpiece, the Band lost their celebrated place in the rock pantheon within a decade. This set, which opens so magnificently with "The Weight," "Tears of Rage" (cowritten with Dylan), and the big organ-vamping "Chest Fever," declines rather steeply on the final tracks, "Acadian Driftwood" and "The Saga of Pepote Rouge." Up till then, however, this set is fantastic. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The Band "Greatest Hits" 2000
I can be pretty lazy, and I have been lazy with only owning this compilation CD from the Band. In my opinion, they are one of the greatest bands of all-time. A great album if you aren't familiar with the group, but more than likely you have heard classics like, "The Weight" and "Up On Cripple Creek." So don't be like me, go get as much of the Band's music you can right now

Highlights:
"The Weight"
"Up On Cripple Creek"
"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"

Where's the tracklisting???
I bought this CD from a local CD shop. I had to actually go to the store to figure out the tracklisting of this CD because for some reason, AMAZON doesn't list it.

Anyhoes, excellent compilation, although it does lean heavy on the Band's first 2 albums, Music From The Big Pink and The Band.

But all The Band essentials are here: The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, The Shape I'm In, It Makes No Difference, etc.

And the best part - Its digitally remastered!!!

A++ on the compilation!

A Greatest Hits-compilation that does justice to its subject
Opening with one of The Band's very best songs, the superb acoustic folk-rock narrative "The Weight", this collection does an excellent job of collecting most of the seminal, idiosyncratic Canadian-American ensemble's best songs.

Originally known as Bob Dylan's backing group, The Band, once they finally debuted on record in the summer of '68, played an instantly recognizable and utterly unique blend of rock, R&B, country and various folk music styles, creating a dense, muscular sound dominated by Robbie Robertson's weaving guitar, Garth Hudson's icy, majestic Lowrey organ, and Levon Helm's supple drumming. With Robertson as the main composer, Helm shared lead vocals with pianist Richard Manuel and bass player Rick Danko (as is evident on songs like "The Weight and the epic "Acadian Driftwood", where the role of lead vocalist passes between two or three musicians).

This compilation also includes the AOR-standart "Up On Cripple Creek", the grand ballad "Tears Of Rage", the up-tempo rocker "Rag, Mama, Rag", Richard Manuel's inimitable falsetto rendition of "I Shall Be Released", the swinging "Saga Of Pepote Route", and Robbie Robertson's classic "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", a song which is in every respect so much like an immortal folk-evergreen that it is hard to believe it has been around for only 35 years.

There are some wonderful lesser-known songs here as well, like the tough rocker "Time To Kill", the New Orleans-styled R&B of "Ophelia", and a wonderfully melodic, superbly arranged take on Bob Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece".
The Band's three first albums, and 1975's "Northern Lights, Southern Cross", are all classics among modern popular music, and all of them deserve a listen. But this is a fine sampler, and a terrific place to start.

A Great Justice to the Year 2000 Remastered Series
The Band's "Greatest Hits" is one of the very few compilation albums that those interested in the group would be fortunate to buy before actually buying the original albums themselves. The reason for that is solely because this Greatest Hits package is from the Band Remaster series of 2000; each track here represents the amazingly sharp and high quality job the sound engineers did in restoring The Band's original catalog of work. Each track here will prove to new fans that, if they're interested in dipping into the career of this remarkable group, they should definitely choose the CD's from the 2000 editions. This is most notable on the tracks from "Stage Fright"--'The Shape I'm In' and that album's title track far outweigh the relatively flat sound heard on earlier remastering attempts. To be specific, Garth Hudson's wildly immaculate keyboards, the effects on Rick Danko's vocals, and Robbie Robertson's unusual guitar work are finally heard the way they were meant to be.
But other than that, it has to be said that the track selection is classic--but predictable. The sequencing is a bit uneven as well...in other words, Richard Manuel's glorious, hymn-like vocal and piano on 'I Shall Be Released' somehow doesn't fit placed between the wonderfully bizarre 'Chest Fever' and the "drunkard's dream" 'Up On Cripple Creek' (which was ironically The Band's only Top 30 hit in the US). Also, the relatively mediocre 'Time To Kill' was obviously only included because it was a minor hit for "Stage Fright." Perhaps it could have been better replaced by 'The Rumor.' The classic duet between Manuel and Van Morrison on '4% Pantomime' (from "Cahoots") is missing, and the albums "Moondog Matinee" and even the swan song "Islands" could have been represented much better.
But in the end, despite the standard compilation album bringdowns, "Greatest Hits" serves best as a clue to new fans that the 2000 Remastered Editions are the best way to go.

Buy the early albums instead.
The Band is by all accounts seminal, legendary, and awe-inspiring. What else would you expect from a group that could get away with naming itself "The Band"? For some reason, however, the great songs just haven't yet been sequenced in a coherent "hits" package. Maybe it's just not possible.

To those unfamiliar with The Band, the individual songs on this CD will probably not seem drastically different in approach and style. To those people, I'm sure, it all sounds vaguely like what is categorized these days as "Americana". For those who have had a chance to wade deep into the aural landscapes of the albums, this effort at plucking songs for a retrospective probably isn't any more satisfying than previous compilations.

If you really want the most accurate retrospective, I'd suggest "The Last Waltz", which is the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese's film documenting a final concert at which the Band invited old friends and mid-70's highlighters to join them in one last shebang. Mavis Staples singing in "The Weight" on that album is an astonishing vocal performance.

Don't get me wrong; these selections are all worthy, and those who put them together did an admirable job in trying to incorporate the popular hits with those that struck a chord primarily in Band junkies. But if you're a close listener, I just don't think this selection, or any sampler of this band's oevre, can ever be as satisfying as listening to "Music from Big Pink", or "The Band", without adornment.

I will say, though, that those who bought earlier "greatest hits" compilations should be happy to know that "Acadian Driftwood" is included on this CD. That song shone like a jewel in the otherwise leaden "Northern Lights - Southern Cross".

For those not familiar with the Band but have been hooked by hearing "The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down" or "Up on Cripple Creek" on the radio, buying this CD should not be a disappointment. The men who comprised this group are each among the finest, most creative, most emotive artists that have ever played rock music. But there's a case to be made that this group's great albums, like the aforementioned "Music from Big Pink" and "The Band", are so cohesive and powerful standing alone, that a greatest hits effort can only seem haphazard and spotty in comparison. ... Read more