No comments about Silly Songs.

5 comments about Bing! His Legendary Years, 1931 to 1957.

1. Bing - The Legendary Years
   Review
   
   This is the only disc, or set of discs, I own where I can say I love every selection on every disc. I can't even say that about Elvis. More about Elvis later...
   
   A bit about how I came to this set of CDs. I grew up with White Christmas, the song and the movie. I occasionally heard another song by Bing Crosby, and I always loved his voice. I got on a kick over the last year or so of picking up some of the singers my parents listened to while I was growing up - Andy Williams, Robert Goulet, Dean Martin, et al. I came across this 4 CD set on Amazon, read the reviews and added it to my wish list. It sat there for many months until I decided one day to just bite the bullet and buy it. I can now say it is worth every penny!
   
   I put on CD 1, and it didn't sound like the Bing I knew. So I stopped it and put on CD 2. That sounded more like Bing. As I was listening, I remarked to my husband how Bing's voice was almost completely absent of any vibrato, and how he seemed to have two different voices - a chest voice and a head voice. He reminded me of Elvis that way, and I became convinced that Elvis must have grown up listening to Bing Crosby. I felt that Bing was Elvis's vocal predecessor.
   
   I started reading the excellent booklet that came with the set and read about the earliest tracks of the CD, so I went back to CD 1 and listened to the whole thing. What a revelation! Here was young Bing, and I was very surprised to hear a very rapid vibrato on a lovely tenor voice, with only occasional glimpses of the deeper baritone he later became famous for. There were times I could swear I was listening to Dean Martin! Again, I figured Dean must have grown up listening to Bing Crosby.
   
   In the booklet, Will Friedwald talked about how important the words were to Bing. I wasn't really sure what he meant until my husband, who was discovering Bing with me, commented that he bet that Bing was difficult to accompany as he sung in almost a "singspiel" voice, a kind of talk-like singing. Then I realized that the cadences Bing used in singing were the cadences one would use in speaking those words. Ah, now I understood Friedwald's comments, and also understood that this is why Bing comes across in such an easy, casual, pleasant-to-listen-to and utterly delightful manner.
   
   Once I was over all the analysis (I admit to being something of a student of the human voice, it fascinates me), I sat back and listened to all four discs and by the time I was done, I was just in love with everything about them. Bing, his beautiful voice and easy delivery, the beautiful music, the peek into a bygone era where the term "political correctness" hadn't been conceived of, and where music was just plain fun! I only wish there were more discs in the set! Well I'll just have to find some more!



2. Harry Lillis Crosby began life in Tacoma, Washington on May 3, 1903, and kicked off his career as a singer when he and his partner, Al Rinker, were hired by Paul Whiteman in 1926, subsequently joining with Harry Barris to form The Rhythm Boys. After splitting from the Whiteman band in 1930, he scored his first hit singing on his own in 1931 with I Surrender Dear while with Gus Arnhelm's orchestra. That led to a CBS radio contract and the rest, as they say, was history.
   
   From then until his untimely death in October 1977 while golfing in Spain he would chalk up no less than 310 hit singles, even making what then passed for the R&B and Country charts six and two times respectively from 1942 to 1952, and adding five more to the Adult Contemporary (AC) charts after they were formed in 1961.
   
   His last, in fact, came in 1997 when the venerable 1947 version of White Christmas scored yet again, this time at # 26 on the AC charts. The # 1 selling single of all time, he first recorded it in 1942 and that version was a perennial hit every Christmas season until 1947 when, with the master virtually worn out, it was re-made using the same orchestra and backing singers but better recording techniques (it was so well done the second time that it's a;most impossible to discern the difference). Altogether it has sold close to 31 million, accounting for 10% of the estimated 300 million records sold [not counting his LPs and EPs]. Also not to be missed is his first version of Silent Night, Holy Night, done in 1935.
   
   As you can well understand, not even this magnificent 4-CD box set and its 101 selections can put a dent in the wealth of songs he recorded and left for posterity. In putting this together producers Andy McKaie and Steven Lasker chose to present three previously-unreleased selections, and these are to be found at: Disc 2 - track 13 which contains one of his many legendary and hilarious "blow ups" in the midst of a recording and which became an "under-the-counter" bootleg sale for years thereafter; Disc 3 - track 15 as well as rehearsal glimpses at tracks 9 and 12; Disc 4 - track 2.
   
   His musical backing reads like a Who's Who of contemporary bands and includes the likes of Georgie Stoll, Victor Young, Xavier Cugat, Jimmy Dorsey, Vic Schoen, Morris Stoloff, Bob Haggart, The Les Paul Trio, Lyn Murray, Woody Herman, brother Bob Crosby and, of course, John Scott Trotter, who backed the vast majority of his hits. Vocal collaborations involve The Andrews Sisters, Louis Armstrong, Jane Wyman, Mel Torme, The Ken Darby Singers, Al Jolson, and Road picture partner and long-time friend Bob Hope.
   
   All this is detailed in the extensive discography of the contents contained in the 67-page booklet, which includes the names of many of the noted musicians playing with the bands listed. Extensive and fabulous liner notes are provided by Will Friedwald, author of Jazz Singing [1992, Collier Books], and there are loads of great pictures, including a centre-fold colour shot of Bing, one of first wife Dixie Lee, several of his sons, numerous record album/poster reproductions, etc. etc.
   
   Just a magnificent collection covering but a portion of the career of a man ranked as the # 1 artist in Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 book, and who received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1962.



3. Box sets and greatest hits compilations are the audio equivalent of a Whitman's Sampler; there's a lot to choose from and you may not like everything in it. Those compiling box sets face the challenge of what to include and exclude which is complicated when the artist has as lengthy and prolific a career as Bing Crosby. Suffice to say it would be hard to get any two Crosby fans to agree on a track listing as they'll differ on interests such as which era, which genre, which styles, and other issues. Most of what's included here are some of his better known tracks from 1931 to 1957; his most productive years and a pretty broad span of time! There certainly are tracks here I'd exclude and others I'd have like to seen included, but "His Legendary Years" is a good survey of Bing as an artist during his years with the Brunswick and Decca labels, albeit an incomplete one. And like the Whitman's Sampler there's enough here to give you an idea of what you like and can pursue elsewhere. The recordings were re-mastered and sound much better than other re-re-releases and the accompanying booklet provides a nice amount of information on Bing and his career. A great starting point!



4. All I can say is "Wow!" This is, hands down, the bes documentary made on the inimitable Mr. Crosby. There is an abundance of little-known film footage of Bing which really enhances the presentation. They include fan footage of Crosby at the horse races at Del Mar and Santa Anita and some behind the scenes footage of Hope and Crosby at charity events, on the Paramount lot and playing golf. There isn't a great deal of actual clips from Bing's movies pre-1950, which is a trifle disappointing. There is virtually no clips of him singing life, except a brief clip of him in London, entertaining the troops in 1944 and some stuff from 60's-70's TV shows like Flip Wilson.

   The interviews are interesting, though not terribly revealing. Rosemary Clooney has the most depth and explains Bing's notorious reticence and distance from other people. She says he relaxed more in later years with his second family. Kathryn Crosby is also shown, though her remarks on Bing are short and she says little new. None of his children from his marriage to Dixie or Kathryn is interviewed. We are thankfully spared commentary from Gary Crosby and the "Bing beat his kids" angle is not focused. There's too much emphasis on Bing's later life, probably because they can pad the story with clips from various 60's TV shows. I'd have liked to see more material on his early career with the Rhythm Boys, Whiteman and the Philco radio show, but the program is a solid effort. If you're a Crosby fan, you'll find much to praise here.




5. I bought this set some ten years ago, when I was a budding Bing fan, fearful that I might regret having dropped so much coin on an artist I wasn't thoroughly familiar with. After sampling a few tracks on each of the four discs, however, I realized there would be no buyer's remorse with THIS purchase.

   If you want to familiarize yourself with Bing Crosby, this is the perfect primer, covering his most prolific and influential years as the world's most popular entertainer. "Prolific" is the key word here. You can't not like Bing Crosby's music, because he masterfully interpreted so many genres that there's literally something for everybody. Popular Standards, Jazz, Country & Western, Hawaiian, Folk, Irish, Christmas Carols, Gospel, even Light Opera - he sang them all as though they were the reason for his existence. And it didn't hurt that he had one of the most appealing voices in the history of recorded sound. This package offers an enticing cross section of that incomparable versatility.

   The attractive and entertainingly informative booklet by the eminent popular music historian Will Friedwald (author of Stardust Melodies) complements the set perfectly.

   Be careful - purchasing this collection could start you down the road to full-fledged Crosby fanaticism, as it did me. Now THAT runs into money!

5 comments about The 35th Anniversary Collection.

1. Simply Stated... Smokey Robinson and the Miracles give you all there is to give and more! Kudos the Smokey's former wife Claudette who sings on a couple of songs and that brave soul Billy Griffin (Do it Baby, Love Machine)who followed Smokey! I'm truly a Miracles fan and I loved the musical journey! My favorites are Ooh Baby Baby, Special Occasion, Fork in the Road, and The Track of my Tears!
   As usual, we all will have a couple b-side hits that don't make the "cut" such as: Much Better Off and Give Her Up" which you can find on the Special Occasion album, but overall just a must! As my niece, Mia would say, you will experience "Tears of Clown" if you don't spend a little extra and put this in your archives of Musicology! ps Play often!OOOOOOOOOH Baby Baby!



2. First let me start by saying I purchased this Boxed Set years ago because I have been a fan of Smokey and the Miracles from back in the day.. I purchased it again because sometimes when company came over a friend expressed interest in purchasing this item. Several times they mentioned it to me so I decided to purchase it for them as a gift.
   
   Personally I thought a lot of the songs were put on the disc to take up space, and other songs were left off that should have been included.
   
   I was surprised to hear so many songs in mono when I know there are stereo versions. What was that about?
   
   Overall, I was disappointed with the Boxed Set. I just wanted all of them in one place because all the ones that I like I already had.
   
   For a person who really doesn't know Smokey and Miracles music, this is an OK place to start. I just think the group could have been presented better.



3. 
   Let's see here...the Supremes are in...the Temptations are in...the Four Tops..the Jackson Five ...even Martha and the Vandellas are in , but the MIRACLES...MOTOWN'S FIRST GROUP... THE GROUP WHO'S HITS BUILT THE LABEL... THE GROUP THAT LAUNCHED A RECORDING EMPIRE...THE GROUP WHO'S SONGS HAVE BEEN RECORDED BY ARTIST AFTER ARTIST FROM THE BEATLES ,TO THE STONES ,TO ARETHA FRANKLIN,TO EDDIE MONEY, TO LINDA RONSTADT,TO KIM CARNES,TO JOHNNY RIVERS, THE CAPTAIN AND TENNILLE AND A HOST OF OTHERS... THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT GROUP IN THE COMPANY'S HISTORY...THE ONE THAT HAD THE LABEL'S FIRST MILLION-SELLER...THE GROUP WITH OVER 50 CHART HITS...DOESN'T MERIT INDUCTION INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME ? While at the SAME TIME , groups with NOWHERE NEAR the number of hits...NOWHERE NEAR AS INFLUENTIAL... AND NOWHERE NEAR AS GOOD continue to be inducted year after year ??!!... WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE ?? WHAT'S WRONG ? I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S WRONG... THE CAPTION RIGHT NEXT TO THIS PICTURE !! IT SAYS "THE 35 TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION"...BY SMOKEY ROBINSON !!! NOT BY THE MIRACLES... NOT EVEN BY SMOKEY ROBINSON AND THE MIRACLES... BUT BY JUST "SMOKEY ROBINSON " AND THEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM !!! Throughout the history of this legendary group, the MIRACLES have NEVER ...but NEVER received their rightful due AS A GROUP...it has always been only about SMOKEY !!! but,as any insider will tell you ...AND AS SMOKEY HIMSELF WILL TELL YOU... the MIRACLES HAVE NEVER BEEN JUST A ONE MAN SHOW !! they were ALL talented songwriters, singers , and producers ...ALL OF THEM have had a share in writing their many hits...(if you don't believe it,just read the writing credits on the labels},not to mention the hits of almost EVERY OTHER EARLY ARTIST ON THE MOTOWN LABEL... MARY WELLS, THE TEMPTATIONS, MARVIN GAYE ... YOU NAME IT !! BUT NOT ALL OF THEM SHARE THE CREDIT ... TO THIS DAY, DISC JOCKEYS ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY , AFTER PLAYING OLD MIRACLES RECORDS ...WILL ANNOUNCE " THAT WAS BY SMOKEY ROBINSON ! " LIKE THE MIRACLES DIDN'T... OR NEVER EXISTED....DO THEY DO THIS TO THE SUPREMES..? NO !! they still call them the SUPREMES ! RARELY DO DEE JAYS SAY "DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES" even though MOTOWN ACTUALLY CHANGED THE GROUP'S NAME MANY YEARS AGO!! AND NEVER, BUT EVER ...DO THEY JUST SAY "DIANA ROSS". the MIRACLES' album "GOING TO A GO GO, WHEN RELEASED IN 1965, OUT CHARTED AND OUT SOLD CONTEMPORARY RELEASES BY THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE SUPREMES... EVENTUALLY REACHNG THE TOP 10 ON THE BILLBOARD POP ALBUM CHART.QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!! AND YES...IT WAS A GROUP ACCOMPLISHMENT !! BESIDES,LOOK AT THE TOPS, TEMPS AND SUPREMES...in the 1960's.. HOW MANY OF THEIR OWN HITS (OR ANYONE ELSES) did THEY WRITE?..BUT THEY'RE IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME AND THE MIRACLES ARE NOT ?? And for those who argue that SMOKEY was the group's only talented songwriter, I say " what about "LOVE MACHINE" ?(WRITTEN BY MIRACLES PETE MOORE AND BILLY GRIFFIN {SMOKEY'S REPLACEMENT} , a MULTI-MILLION SELLING NUMBER 1 POP SMASH...THE BIGGEST HIT THE GROUP EVER HAD..WHERE was SMOKEY when THAT one was written ? (not even in the group any more ).There's no question that SMOKEY is one of the greatest songwriters of ALL TIME!! But to only credit him and completely ignore the rest of the MIRACLES is definitely UNFAIR .THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE SOLO STARS HAVE BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK HALL OF FAME ... WHILE THE GROUPS THEY WERE ASSOCIATED WITH WERE ALSO INDUCTED ...MICHAEL JACKSON WAS INDUCTED AS A SOLO STAR...BUT HIS GROUP, HIS BROTHERS , THE JACKSON FIVE, WERE INDUCTED TOO !! CURTIS MAYFIELD WAS INDUCTED AS A SOLO...BUT HIS GROUP, THE IMPRESSIONS, (INCLUDING ORIGINAL LEAD SINGER JERRY BUTLER ) WERE ALSO INDUCTED ...EACH INDIVDUAL BEATLE - AS WELL AS THE GROUP ITSELF..ARE IN THE HALL... SO , ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME .... DO THE RIGHT THING . YOU'VE INDUCTED SMOKEY AS A SOLO... NOW PLEASE... INDUCT BOBBY ROGERS, WARREN "PETE" MOORE , THE LATE RONNIE WHITE ...CLAUDETTE ROGERS ROBINSON... MARV TARPLIN....BILLY GRIFFIN... AND WILLIAM "SMOKEY" ROBINSON ... AS A GROUP..INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME ...IT'S LONG PAST TIME...AND THEY CERTAINLY DO DESERVE IT !! IT'S TIME THE MIRACLES ...THE GROUP...RECIEVE THE CREDIT THEY DESERVE !!



4. There's a lot to be happy about on this box set but sadly there are a few negatives. There are some weak songs and it is my understanding that a few songs were left off that might have been better choices. The live songs are very weak. Since I am only a casual fan I'm not familiar with the songs that were left off. But they would have been nice to have instead of the weaker choices.
   
   Fortunately, the positives outweigh the negatives and this is still a good purchase (as long as you are aware of the negatives listed above). The first disc does a great job of showing Smokey and the Miracles as they went from unknowns trying to prove themselves to accomplished performers. It also shows Smokey's growth as a writer of monster hits.
   
   The 4th disc is incredible as it shows Smokey's solo career. You cannot beat any set that includes 'Crusin' and 'Being with you'.
   
   It's still a good purchase.



5. BEWARE!!! More than half of the songs in this boxed set are in mono-and many of these songs are available in stereo. I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would think that collectors would be happy with mono versions when stereo versions are available. Also, even though this is a boxed set it does not include all charted hits which is unforgiveable since so many of the titles included did not even chart!! The sound quality is fine but that is not the only factor to consider when rating a recording. I am very glad that I bought this set used because it is certainly not worth the new price.

5 comments about Blue Guitars.

1. The music contained in this huge set of Cd's is truly amazing - in quality and breadth of styles included.
   
   I was already a Chris Rea fan but this work pushes into areas that commercial single CD's tend to avoid. He does this without the work being too heavy - it therefore would be appropriate as a first buy of Chris Rea and also for someone who was not that much into the blues.
   
   Truly enjoyable - and the book and paintings is an added huge bonus!



2. Why Chris Rea has never toured the States is a mystery. I can't find the words that could possibly pay justice to this man. He has an amazing voice, plays a mean guitar, composes great songs and yet is unknown in this country. I just don't get it. But for those who want to see what England has somehow managed to hide all this time (an undiscovered gem), check any one of his albums out. You'll soon be asking the same question.



3. As a blues lover, I accidentally discovered Chris Rea on a compilation blues album that included '90's Blues' that gained my attention. Having listened to some of his other output, my feeling was that he was an artist who had some feeling for the blues. On an internet crawl last year I discovered the `Blue Guitars' album and after reading the reviews had to buy a copy. This is an incredible undertaking: 128 songs on 11 Cds based on the history of the blues. Each CD features one historical and geographical environment. The album comes in a hard cover book (unfortunately the CDs tend to fall out), that includes an interview with Chris Rea, paintings by Chris, a description of each album's basis, lyrics and includes a history of blues instruments used. Also included is a DVD detailing the production of an earlier CD, `Dancing down the road'.
   
   The first album, `Beginnings' blew me away. The album gives you a feel for the misery and despair suffered by people captured and transported. In addition it highlights the hope that the slaves envisioned via religion and the misunderstanding of their situation. The album is especially inspired as a result of the use of African instruments. This CD alone made the album worthwhile providing brilliant blues playing and incredible blues lyrics.
   
   The second album, `Country Blues' does not general reach quite the same heights. However, it is still superb, particularly `KK Blues'.
   
   Unfortunately the other 9 Cds do not reach the same level. Each CD has some high points and some sparkling moments, but never reach the same high point that the `Beginnings' album reaches. Many of the CDs provide a musical style, while probably accurate, does not appeal to my music tastes.
   
   In general, each subsequent album gets slowly poorer. The biggest disappointment is the last album `60s & 70s'. I grew up in this era and discovered the blues. Unfortunately, this CD offers blues that I do not identify with.



4. It is a fantastic collection of Chris Rea interpretation of the different Blues.
   I love Chris voice and his daring lyrics. With this collection Rea moved way up in the world of meaningful songs and music. BRAVO CHRIS



5. I find this music to be very enjoyable. This is the most I have paid for any group of music. Chris Raye's music is blues but not is the strictest sense of the blues. Another CD by Chris Rea is Highway to Hell. This was my first experience listening to him. Also very enjoyable. I find that I listen to at least one of these CDs every day. Well worth the money.

5 comments about 80's Retro Hits.

1. Majority are remixes very different than what was played on the radio or in clubs!1 star only for the original hard to find GO by Tones on Tail



2. This album is the good starting point for those who consider Rock as just Led Zeppelin and Jim Morrison. True, they were the giants of hard ROCK. Yet leaders like David Bowie and at first U2 (the letter 2 and the numeral U-Casey Kasum:) steered rock into the field of Alternative Avant-Garde. A new and refreshing attack on the 4/4 beat!
   
   Here are sterling examples of the Alternative sound. They were made when Avant-Garde was just a fringe. They were made generally before the bands became "big" and "sold out." They are my favorite genre of rock.



3. That's exactly what I did on the second hour of my radio show. I featured almost all the songs on this collection, special mixes that I never knew existed, or were out of print long since 12" club mixes were mothballed. Incredible! I had the studio monitor cranked all the way up as I played these great remixes to grateful listeners, turning back the clock to the glorious 80's, if just for a little while. It's a treasure chest, a purchase you will never regret. Anyone who has lived the eighties alternative scene will be awestruck. Where else could you find Icicle Works "Whisper to a Scream" on ANY compilation, anywhere? Forget the so called "edited" versions of these great songs that radio station have played ad-nausium. Buy it.



4. This CD set is a great buy for all the terrific songs that are on it. So many memories are stirred up listening to the tracks. If you are into hard to find remixes and no longer have vinyl capabilities you cannot go wrong with this set!



5. While the first 3 volumes were all single discs, this boxed set, for only 15 bux, is like getting volumes 4, 5 AND 6!!! So many 80s 12" mixes on CD at last!!!! Only real downside is one of those horrible re-recorded remixes of Modern English "I Melt With You" from 1990. Track times:
   
   Disc: 1
   1. She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult (6:56)
   2. I Love You - Yello (7:04)
   3. Go! - Tones on Tail (4:28)
   4. Tower of Strength - The Mission UK (8:41)
   5. Living in Oblivion - Anything Box (5:53)
   6. I Got You - Split Enz (3:30)
   7. Change - Tears for Fears (6:00)
   8. Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly) - Icicle Works (5:17)
   9. Beat Box (Diversion One) - The Art of Noise (8:19)
   10. Bottom Line - Big Audio Dynamite (7:24)
   Disc: 2
   1. Everyday Is Halloween - Ministry (6:22)
   2. P-Machinery - Propaganda (9:22)
   3. First, Last for Everything (Disconet Edit) - Endgames (8:01)
   4. Kiss Me - Stephen Duffy (7:28)
   5. I Go Crazy - Flesh for Lulu (6:33)
   6. Saturdays in Silesia - Rational Youth (7:15)
   7. Lose Him - I Start Counting (7:15)
   8. Love Song - Simple Minds (5:04)
   9. I Melt With You - Modern English (5:30)
   10. Nemesis - Shriekback (5:52)
   Disc: 3
   1. Moments in Love - The Art of Noise (10:17)
   2. Situation - Yaz (5:44)
   3. Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood (7:24)
   4. Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go - Soft Cell (8:57)
   5. If You Leave - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (5:56)
   6. April Fool (April First) - Chalk Circle (5:31)
   7. Cars - Gary Numan (3:46)
   8. Send Me Angel'88 (6:14)
   9. Safety Dance - Men Without Hats (4:32)
   10. West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys (7:48)

5 comments about Genesis Archive, Vol. 1: 1967-1975.

1. Released in 1998, this wonderful box set brings together a live performance of The Lamb Lies down on Broadway recorded at the Shrine Auditorium (Jan 24, 1975) with live performances of material from Selling England by the Pound (1973), Foxtrot (1972) and Trespass (1970), various singles, outtakes, early material dating back to 1967 and other rarities. This box set came out at a time when I had not purchased a new Genesis release in well over 15 years, so having all of this great material in one place was quite a thrill.
   
   I was pleased with the electrifying live performance of the Lamb, in spite of Peter's overdubs (which are noticeable at points; particularly on the re-recorded closing track It). One other distinctive feature of the Lamb was Steve's guitar parts, some of which he dubbed in as part of this reissue - they are clear as a bell and passionate. One of the real treats however, was the single edit of Watcher of the Skies. It was new to me and has a very psychedelic sound to it - it is very, very different from the original (from Foxtrot). Although I enjoyed the song selection, I was disappointed that The Silver Song did not make it onto the compilation (Anthony Phillips did release it on his 2008 reissue of The Geese and the Ghost however). While of historical interest to me as a fan of early Genesis, I can't imagine that most folks will like the very early material; most of which was written while the guys were 16 or 17. I do however, find it very charming and Peter's voice was distinctive even at that early stage.
   
   The sound quality of the live material is fantastic. The packaging of the box set is nice and although the 80 page booklet is loaded with informational tidbits and photos, (based on what I have read elsewhere) it is a little frail and does not stand up too well to repeated handling - the pages apparently separate from the spine. My understanding is that Atlantic has corrected this problem, although I avoided the issue entirely by handling the booklet with great care and not cracking the booklet spine.
   
   All in all, this is a fine compilation of material from the "progressive" Peter Gabriel years and would make a welcome addition to the prog rock/Genesis collection.



2. Genesis released its first box set called Genesis Archive 1967-75 in June of 1998.
   This four CD box focused on the band's Peter Gabriel led era. Also, this set is not your average box set of famous songs interspersed with a few unreleased nuggets. Genesis decided to give their fans a 4-CD set which had nothing but previously unreleased material.
   Discs one and two contains a priceless live recording of the band performing their 1974 double album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway in January 1975 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. It's a superb performance of this Genesis classic. Admittedly, this concert recording has been doctored somewhat but am not complaining. Lead singer Peter Gabriel had to re-do all of his vocals as the microphone would not come out on certain tracks so some of the songs features a 45 year old Gabriel singing on many of the tracks (his voice got better as he got older IMHO) and guitarist Steve Hackett re-recorded some of his guitar parts as he had a hand injury during these original shows. Lastly, the final track called "It" was remixed with a new vocal track from Gabriel because the original concert tape ran out during the final song. Standouts in the first two discs include The Lamb's title track, "In the Cage", "Back in NYC", "The Chamber of 32 Doors", "The Waiting Room", "The Lamia", "In the Colony of Slippermen", "In the Rapids" and "It". The other tracks were superior to the studio counterpart and proved Genesis were not just a band to witness live but hear live as well.
   Disc 3 continues with more unreleased live tracks, this time recorded at The Rainbow Theater in London in October of 1973. These tracks include "Dancing With the Moonlit Knight", including the highly sought-after live version of the band's 25-minute opus "Supper's Ready" with Gabriel on vocals. Plus, a recording of "Stagnation" recorded on the BBC in 1971 with the Tony Banks on keyboards/Phil Collins on drums and occasional lead vocals/Peter Gabriel on vocals/Steve Hackett on guitar/Mike Rutherford on bass and 12-string guitar lineup. Then we're treated to some great rare A and B sides, including the rare single "Happy the Man" (since released on the 2007 Turn it On Again 2-CD set) and a different version of "Watcher Of The Skies" (a totally different recording from the longer album version), and lastly the thrilling "Twilight Alehouse" which was left off of Nursery Cryme.
   Finally, Disc 4 is consisted of the band's earliest recordings from 1967 to 1970 when original guitarist Anthony Phillips was with the band. Recordings include vintage BBC material and previously unreleased songs plus different versions of tracks that appeared on the band's 1969 debut From Genesis to Revelation (including rough mixes of In the Wilderness. These are fabulous songs, all of them. Standouts include the BBC version of the Trespass track "Dusk", the previously unheard "Shepherd" (featuring a rare co-lead vocal from keyboard player Tony Banks), "Hey!" and "Try A Little Sadness"
   Genesis Archives Vol. 1 1967-75 is a MUST-OWN collection for anyone who digs early Genesis with Peter Gabriel as leader and those who are die-hard Genesis fans.
   RECOMMENDED!



3. What else is there to say about the music as a whole? Well, not much, because for Gabriel-era fans this set is a treasure trove. What I will add is that I believe this to be recorded evidence of Phil Collins at the height of his powers as a percussionist/drummer. His playing on the live Lamb is absolutely electric and wholly inspired. I play this set for friends who only know the Invisible Touch Genesis and for the most part their hipster/too cool for that brains can't cope with the fact that the band kicked a**!



4. This 4 cd pack give us "The lamb lies down on Broadway" Live with a impressive sound quality. I prefer this version than the original.
   The third cd contains real classic in Live version like "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight", "Firth of Fifth" and "Supper's Ready" and some others plus other studio cuts.
   The fourth cd is for die hard fan, and contains early demos in the 1966-1970 period. Again, "The lamb.." is simply amazing.



5. I'll give them 5 stars for finally releasing this material, but there are some flaws with this collection that bump it down to a 4 star (4.5 really) rating.
   
   On the plus side:
   Prior to this release, the only official live set from the Gabriel-era Genesis was "Genesis Live", a 1 LP album covering material up to "Foxtrot". The glaring omission was "Supper's Ready". Fans like myself, who consider the stuff with Gabriel to be infinitely superior, had to settle for "Seconds Out" (more like "Sloppy Seconds"), with Phil Collins singing the vocals. Phil Collins did a mostly decent job at covering them, but it wasn't the real deal! This box set corrects this.
   
   The performances are all very good, and they include some of Peter Gabriel's stories in between (more would have been nice!). There is no repetition with "Genesis Live", so they are very complementary and fans will want both.
   
   The collection includes two songs previously not on any album, "Twilight Alehouse" and "Happy the Man". "Happy the Man" doesn't thrill me, but "Twilight Alehouse" is great, and apparently an early concert favorite.
   
   On the minus side:
   Disk 4 is entirely material dating from before "Trespass", before Genesis really found their "classic" style. I am not a fan of their first album "From Genesis to Revelation". To me this CD is of interest only as a curiosity. It is very interesting, for instance, that Peter Gabriel already had that distinctive raspy quality to his voice in 1967, when he was 17 years old! Some of the material is decent, some is rather weak. Still, I won't be playing this disk very often.
   
   Another partial downer is that Gabriel and Hackett re-recorded some of their parts on the live "Lamb..." on the first two disks. In some spots it's quite obvious because, as with any singer, Peter Gabriel's voice changed in the 23 years since. Still this is nitpicking really. It's great to have the complete live performance.
   
   One further bit of nitpicking on the choice of material. I really don't mean to bash on Phil Collins, but do we really need a live version of "More Fool Me"? This song really was filler material. Meanwhile two glaring omissions from the collection are "Cinema Show", and especially "Fountain of Salmacis".
   
   Despite some imperfections, serious fans of the "real" Genesis need this collection. Neophytes should get the 4 classic studio albums, "Nursery Cryme", "Foxtrot", "Selling England by the Pound", and "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" first, and then get this box set plus "Genesis Live". After that they should also get "Trespass" and "Trick of the Tale", which are not as good, but still very worthwhile. Skip the rest, in my (perhaps not so) humble opinion.
   
   One complaint I have is that the booklet, while it has great photos and is fun to read, is very flimsy and is begining to fall apart after one reading. Boo!

5 comments about Legacy.

1. Never thought Rick Nelson produced such a vast amount great music! I've played these CDs over and over. I recommend these CDs to any '60s music lover.



2. From the photos to the songs, it is a wonderful group of music/memories.
   Very pleased with my purchase



3. Ricky Nelson is one of the most underrated Rock stars ever, period. Want proof? Listen to this album.



4. I'm glad I bought this 4-pack CD package. It has a lot of songs that I had not heard before. The quality is excellent.



5. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WHO EVER PUT THESE CD'S TOGETHER. THEY ARE JUST GREAT. I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF RICKS SINCE I WAS 11 YRS. LETS JUST SAY I'M 30+++ NOW. TO HEAR SOME OF THESE SONGS IS UNBELEIVEABLE...I HAD ALL OF RICKS ALBUMS WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, AND THEY WERE STOLEN WHEN MY HOUSE WAS ROBBED. SLOWLY, I'M REPLACING THEM, BUT THEY WON'T BE AUTOGRAPHED LIKE MY ORIGINALS. TO HEAR SONGS LIKE "ONE NIGHT STAND," "PROMENADE IN GREEN", "YOU JUST CANT QUIT" "I RISE, I FALL" SONGS THAT I HAVEN'T HEARD FOR YEARS WHEN I USED TO PLAY THEM OVER & OVER & OVER AGAIN WITH MY EAR STUCK TO MY PARENTS CONSOLE T.V. WITH THE TURN TABLE ATTACHED, MY POOR PARENTS HAD TO LISTEN TO THEM OVER & OVER AGAIN. (WE DIDN'T HAVE HEAD PHONES THEN)
   ANY ONE WHO EVER FOLLOWED RICK, WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS.!!!
   THE CD WITH MATTHEW, GUNNAR, & SAM SINGING GARDEN PARTY IS THE BEST TRIBUTE THEY COULD DO FOR THEIR FATHER...AND SAM'S VOICE IS THE GREATEST!! I HOPE ONE DAY, HE THINKS OF GOING IN TO THE RECORD BUSINESS. HE'S GOT THE GREAT RICKY NELSON CHARM.

1 comments about The Collection: Really Rosie/Music/Tapestry.

1. You can't go wrong with Carole King. I wanted to replace my copy of "Music" and hadn't ever owned "Really Rosie", so this was an affordable option. Keep in mind, this CD set is not a compilation, but individual copies of each CD packaged together. It is more affordable than purchasing all the CD's individually. It's a great way to share wonderful music with everyone in the family!

5 comments about Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential 70's Masters.

1. I recommend this collection highly. I just love hearing the interaction between people in the studio and some of the false starts. After viewing pictures of Elvis and his group in a studio setting, I can close my eyes, listen to these recordings and I am "there in the studio". Great!



2. This five CD box set covers Elvis Presley's 1970s recordings. The discs are broken up into different categories. The first two discs cover the a-sides and b-sides of his singles, including UK singles that were not released in the US. The third and fourth discs include studio recordings that were not released as singles. The last disc features live recordings, not including live recordings that were released as singles. Several of these recordings had not been previously released, although some of the songs had been released in different versions. This is an excellent overview of Elvis Presley's best 1970s recordings.



3. It's about time this box set was rereleased with better packaging and more recent remasters. That goes for the 60's masters box set, too.



4. As always Elvis has done it again. This is a great set with all of his seventies songs from his last concerts and studio songs with him and the boys sitting around and playing and singing. This is a great compilation of his music and a good variety from rock to country. I listened all day to these 5 CD's on his birthday. It also comes with a great book to see pictures of him and it tells where the concerts were and what he was singing. A great set!



5. Those who say that Elvis was no longer relavant, or "setting the tone" for music in the 70's have forgotten the most obvious fact. Elvis had already set the tone in the 50's, and all those who came after were products of that - like it or not. So they were only following Elvis' lead when you say Elvis was out of the loop. The boxed set is genius. Elvis voice is soulful, powerful, and comes with a huge whollop.

3 comments about Her Greatest Hits.

1. The cd's I ordered were so poorly packaged by the seller that all of the plastic cases were smashed to pieces upon arrival. Everything had to be returned for a refund -- which I trust I will receive soon. I still do not own the music that I tried to buy. This could have been a successful transaction if the seller had simply wrapped the cd's in bubble-wrap.



2. What else can be said, particularly the GI's who had it right, what memories Jo left with us to furthermore remember our romantic past!



3. This is a great 4 CD set. I am really enjoying her songs of the 1940s and 1950s. You can actually hear the words to the songs, and they are generally about love or caring about positive human relationships. The instrumentals of the "big band" era are also very good.