3 comments about Legends.

1. This is a tale of how Alice Cooper makes five-star music, and Sony knocks it down to four.
   
   You see, if you are a fan of Alice Cooper's music, this collection if wonderful. It includes a large number of his very best songs (Poison, School's Out, and House Of Fire, to name a few)... The problem lies in the packaging, shall we say.
   
   Now, there's a chance this is just the copy I got, but I very much doubt it... But, when I play these CDs in my computer, they are all labeled as though they are CD 2 (of three). The "CD name" is "Legends - Disc 2" for each of the three discs, and all the songs are labeled as the songs on disc 2. This is not to mention that it's listed as "Unknown Artist" playing all these songs.
   
   
   That said, I thoroughly enjoyed playing these discs, and if you like Alice Cooper, you will too.



2. It is incomprehensible, if not insulting, that SONY/BMG includes no information about who is in the live band, when it was recorded, or at what venue.



3. cheap cardboard which holds 3 jewel cases, no book?, no inner sleeve notes? ALICE COOPER has gone thru several changes in his career--awesome 70's, bleak awful 80's, 90's rebirth millenium...etc. if you have the BOXSET-then you may want to go for this 3 disc set. disc 1 and 2 are selected cuts from recent releases and disc 3 is all live recordings(I am not sure as to where these come from but I think from IMPORT cd singles)-if this is true then this is a fine representation of his later career all wrapped up nicely. its an IMPORT box and is cheap priced. for its cheap presentation its not a cheap deal for the consumer.

4 comments about Instant Live: Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre - Charlotte, 8/9/03.

1. This is the Allman Brothers Band doing what they do best, play live. Great versions of "Rockin' Horse" and "Desdemona", not to mention the 1-2 punch of "Melissa" and "Midnight Rider". Closing the show there's a smoking version o "Layla" sung by Mr. Haynes, that also provides a top-notch slide-guitar work to the song that would make Duane proud. You can't go wrong here.



2. There are many Allman Brothers Instant Live sets available. Peacheads should buy the sets that are special and this one certainly is.
   Discs one and two conatin Allmans classics old and new such as Melissa. Patchwork Quilt, You Don't Love Me, etc. Disc 3 opens with the evening's closer -a 39 minute Mountain Jam with a little Les Brers thrown in there to spice things up. Then they play a rarely played treat- Layla. Of course, Duane Allman was a big part of the original Derek and the Dominoes version so the Allmans are revisiting a part of the band's history here. Duane never did a live Layla but Clapton ahd been doing them for years. This is the best live Layla. you'll ever hear from anyone. One note: The Cd says "Don't keep me Wondering is on disc one- it's not but "Trouble No More" is.
   A very special concert.



3. Great sound quality. But the playing is amazing. Is it possible this is the best the Allmans have ever sounded. Some of my music friends say they think it is possible, especially after hearing this. And this is the hottest Layla I have heard, and I didn't think that would be possible. Wow!!!!!!



4. Guitarist Derek Trucks told me that the current Allman Brothers line-up really began to coalesce into something special late in the summer of '02. Which puts this release a year into special territory. 2003 was the first year the band began releasing shows via Clear Channel's Instant Live series, and each year has seen some stone cold gems (check out 9-25-04 if you can find it.)
   
   This show, crisply recorded with the lush precision and separation of a soundboard feed but with the immediacy and bootleggy feeling of an audience source, is rock solid all the way through. Derek Trucks is hard left, Warren Haynes is hard right, and you can pick out and appreciate the magic each of them weaves into this holistic tapestry.
   
   "Desdemona," off their latest studio release Hitting the Note, is already a modern classic, and highlights disc 1. The chords underlying the instrumental middle section are evocative of "My Favorite Things," which Coltrane made his own, and the band's jamming on this tune-- especially Derek Trucks-- gets right at that link. Haynes belts out a lowdown gritty "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" on cd 2; he is clearly the best living interpreter of Howlin' Wolf. Listen for the yin/yang of the Haynes bite and the Trucks soar, anchored by the insanely funky Oteil Burbridge on bass and the only 3-man drum section you'll ever need.
   
   But realistically, you want this for the third disc, comprised of two tracks. The first is a thundering, rarified, majestic take on "Mountain Jam," an instrumental from the band's early days that sounds fresh and vibrant here. Listen to their playful teases at "Birdland" in the middle of the improvisational section; thrill to the way they move seamlessly into, and out of, tow minutes or so of "Afro-Blue" just before the return to theme near the end. It is a spectacular exhibition of bluesy jammy derring do by a band at its peak. Then, the band encores with "Layla," tearing into it with enough ferocity to occupy the song legitimately, not just as homage. Band founder Duane Allman was on the original, of course, making rock history in the process, so this cover harkens back to Duane (and to producer Tom Dowd, who worked with thew Allmans and on the Layla album). Here, Haynes spits out the verse, Gregg Allman gracefully executes the familiar piano coda, and when Trucks swoops and soars above it all, the reference to Duane is anything but subtle.
   
   A great live document from a great live band. If you think you might want this, trust me, you do.

5 comments about Elvis: Close Up.

1. This set is along the same lines as the "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever" box set; collect a bunch of previously unreleased studio outtakes and live performances and put them out. While I thought "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever" was a worthwhile project, this one borders on being superfluous. I enjoyed the alternate takes of "I Beg of You" and "Treat Me Nice". I thought the most entertaining CD was the second one with the alternate takes from the GI Blues movie soundtrack, but I found the number of false starts in this set annoying. The live performance on the last CD is good, but not remarkable (otherwise it would have been released before).
   
   There are a few tracks in this set that are interesting, but I am not sure it is enough to justify a box set. This is for hardcore Elvis fans only, even then if you have "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever" I'm not sure that this set really adds anything to your collection.



2. Elvis Presley fans will find diminishing returns in yet another RCA box set. "Close Up" offers more outtakes from the 1950s and '60, but nothing revelatory except for the gospel classics. However, the previously unreleased 1972 concert is worth a listen, with memorable versions of "Burning Love" and "How Great Thou Art." Though a relatively good investment for under $20, it's not an essential purchase.



3. I'm glad I only paid $27 for this box set at BMG Music Service,that's about all it's worth.The 1st 3 discs are just alternate versions of 50's and 60's songs.The 4th CD is a complete San Antonio concert from 1972 but the sound quality isn't up to par.I can see why RCA never released it on a album.TCB.



4. I LOVE THE WAY ELVIS DID EACH & EVERYONE OF HIS MOVIES,RECORDINGS.HE WAS A WONDERFUL SINGER,& MUSICIAN,WRITER.I FEEL HE WAS A VERY SPIRITUAL SINGER,MAN,SON & HUSBAND,DAD.IT'S SO SAD HOW HE CHOSE TO DIE.HE'LL BE LOVED,REMEMBERED FOREVER BY ALL OF US WHO WERE RAISED ON HIS SONGS,MOVIES &,LISTENING TO ALL OF HIS SONGS.I WISH THOSE ELVIS FANS WHO CLAIM TO SEE HIM WOULD STOP & ALLOW HIM TO REST IN PEACE.LYING IS LYING,FANTASIZING IS CRAZY WHEN ONE GETS SO CARRIED AWAY THAT THEY ACTUALLY BELIEVE HE'S ALIVE.HE IS ALIVE IN HIS MUSIC,MOVIES,IN OUR HEARTS,& IN OUR MINDS.MY FAVORITES ARE "BLUE HAWAII","DADDY,PLEASE DON'T CRY",& HIS "G.I.BLUES" HITS,ALONG WITH HIS GOSPEL SONGS.BEING ABLE TO LISTEN TO HIS HITS ON THE COMPUTER IS WONDERFUL.HE WAS A MARVELOUS MAN,& SINGER.I'M SURE HE'S SINGING FOR OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,& HIS SON-JESUS,& ALL OF THEIR ANGELS.
   THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO EXPRESS MY OPINION OF THESE ELVIS HITS.TO BE AN ELVIS PRESLEY FAN,ADMIRER IS ONE GOOD THING TO BE,BUT NOT GO OVER BOARD.
   LESLIE



5. Wow - how many takes did Elvis do? Hey, I dig most of what I've heard of these latecomers. On this package the must-hears on CD #1, "Stereo Masters From the '50s", are the long version of "Jailhouse Rock" (the original single version presented in binaural - terrible on headphones, with the unnatural separation); and the completely unissued "(You're So Sqare) Baby, I Don't Care", a much different vocal from the well-known classic, displaying his incredible vocal flexibility and imagination. With almost complete vocal isolation we hear Presley in the most intimate way possible on these "stereo" tracks - "Young And Beautiful" becomes the ultimate Elvis valentine.
   From "Unreleased Movie Gems", all four of the ballads from "Wild In The Country", particularly the originally unused "Forget Me Never", are stunning. The new softer ballad style, developped by Elvis and Charlie Hodge in Europe, works perfectly here. "Moonlight Swim" from "Blue Hawaii" is another work of art - the Dean Martin feel is a little more to the fore.
   CD# 3, "The Magic Of Nashville", highlights the gospel "Working On The Building" - although Elvis defers to his august complement, the effect is mesmerizing, from the beautiful lone guitar introduction to the conclusion. "That's Someone You Never Forget" is magical alright: this impressive personal statement should be heard by all Music Appreciation students. First heard as a '62 album cut, then a '67 flipside, it got kind of lost. It seems that Grammy Awards at the time related only to full albums or A-sides. (Maybe in '03/'04 a new category can apply to this miraculous performance). The '66 gospel song "Somebody Bigger Than You And I" is splendidly mixed - the blend of Elvis' solemn low voice with the singers and musicians is an example for all engineers. The heart ballad "Mine" has a classical touch and Elvis does a fine job, but the middle-section lacks somethings and the song never reaches an emotional peak. This take is close to the first released take. It's one of many from the movie period which I feel warranted later reworking.
   "Live In Texas 1972", apparently from the "Elvis On Tour" movie shows, has just two standouts - a "Burning Love" that *burns* and an astonishing "American Trilogy". It appears that this is the same effort also filmed which captures devastated patrons expressing their excitement and interest. Presley was so powerful on stage that a non-romantic theme could also provoke sustained screams.
   A bold offer such as "Close Up" can also reveal certain artistic dilemmas. On the previously mentioned title tune from "Wild In The County" Elvis attempts the middle-eight a la Mario Lanza and he nails it...but then his breath gives out. Or he and others in attendance realize that this approach would be problematic on this soft statement. The recorded result is the less satsifying gentle falsetto which does not really support the song title with the word "wild". Big El went for many big notes in his career and it's too bad he didn't go back and try again. There's a few more items which make us wonder why he didn't apply his full voice to the number. The Adult Contemporary/Beat Ballad if-you-will "Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello" is certainly melodious but another case-in-point: the vocal bridge would have been more effective with dramatic fortisimo. Perhaps the leap from quiet in the verse to loud in the vocal bridge would have been awkward but if you refer to several takes of "Surrender" (a very strong rendition found here) you wonder why he chose to croon so often during this period. Ofcourse it still is a notable B-side.
   Terrific notes and rare photos are included. "Elvis: Close Up". In the words of his buddy Tom Jones..."Get 'Closer'": RCA/BMG, keep 'em comin'!

5 comments about The Kansas Boxed Set.

1. KANSAS - Boxed Set (*****) Disc 1-(77:12) Disc 2-(77:09)
   
   After struggling for through the 80's with mediocre albums and numerous line-up changes, the music of the original members of KANSAS put out a boxed set of their music aimed directly at the band's fans. This "Ultimate Box Set", was produced and compiled with the full cooperation of all the original band members. Twenty-six tracks, which included most of the band's greatest hits, as well as an unissued demo of "Can I Tell You" and a few unissued Live recordings. The set also contained an exclusive new song penned by Kerry Livgren & Steve Walsh.
   
   Basically you get music from all their albums from the 1974 debut KANSAS, all the way up to 1980's Audio-Visions. It is a very complete set of KANSAS songs. I have to admit, that when I purchased this set in the mid-90's, I still was not familiar with Kansas's early material. I mostly listened to disc two, which starts out with Carry on Wayward Son (their most well-known song) and runs up through Monolith and Audio-Visions.
   
   At the time this came out (1994) it was the most comprehensive and up to date compilation of KANSAS's music from the band's most popular era. The boxed set has a fantastic 32-page booklet containing the history of the band, that was put together under the direction of the official KANSAS fan club. It includes rare memorabilia and never before seen photos. Besides a few unreleased "Live" tracks which are very good, the most interesting bonus is the original demo for Can I Tell You. One of KANSAS's earliest tracks, and the one that single-handedly got them a record deal with Kirshner Records.
   
   Recommended for Fans and Casual listeners combined.



2. This is actually what it states it is. The Ultimate Kansas Collection of 26 tracks on 2 CDs.
   All classic album cuts from the first Kansas album to Audio-Visions plus an unissued Demo recording along with 3 unissued live recordings and a new song.
   It also comes with a well done 36 page full color booklet.
   I find the unissued recordings refreshing and the rest of the songs an awsome greatest hits package.
   Well Done



3. This is an "odds 'n ends" collection of album tracks, demos and live tracks from the original Kansas lineup of Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards); Kerry Livgren (guitars, keyboards); Richard Williams (guitars), Dave Hope (bass guitar), Robby Steinhardt (violin, vocals) and Phil Ehart (drums).
   
   It is indeed a retrospective, the best feature being the very informative booklet that comes with it. It is the story of a rock band who clawed themselves up from obscurity in Kansas to superstardom - back in the pre-MTV age, when about the only way for a band to make it was through the hard work of touring, recording, touring, recording...and Kansas did plenty of this.
   
   As for the tracks themselves, this probably could have been shortened to a single disc by deleting the tracks that are available on the original albums and/or other compilations (really, how many times can these guys' music be repackaged?).
   
   The demo tracks show how tight and good they were even in pre-recording days, and the live tracks show that they really could reproduce all the extended soloing live (remember when that was cool?) - as if there were any doubt.
   
   There is only one truly new track here, "Wheels", recorded with Kansas' '90s touring lineup (Dave Hope replaced by Billy Greer, Robby Steinhardt replaced by David Ragsdale). The booklet says Kerry Livgren wrote it for a solo project, but I'm not sure if he actually plays on it. I saw them perform it live in a club in the early '90s. It could sit comfortably on "Power" or "Freaks Of Nature". It's good, but not great.
   
   I'd recommend this to hardcore fans only who want to see how this wonderful band evolved over the years.
   
   For a "background music" compilation, get "The Ultimate Kansas" or, if you're only into the stuff that got played on the radio, one of the many repackagings of "The Best Of Kansas".



4. Awesome classic rock music. Live re-recording of Hymn to Atman is incredible!



5. WONDERFUL! Most of the Songs true to the Native American Spirit of "One with Nature" and our leading a path of Destruction of this great Land. I'm not an Eco-Freak or Eco-Terrorist (Idiots who land up doing more damage to our Planet than would otherwise occur, case in Point the recent burning of a Hummer Lot gone out of Control, pouring more destructive elements into the Atmosphere than years of people Driving those vehicles emmissions would put forth)... anyway ... back to Point... Kansas is a VERY RARE BREAD OF BAND-MATES, and indeed A VERY RARE BAND OF MUSICAL DEPTH. This BOX SET together gives you the best bang of Kansas' range of Music for the Buck. You get the Greatness of a Band with a Mission and Meaning, and the heavier Break out side that adds the more RADIO-HEAD tunes - they had to Sell Albums after-all, or the other Wonderfull, Meaningfull, etc... songs become known.
   
   Aside from the Music of the Compilations mentioned, the Cover Art of MONOLITH is what really makes a statement. For as a New Mexican Tribe (Sorry, not knowledgable enough, or have a good enough memory, to recall all the Facts -- but they long forsaw the coming of the White Man, the Division of the Land granted by God to All and Owned by none, only to criss-crossed by artificial lines on the ground and strung from poles. One day, this shall all pass and the Land will once return to All, and All will once again be ONE with the Land in God's original balance of Life. The MONOLITHs will have been reduced to Rubble, The Armageddon and the fate of Babylon again.
   
   Being a 100% White Male, of German, Italian, and Polish mix, I had always felt a kindered spirit with the Native Americans. True Communists, a foolish folly lost on the White Man, and corrupted/perverted by those who exploited the Many for the benefit of the few. It is those Left Wing Eco-Idiots folly that continue to drive toward the SOCIALIST UTOPIA; but those Blind to the true and only Natural Commune of the Native Americans can and will never get it right; and drag all down with them. Despite the Destruction and Failure of their Exulted examples, these foolish people of Pride and seekers of Glory cannot see the failures but nothing as failures because THEY are the one's who condemningly beleive are the only one's who know the True Path.
   
   Myself, a TRUE CONSERVATIVE, a beleiver in LIBERTARIANISM/FREEDOM, only wish there were more I could do. I have been fortunate enough to have Married one of BlackFoot decent. I hope that we shall one day be able to track her roots and find what may remain of her Tribal Brothers and Sisters.
   
   The 2004 Election gives us some hope. Looking at the U.S. Electoral Map, the True Lovers of the Rural Lifestyle and Workers of the Land have Risen above the Socialist Elitist States of the New England Coast and the Socialist Republic of California. Indeed, even the Midwest was fortunate enough, in some states to rise in masses and state "Enough is Enough" and did not allow the Large Urban Centers to Dictate Their fate.
   
   As a Michigander, from the Socialist County of Wayne, I've long fought hard against the Mighty winds. The Blustering Winds of the Powerful UNIONS and TEACHERS SOCIALIST GUILD; but alas MI went Blue - because the surrounding counties of Oakland and Macomb didn't counter enough of Wayne for the Rest of the states Rural numbers to try to turn back from our headlong run into Extermination. It is as if these people willfully and wantingly desire to make the worst of possibilities "Orwells - 1984", Headlong into Armageddon despites the Great Spirits, any many Prophets, including the Words from GODs own Warnings.
   
   It's time that the U.S. Republic SPLIT APART, and become seperate countries.
   
   YES, YES, all of that can be felt in the Tribal inspired music of Kansas that I've grown to love since forever; though I must say that I am also a big fan of the "Capitalist" sides of Kansas' songs. My favorite: PERFECT LOVER and PLAY THE GAME TONIGHT from the GH collection.
   
   Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Have you seen the Great vastness and Glory of Gods land (From the East Coast to the West Coast and all in between?) that the Native Americans lived (not always, they had Tribal Wars also - but) mostly lived in peace and harmony. Using only what was needed, instead of Raping and Pillaging the Land.
   
   I hope all the world has a re-discovering of KANSAS and the Message they bring - indeed "NO-ONE TOGETHER"
   
   Peace to you all, as you are all my Brothers and Sisters, and I hope that I may one day Visit, Live, and Learn from my Wifes Heritage.

1 comments about Singles 1963-1965.

1. This is the UK singles box set. It includes the Stones' British singles and EPs (extended play) in the order of their release. For those of the CD era, EPs were popular in the UK in the 1960s and the Stones used them very effectively as what today you would think of as mini-albums. For example, their first EP was known simply as "The Rolling Stones EP" which was part of their innovative idea not to give a name to their albums....their first full album was also un-named. The first EP brought them to prominent attention with their powerful renditions of Bye Bye Johnny, Money, You Better Move On, and Poison Ivy. Except for You Better Move On, these tracks were not released in the U.S. until 20 years later when retrospectives began to be offered.
   
   This CD is a limited edition box set that includes 12 CD designed to replicate the original vinyl releases. They include the original picture sleeves (most now very expensive collector's items) and the 3 EPs are released here in their original format for the first time on CD. The box also includes 3 photo cards and a 28 page booklet with exclusive linear notes.
   
   This is one of the best box sets I've seen ever, but it is for collectors only!

5 comments about Those Were the Days.

1. A great box set from an influential band featuring Eric Clapton on guitar/vocals, Jack Bruce on vocals/bass and a fine drummer who goes by Ginger Baker.
   This is the best way to get (almost) all their studio and live recordings. There is so much more to this band than blues-rock. The only negative aspect is the fact that the BBC sessions that they recorded are not included but here you get quite a few rarities to make up for it.
   
   So this is definitely the way to go if you want all the albums from this excellent trio in one package!
   Thanks for taking the time to read!
   Later...



2. This is a great collection of music highlighting the influence of early American blues music on the British 'rock invasion' of the 60's and 70's. It also illustrates why the words "Clapton is God" were painted on a subway wall in London. A truly excellent collection of music for Clapton/Cream/Blues lovers.



3. This boxed set has all of the studio albums Cream did; in addition, it has a lot of live material (2 discs worth): almost all the Cream material you'll ever need.
   
   Their name says it all, "Cream = The cream of rock musicians".
   A great exponent of Blues-Rock, Psyc. Rock. None of the songs are bad, really; and, many are classics. Don't know what would have happened had they stuck together longer, but I guess it was their volatility that made them great.



4. Those Were the Days is an ambitious four-disc, 63-track box set that divides Cream's career into two halves. The first two discs feature every studio track the group ever released, plus a handful of unreleased cuts, alternate takes, and rarities. The other two discs are devoted to live material, which is segued together in an attempt to recreate the "ideal" Cream concert. It's a remarkably comprehensive collection, complete with an extensive booklet and remastered sound, yet it doesn't reveal any new insights about Cream, nor does it offer any invaluable rarities. Therefore, it's only for die-hard collectors or listeners wanting to acquire the entire Cream catalog at once; casual fans will be satisfied with individual albums or greatest-hits collections.



5. To have all of the official Cream releases, both studio and live albums, together in one 4-CD set is very cool. Although I have owned the Clapton Crossroads box set for years, I never had the Cream albums on CD before buying Those Were The Days. Of course the CDs sound way better than the old LPs or tapes I had. Cream is among the elite bands of classic rock, so that's what gets it four stars from me right off the bat. I didn't give it five stars because, as much I am a fan, some of the material sounds dated and doesn't hold up well over time. Also, I don't care for the "book" packaging because it's difficult to take in the car or to store with the rest of my CDs. The standout tracks are too numerous to list, and the lowpoints too few to make note of. Cream was and still may be the epitome of British-blues-rock, which makes their entire discography essential to musicians and fans.

5 comments about Today, Tomorrow & Forever.

1. What can I say.... it's Elvis!!! It's GREAT!!! This 4-cd set has previously unreleased songs and alternate takes on it. I love listening to the alternate takes. It gives you more insight into Elvis and how he worked a song!!!! There are some alternate takes that I think are better than the version originally released.



2. This is a four CD collection of previously unreleased Elvis tracks. The songs themselves have all been released by Elvis before, but these are different versions of those songs. The idea was to have unreleased tracks from all of Elvis Presley's recording sessions, but that wasn't always possible, particularly with the 1950s recordings. The highlight of the '50s recordings is a complete Elvis concert from 1956, which was broadcast on the radio. There are alternate takes from nearly all of Presley's '60s and '70s recording sessions. Unfortuntely, at some of his soundtrack recording sessions, there weren't any good songs recorded. So, we have alternate takes of bad songs like "My Desert Serenade" and "The Love Machine". But most of the songs are good anyway. The alternate takes sometimes aren't that much different from the master takes, but they will be of interest to hardcore Elvis fans. Actually, hardcore Elvis fans are probably the only ones who really need to get this collection.



3. This is certainly an interesting and entertaining collection for avid Elvis fans. It spans his entire career and includes previously unreleased alternate takes and live performances. My favorite disk is the first one, which focuses on his early career. The live radio performance from 1956 is like going back in time and the sound quality is better than many of his other performances from the period. I also really like the alternate take of "I Beg of You" which is more of a rocker than the hit single version. "Treat Me Nice" is also very good. The highlight of the second disk is Elvis' duet with Ann Margret, the title track "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever." Why this version wasn't released back in the 60's I don't know. I really enjoyed "Runaway" and "My Babe" from the third CD. "Promised Land" on the last CD is interesting; the guitar really rocks but since it was only the second take, Elvis is still just walking through the lyrics.
   
   All-in-all while this is overkill for the average fan, it is certainly a worthwhile set for avid Elvis fans.



4. He (Elvis) never ceases to amaze me... adding to his music in this 4-disc set are the insights and photos in the accompanying booklet .... this collection priceless!



5. Why? was my reaction when first seeing the advance notice for "Today, Tomorrow and Forever." Why was BMG giving Elvis fans yet another redundant compilation of repackaged hits, misses, and assorted outtakes? I immediately dismissed the box set. Fortunately for me, though, my thoughtful wife ignored my pessimism and the four disk collection ended up in my Christmas stocking. I was pleasently surprised! Yes, the set contains more than a few repackaged hits, a couple of misses - most notably, the movie tunes "Mexico," "My Desert Serenade" and an insiped cover of the Anne Murray hit "Snowbird" - and a whole slew of alternate take recordings, but the entire 100 song repertoire plays out like a fresh introspective of the King's entire career. TTF offers up an exciting collection of alternate studio cuts, movie tracks, and live performances; most of which appear for the first time in the presented format. CD #1 feautures a raucous seven song set from one of Elvis's early 1956 concerts. The disk also contains several great alternate cuts, highlighted by "Rip it Up," "Doncha' Think It's Time," and "Got a Lot O' Livin' to Do." CDs 3 and 4 focus on late 1960s and 1970s output. The disks present a couple of great live recordings that are not the usual fare...of the bunch, "Baby What You Want Me to Do," "What'd I Say," and "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" are the best offerings. The studio tracks are also noteworthy. "Long Legged Girl" - heretofore dismissed because it was released on the "Double Trouble" soundtrack - emerges as a rollicking throw back reminiscent of early Elvis. Ditto with the 1967 release "Big Boss Man" and 1968's "Guitar Man"; the latter featuring a smouldering version of "Trouble" as an intro. Movie tunes "The Love Machine" and "Let Us Pray" are infectious sing-alongs and the 1969 studio track "True Love Travels on a Gravel Road" begs the question why was it never released as a single? "U.S. Male," is one of the few misses...I was nine years old when the song was released in 1968 and it's tough-guy lyrics quickly became my mantra...now, however, hearing Elvis utter the phrase "I catch you 'round my woman champ, I'll leave your head like the shape of a stamp" is embarrassingly hokey. CD #2 is the most rewarding disk of the entire collection. It features four wonderful Don Robertson ballads that highlight Elvis's subtly powerful vocals..."Anything That's Part of You" is the best of the foursome. The up tempo "Witchcraft," is such a strong performer I was left wondering how it ever ended up the B-Side of "Bossa Nove Baby." Disk #2 also offers up the box set's title track "Today, Tomorrow and Forever" - a great duet with Ann-Margaret from the movie "Viva Las Vegas"...another song in the "why wasn't it released as a single" catagory. Lastly, "TTF" features the most thorough and candid assortment of liner notes I have ever read...interesting, honest, and insightful. I highly recommend this box set...it is a masterful collection of music offering something for eveyone.

5 comments about Fillmore: The Last Days.

1. I enjoy the CD set very much. Santana's performance of "In a Silent Way" by Miles Davis is worth the price of admission right there. This version goes into my all time favorite tracks list - the young Neil Schon is spactacular. Honorable mentions go to Elvin Bishop, the later day Quicksilver, and critically important, Bill himself. My question is, where is the DVD? I saw it on cable televsion several years ago and before that about twenty years ago in a theater. There is likely some legal BS with the estate preventing the release. Please get past it and make this available - that is the real time piece.



2. although flashbacks aplenty are there to enjoy for anyone who once felt the rumble of those stacks of marshal and custom amps all those many long years ago. i once told jerry garcia that all of their (the ded's) songs sound alike to me and he grinned real big&said, "it's all the same song," so i'm not gonna complain about this anthology's scarcity of ded tunes; instead i have to applaud its inclusion of precious rarities like hot tuna and elvin bishop.
   
   Live recordings are something i habitually eschew, and rare are productions for which i make excceptions; the clarity of sound quality throughout all of the recordings here is superlative!
   
   this collection is bill graham's crown of glory, and the brightest gem has got to be the live and extended version of white bird by it's a beautiful day. having awaited the re-release of that group's original recording on ceedee for so many moons, those who remember the summer of love are sure to agree that the virtuoso rendition reverberating through that palacial sanctuary of rock culture surely transccentds the studio version everryone is so familiar with and enraptured by.
   
   buy it - or, better yet, come on over to the olde cult compound and listen to it here!



3. I bought this years ago on vinyl, and I still have it. The LP came with an authentic poster and ticket, an informative booklet which included some great photos and a listing (by date) of every show that ever played the Fillmore, and a bonus 7" 33-1/3 rpm "Words With Bill Graham" disc. The CD reissue, of course, doesn't give you the poster nor ticket, nor the extensive booklet, but the interview is included. Musically, this album is excellent. Some performances may be marginally better than others, but many are brilliant, and all were chosen by the artists themselves. The recording quality is amazingly good, especially when compared to many other live recordings of the period. What's also cool is that the album presents a number of very talented artists who were somewhat obscure at the time and almost unknown today-- but who deserve not to be forgotten. Alongside of those are great performances by bands and artists who went on to become legends. The incredible version of "Baby's Callin' Me Home" by Boz Scaggs is alone worth the cost of the set. The Dead's cover of "Johnny B. Goode" that appears here is the best I've yet heard-- far superior, to my ears, to the already great version that appears on "Skull & Roses". In addition are great performances by Quicksilver, The Sons, Santana, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Cold Blood, Tower of Power-- the list goes on. The "Final Night Jam" that closes out the set (with Taj Mahal, Boz Scaggs, Elvin Bishop and a host of others not even credited) is way cool. It all ends with "Greensleeves", often played at the end of the night, amid the sounds of the audience leaving the auditorium for the last time. Very poignant, indeed. Some may pan this album for various reasons, including the very inclusion of some of those more obscure artists. But I think they are missing the point. This is a documentation of a moment in time and history. And I for one would not want to be without it.



4. I would buy the record set if you can find it-its out of print. I was there at the Fillmore during these shows and at numerous other Fillmore West and Fillmore Auditorium shows from 1967 to closing in 1971- $3 a show and you get a poster. 3 bands-two sets each -shows usually ended at 2:30Am The record set has a poster, an actual ticket which you could not keep at the shows, and an outstanding booklet listing many pictures and all the shows at the Fillmore and Fillmore West---But if you cannot find the record set-get this at least!!!! I was there and I have never seen anything like the Fillmore since then-I have been to the Fillmore several times in the past 10 years-but it is not like the original times-good but not the sixties.



5. I was there for two of the last four days of Filmore West and this set carries on the experience that existed. It will bring back memories for anyone attending any of Fillore West shows including the 'apple barrel' and the free posters and poster cards handed out. The record set gives you a cool poster which isn't included with the CD set but it's well worth the cost! I was a Quicksilver, Cold Blood, and Tower of Power fan which certainly was covered on this CD. If you are an old hippie you will enjoy it too!

5 comments about Elvis #1 Singles.

1. For those of you who grew up with Elvis, the release of his latest single was always a major event. Each single always had a picture sleeve. As time went on, these sleeves would become frayed, torn or faded. It's nice to have them now in one box, preserved and in perfect condition. It's almost like "Spinal Tap" for serious collectors..These are not to be played..and they're not even to be looked at for very long...that's how sacred they are. Seriously folks, if you grew up with Elvis as the king..this makes a nice keepsake of those memories. By the way, the sound repro is outstanding. Now if RCA could only release those that just missed being Number Ones like: Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, One Night/I Got Stung, I need Your Love Tonight/A Fool Such As I, Little Sister and others...then it would be totally complete.



2. this is a wonderful collection of Elvis' best singles.They showcase his amazing talent well.He sang all kinds and this set covers each era and genere.Suspicious Minds,Hound Dog,Heartbreak Hotel,Stuck on You,Are You Lonesome Tonight,It's Now or Never,Burning Love,Can't Help Falling In Love with You stand alone as some of his preiminent works.This is a must have.



3. This set of Elvis Presley's US #1 hits is slightly similar to the U.K set,containing all the #1 hits of their respective countries.Done with correct,elegent replicas of the twenty 45s included here,it features such rock n' roll cornerstones as "Heartbreak Hotel","Jailhouse Rock","All Shook Up","Don't Be Cruel" and "Suspicious Minds",all with DSD remastering sounding better than even the ELV1S 30 #1 Hits and ELVIS 2ND TO NONE sets did.The B-sides were just as stellar as those hits,including the double-side hits "I Was The One","Loving You","Treat Me Nice","I Beg Of You" and "A Mess Of Blues",plus forgotten jewels as "That's Where Your Heartaches Begin"(1957),"Lonely Man"(1961),"Where Do You Come From"(1962),"Any Day Now"(1969)and "A Matter Of Time"(1972).Those budget conscious may want to opt for theThe Essential Elvis Presley or the sets mentioned above,but it makes a cool,nostalgic gift for true Elvis fans.



4. This may be entertaining for those who like to burn their money to keep warm. Much better to hunt on the internet, and maybe luck out and find ONE original Elvis 45 with jacket for that kind of money. Or even buy one of the Elvis 50-song collections instead. Just remember that this is a grand total of TWO tracks on EACH CD -- sorry, it's just not a bargain.



5. This set has its ups and downs. On the plus side, the 50's hits NEVER sounded better, and I'm one of those chumps that keep buying the same songs over and over in different compilations hoping for a sonic revelation. The packaging is nice as well. On the down side, we get the same lousy stereo mix of "Return To Sender" as we've been getting through every CD version I know. I do have it in a great stereo version on "The Great Performances" CD I bought back in the 1980's, albeit muffled. Finally, BMG was not totally faithful as most of the 60's singles were only released in mono, which I was hoping for. Instead, they are here in stereo.

5 comments about The Chess Box.

1. Sterling track selection, with a greater emphasis on Bo's 55 to 63 tracks (which is a good thing, right?)
   
   The thing is that it is too short really. Chuck got 3CD's worth of material so why not Bo? I daresay he was more versatile and had a longer creative span than Chuck.
   As it is, there's little to argue about the track selection. As a 2-CD overview it does include most (but not all) of his most important songs and I guess if anyone owning all the albums had to come up with a condensation of Bo's best, they would probably end up with something fairly close (I for my part would have left off "Say Man Back Again" or "Bo Diddley 1969" in favour of "Here 'Tis", but that's a minor quibble). Besides you get glorious unreleased tracks - like a marvelous untitled instrumental or "Look At My Baby", which are worth the price of the box alone.
   
   The real problem is that very few people actually own such great albums as "Have Guitar, Will Travel", "Bo Diddley & Company" or "500% More Man", and for one good reason : they've never been reissued, which makes the brevity of this set a real sore point.
   
   Which means that great songs - classics I should even say - are lost in the shuffle until some record company exec finds it suitable to reissue them, which might take a while - although I do hope the "Bo Diddley is a Gunslinger" reissue is just a forerunner for more Bo on CD. Such classics include "Cops & Robbers" (covered with great results by early 60's British R&B punkers Downliners Sect and of course by the Stones), "Oh Yea" (Shadows of Kight fans like me surely miss it) "Here'Tis" (same comment with the Yardbirds), "Dancing Girl" (done by the Master's Apprentices) "Hey Mamma, Keep your Big Mouth Shut" (Pretty Things) as well as the lesser-known - but equally good "Craw-Dad", "Limber", "Not Guilty", "Help Out", "You All Green", "Hey Good Looking", "Let Me Pass" or "Soul Food" and buckloads of others.
   
   5 stars though because as I said it's rather great for what it is, ie an excellent, but nowhere definitive overview of Bo's music. Now please! Could someone reissue the albums? I'll buy four copies of each if that makes any difference!



2. I listened to both CD's twice in one weekend. Not a bad cut to be found. I always knew in my gut there must be more to Bo Diddley than what I heard on the airwaves, and this set double confirms it! I regret I waited so long to enjoy much more of what Bo has given us.



3. If you're unfamiliar with the great Bo Diddley, this is not the place to start. However, if you know some of his classics, and you want to dig deeper into the trademark groove, you couldn't do any better. The packaging, booklet, and selection are all fantastic and it's a solid value. Because Bo Diddley is one of rock's Founding Fathers, people forget that he's great fun, possesses a sly and irreverent wit, and has diverse musical interests. He also doesn't get enough credit for being a terrific singer. All the essential tracks are here, and plenty of great surprises. Too many standouts to mention except for one, I Can Tell - it sneaks up on you and just won't let go. Anyone who wears a cobra snake for a necktie is all right with me. Go for it.



4. Bo Diddley's thumping shave-and-a-haircut-six-bit rhythm may not sound all that daring today, but half a century ago Diddley was a supremely innovative musician, hammering out rough blocks of chords on his square-shaped guitar, and shouting his tough-guy lyrics at the top of his powerful voice.

   Diddley's trademark vibrating, fuzzy guitar tone did much to expand the electric guitar's power and range, and he was almost as influential as label mate Chuck Berry in shaping the sound and the attitude of rock n' roll, writing clever, wisecracking lyrics and macho boasts to rival Berry's, and inspiring numerous young white artists along the way with his music and his galvanizing stage persona.

   This double-disc compilation is the most comprehensive one available, including all the classics, and adding several lesser-known songs, a few alternates, and some previously unreleased recordings.
   Disc 1 opens with Diddley's first single, the double-sided monster "Bo Diddley / I'm A Man", and also includes the tough, grinding rockers "You Don't Love Me", "Mona", "Crackin' Up", and "Who Do You Love", the magnificent bluesy "Before You Accuse Me" and "I'm Looking For A Woman", and an updated take on the prewar classic "Diddy Wah Diddy". The surprisingly sweet and sincere "Dearest Darling" is here as well, as is the instrumental "The Clock Strikes Twelve" which features a solo violin, and the doo-wop ballad (!) "I'm Sorry".

   On disc 2 you'll find "Road Runner" (beep beep!), a swinging, swaggering "Spend My Life With You", the supremely catchy "Pills", and the bump-and-grind of the sax-driven "Cadillac" and the classic "I Can Tell".
   "You Know I Love You" is another uncharacteristic but well-crafted doo-wop ballad, a previously unreleased one at that. The irresistable, piano-driven "Look At My Baby" and the funky "The Greatest Lover In The World" are both pure, joyous, bluesy rock n' roll, and the Willie Dixon-penned "You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover" is one of Bo Diddley's most memorable singles. "The Greatest Lover" is yet another track which was released for the first time on this compilation, by the way.
   "Bo Diddley 1969" is excactly what is sounds like, a remake of the 1955 single with different lyrics and a tagged-on chorus, but it's good fun, and the production is better and cleaner.
   And there's a little oddity here as well, the instrumental "Atzec", which was actually written and performed by Diddley's lead guitarist Peggy "Lady Bo" Jones, but mistakenly credited to Bo Diddley himself.

   Ellas McDaniels' powerfully rhythmic, almost hypnotic mid-50s music is neither blues, R&B or rock n' roll, but somewhere in between, stretching back as far as Africa, and foreseeing rap and blues-rock. MCA/Chess' single-disc "His Best" remains the best purchase for novices, but "The Chess Box" is by far the best collection of Bo Diddley's unique blues, R&B, and piledriving proto-rock n' roll.
   Highly recommended.




5. This set should be a perscription for whatever ails ya. Listen to "Don't Let Go," "Dearest Darling," and the "Story of Bo Diddley" and call me in the morning! Check out the Untitled Instrumental on side 2, you won't be able to have just one listen. It is a shame and a disgrace that Mr. Ellas Bates (Bo's given name), with all the happiness he's brought and records he has sold, has recently said in Jet magazine that he could not afford to send his children to college! Buy this set and do something about that!