5 comments about The Very Best of Badfinger.

1. This is a good collection for a casual fan and many will be surprised by how many of these tunes will elicit a "I didn't know they did this." As pointed out in other reviews there are bigger and more comprehensive collections. I have always been on the fence about this group, but it was nice to have their work in an easily digestible form. If you missed them the first time, give this a listen and see the influences that formed their sound.



2. I basically bought this CD for Baby Blue. No Matter What, Day After Day and Come and Get It are the recognizable hits. And what hits they were! But, the rest of the CD - so-so at best. Maybe the Badfinger freaks are into it, but not the casual listener.



3. for a casual Badfinger fan like myself, this collection suits my needs. I've always enjoyed their singles and this one disc gets the job done. This is a nice collection of their Apple/Warners stuff right up to the untimely death of Peter Ham. I was especially pleased with their original version of "Without You," too often ignored for Nilsson's more popular version but a classic in its own right. Obviously for a true fan of the band this would be nothing more than a sampler, but for me it hit the spot.



4. It was great! Arrived when promised, my husband listens to it constantly!
   Thanks!



5. It's almost worth giving this best of Badfinger five stars on the merits of the band's tragic history. Badfinger was probably the best, most talented band that the hapless Apple Records discovered. Paul McCartney was their guardian angel, handing them "Come and Get It." George Harrison was so awed by the song "Day After Day" that he volunteered his lead guitar skills. The late Harry Nilsson scooped up "Without You" and made it his signature song.
   
   Yet the band became the victims of unscrupulous management. Money earned in the 70's while scoring top ten records vanished in litigation and alleged thievery. All the while, the band made great albums for Apple and Warners, all but defining what would be called power-pop. With this best of CD leading off with a triple score of "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue," it's tough to argue against how amazing Badfinger was. With three superb songwriters in Pete Ham, Joey Molland and Tom Evans, they were able and willing to make songs that encompassed all the group's voices. It makes such lesser known tracks like "Maybe Tomorrow" or the free-wheeling "Rock of All Ages" stand out, as well.
   
   Broke and despondent, Pete Ham finally gave up and committed suicide in 1975, Evans followed in 1983. Molland was reduced to laying carpet for a living in the mid-70's even as their music was played on classic rock stations. And it's obvious; these guys were classicists in the best sense. The remastering on this CD makes the sounds crisp and clear, bringing out the fine harmonies Badfinger had, as well as the tight song structures that made the songs so appealing. Even the late stuff, like "Love Time" or "When I Say" have the uniquely Beatlesque feel about them (and practically beg for rediscovery).
   
   A unique band with a heartbreaking story, and a stunning musical legacy, "The Best Of Badfinger" is an essential celebration of music that maintains its greatness once the final scene is recorded.

5 comments about Classic Rock Gold.

1. I have been listening more to mixed musicians on classic rock CD's and I really enjoy this one. I usually end up deleting some I don't care for but this one I kept all. Very happy with it!



2. I bought this cd as a Christmas gift for my dad and he absolutely loves it. He was impressed with the number of hit songs on one cd. A great buy.



3. This is a great album of Classic Rock staples. Most all of these songs deserve to be given the title classic. This album is so "rockin" it's perfect for passing the time on any road trip.
   
   Some argue that some classic rock staples are missing. Well if you have read any of my other reviews of compilations I consider these albums "the best of the rest". If I am upset that I favorite song is not featured then chances are I already have a best of CD by that band. For example Steve Miller Band, Journey, Chicago, and Boston all had some great songs that would be considered classic rock. Well I have best of albums for all those artists that I enjoy regularly. This covers some of the best songs by the artists represented and I really have no need to explore their catalog any farther then what's here.
   
   If you enjoy 70s rock this is the collection to get. Considering a lot of 70s collections have a lot of Disco this may be your best bet since it is Disco free.



4. first off this cd is missing lots of songs like, rock n roll all nite, black magic woman, takin care of buissness, aqualung, do you feel like we do, surrender, crocodile rock more than a feeling... the list goes on... so really buy this and some other complimation rock CDS and youll have all the essential ones but also buy the albums... pointless too really make another rock cd complimation songs already about a few hundred on amazon alone...



5. For any lover of classic rock and roll, this is a must-add to your collection. You could easily spend $200 to collect all of the songs included on this 2-disk set.
   
   Great listening for when you went to crank up the tunes, roll down the window, and forget your worries for awhile!

5 comments about The Very Best of Todd Rundgren.

1. As the "Greatest Hits" Disc cover states this is "The most comprehensive, single disc compilation of adventures of pop-rock singer-songwriter Todd Rundgren's brillient work, this collection is the first-time that the cream of his solo & Utopia material have appeared together!" "Includes several /Billboard Top 40 pop hits & "Hello it's Me", a #5 smash." It's like going back in time, to the early seventies. I use to have all his early albums.
   
   What I really like about this compilation CD: It contains the original, studio/radio versions, of these wonderful songs. It takes me back to my teens & early twenties. I use to have every one of these songs, on vinyl or on an 8 track tape, but somehow they got lost along the way. Now, I get to re-experience this great music.
   
   The song set is as follows:
   
   1.We Gotta Get You a Woman ("We gotta get you a woman, and when we're through with you, we'll get me on too"!!!!)
   
   2.Be Nice to Me
   
   3.I Saw the Light ("I walked out before, but I won't do it anymore, cause I saw the light in your eyes...")
   
   4.Hello It's Me (One of the greatest songs ever!!!! "Its important to me, that you know you are free, cause I'd never want to make you change for me...Think of me, you know that I'd be with you if I could...")
   
   5.Couldn't I Just Tell You
   
   6.Just One Victory
   
   7.A Dream Goes On Forever (One of the Greatest Songs of All Times!!! "So Long ago, and so far away, but a dream goes on Forever, How much I love you, you'll never know, til you follow me in my dreams")
   
   8.Real Man
   
   9.Love of the Common Man
   
   10.Love is the Answer (with Utopia) - This was originally written by Todd Rundgren & Utopia, but was covered by England Dan & John Ford Coley, back in the 1970's, and became a huge pop hit for them. However, I like Todd & Utopia's version better.)
   
   11.Love in Action (with Utopia)
   
   12.Can We Still Be Friends
   
   13.The Very Last Time (with Utiopia)
   
   14.Band on the Drum All Day ("I don't want to work, I want to bang on the drum all day")
   
   15.Something to Fall Back On
   
   16.The Want of A Nail (with Bobby Womack)
   
   This is one "super-outstanding" compilation cd of the very, very best of Todd Rundgren & Utopia, all on one disc. This is very good smooth, progressive rock at its very best. The use of musical instrumentation, is awesome, in some of these songs, especially on "A Dream Goes On Forever".
   I highly recommend this one. Thanks!!!!



2. I love most all of Todd's music. He is one of the most talented musicians that can take me back to fantastic memories of my high school and college days.



3. I remember hearing alot of these songs on the radio while growing up, but never could remember any names that belonged to it. Then recently I heard my favorite song on a classic rock station. Once the DJ announced it as "Bang The Drum All Day", I was all over it. I picked up this CD and haven't put it down ever since. I recommend the working man buy this CD and play it as soon as he breaks out of work on every Friday. It's worth it.



4. Rhino tried to do their job here to make a selection from the best kwown albums out of Todd's entire carriere span.The overall result is a litle bit sloppy.It makes the listener think that most of Todd Rundgen's songs give the imression that's all about wining.Not enough rock'n'roll here,too many "love songs".If you want the very best of Todd Rundgen,you better try "Initiation".That was his "vey best period".Sadly,only one song is featured on this selection,adaptly named "Real man".Indeed.



5. Todd Rundgren has been appealing in his music from "We gotta get you a woman" to "Hello its me" to "Real Man"! This disc *is-a-must for the collection !

5 comments about Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001.

1. I still remember hearing "The Old Apartment" when it came out. It was back in the grunge days and to me the sound was similar (especially Steven Page's strong voice). Except the lyrics were a little unusual: "why did you keep the dish rack/why did you keep the mouse trap/these things used to be mine/I guess they still are I want 'em back." Later I heard "If I Had $1,000,000" and I wondered what kind of rock band uses accordions (of course, that's still my favorite BNL song).
   
   They've had enough hits that everyone should know that they're a little goofy - and this is a fine collection of their music when they were still at their prime. Some were big hits like "Brian Wilson," "One Week," and "Pinch Me." Others were lesser hits but just as good (and fun) like "Falling For the First Time," "It's All Been Done," and "Too Little Too Late." Others I never heard on the radio but I love like "Alternative Girlfriend" and "Shoebox," but some of my new favorites are "Jane" (my wife played this one so much the kids almost got sick of it) and "What a Good Boy." There are 2 or 3 songs I usually skip, and I wish "Grade 9" was included here, but overall this is a fantastic album from a really fun band (my wife and I saw them at the 2002 Winter Olympics and they were a riot). We've had this cd for a long time but I hadn't listened to it for a while until recently, and just had to comment on it.



2. This cd has all of Bare Naked Ladies greatest tunes. I don't need any of their other cd's now that I have this one, it has every song I like from all their albums.



3. Product in excellent shape and was shipped faster than I had expected. Great service!



4. If you not a real big BNL fan than this is the album to pick up. If you are a big BNL fan than you already have all these songs. These were their most famous tunes. But if you own any of their stuff (if not you should really get some) you know how great and witty all the songs are.



5. These guys are pretty good musicians, the drummer stands out on several songs. Mostly pretty good songs, with some filler. I've listened to it over a dozen times, and I'm not tired of it, which is pretty high praise.
   jc

5 comments about Empire Records: The Soundtrack.

1. This is one of my favorite movies. I had a hard time locating the soundtrack. Silly me, I should have just started with Amazon and saved my time. Of course you would have it. Thanks so much. The music is great. Check out the movie if you have not seen. If you like it, then get this soundtrack.



2. Great music for a great period piece. Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger were both great in one of their earliest films.



3. One of the best soundtracks ever! Though of course it could have included some songs from New Order,The Smiths,Psychedelic Furs or maybe The Cure. But nonetheless I was not disappointed. The CD also was near prestine in quality!



4. what can i said, i had this album but lost it, and i just got it in a perfect condition,,
   love those songs!!!!
   and the movie too. lol!



5. This movie was gone and forgotton in very little time, but the soundtrack kept putting it back on TV. Great collection.

5 comments about The Latest.

1. Cheap Trick returns with a great album
   after the good Rockford! I also loved
   Special One! another forgotten gem!
   I don't know why it took so long to
   get this. Sorry! I own everything else!
   This album sounds more like early songs
   with some great slower songs but no the
   stuff the record company made them put
   out in the 90's! I think it's the best
   since Woke up with a Monster which many
   don't mention! Sick man of Europe is
   awesome! When the Lights out! great
   Slade cover! Miss Tomorrow & Smile
   should be hits! California Girl &
   Alive! really make this a great album
   & should be album of the year! Not a
   bad song! This for all people who like
   good original songs by one of the best
   rock and roll bands of all time!



2. The boys from Rockford are back is full force! Or did they ever really go away? This album flat out rocks!



3. Trick is at its best here when it rocks - the tracks that rate for me (4 stars or better) are When the Lights are Out, Sick Man, California Girl and Alive. The rest of it? ehhh, a number of John Lennon-esque power ballads that really don't do it for me. Incidentally, 1994's Woke Up With a Monster had a classic song kind of in this vein called Tell Me Everything, but none of less rocking songs here match up to that.
   
   As far as best CT disc ever?? Not even close; if you like this, as good as this is in places, just give Cheap Trick (77) a spin and that will put things in perspective pretty quickly. As far as comparing TL to other later era discs, after a few listens I rate this about as good as Special One, but not as good as Woke Up With a Monster, CT 97, or Rockford. Nonetheless, I admire the guys for continuing to do what they and will always be a fan.



4. Most likely if you're reading this review, you are a fan of the band, or at least are somewhat familiar with what they do. I don't think there are a lot of kids being turned on to Cheap Trick's music, unless they are frequent watchers of "That 70s Show".
   
   So, if you're here, and have the majority of Cheap Trick's classic C.D.s and are just curious about what they're up to lately...Buy This C.D.! What they are up to is all good! This band has never been about reinventing the wheel, so you're not going to get something out of left field. I would put "The Latest" right up there with "Dream Police" and "In Color", as one of their best studio albums in 35 years. It's all here, Catchy, well written pop rock tunes, with Robin Zander's quirky, sometimes beautiful vocals, with a tight rhythm section and some cool guitar licks. I too was somewhat leary about picking this up, but the C.D. kept me interested throughout. There are some upbeat rockers, some slower ballads, and everything in between, with that classic Cheap Trick stamp. It hasn't left my C.D. player in a week!
   
   I never did pick up their previous album "Rockford", even though I've heard great things about that too. I'll now have to buy that one too, because it sounds like the band is in fine form!



5. I've been listening to CT's albums in chronological order in preparation for seeing them Jan 26, and The Latest really kicks the butt of the earliest. Not every song is great--I just don't like "California Girls"--but the rest have an amazing vibe that hits the full CT range: Beatles ("Closer") to heavy metal ("Sick Man"). "When the Lights Are Out," "Alive" and "Miracle" are best, but the rest are close seconds. My only quibble really doesn't matter much in the mp3 world: Why open the album with the very slow, elegaic "Sleep Forever," the type of song that ends an album? Maybe because "Smile" fills the same role, but I'd have shuffled "Smile" into the middle somewhere and put "Sleep" at the end. "Light" would have made for a great opener.

5 comments about She's Having a Baby.

1. Wow, and I thought I was the only one who loved the sountrack to this movie???? Fortunately for me, I was able to unearth an original LP of this soundtrack in a bin at a thrift store some years ago during my lunch break at college in center city Philly. The jacket was really worn and had once been taped in areas and marked on by a radio station, probably a university station, (even asteriks where certain songs skip). I don't remember how much I paid for it but I knew very well right at the moment I first spotted it in there, it was a keeper.
   My sister later found a cassette version, also at a thrift store, but I still have mine. The music from this movie was incredible! As a five year-old seeing it for the first time and every time after until adulthood, I think the music for me was really interesting and maybe a bit weird, but that was only because I wasn't old enough to really appreciate it. Now, it's one of my fav sountracks of all time!
   The only gripe I had about this soundtrack, was that the original or rock version of "Desire" was put on here rather than the dance version that was played in the mmusic. For me, that's the song that is the real selling point so I was angry at the time when i first realized it was not the right thing, the thing I really wanted. After learning who wrote the song it was easier to create more choices for myself. Good luck trying to find the dance version as easily as this version as well.



2. Very happy with this purchase and the price. Good soundtrack if you enjoyed the movie.



3. Loved the movie. Love this soundtrack. However... one of the best moments in the movie is the big lawnmowing scene with the terrific Gene Krupa song "Drummer Man". What a travesty that the song is not on this album. I was hoping the reissue would have it but sadly, just like my original vinyl copy, the song is absent.
   
   Still a wonderful collection of music from an excellent movie.



4. The film that this soundtrack represents (when it's actually in print) was a funny little gem, and from the Breakfast Club on, John Hughes always made sure that his soundtracks were very carefully assembled.

   In this case, some great alt-rock from Gene Loves Jezebel ("Desire"), a classic crooner by Bryan Ferry ("Crazy Love"), a Smiths cover by Kirsty MacColl ("You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby"), and one of Kate Bush's best tracks ("This Woman's Work") round out a phenomenal collection of essential 80s tracks.




5. "IT'S GOT A PLASTIC FLYWHEEL!" Very good soundtrack to a very funny movie. A couple of the songs are real gems and the rest will take you back to the sound of the mid-80s. This CD used to sell for a pretty penny on ebay which no doubt helped prompt its re-release. Buy a copy or two before it goes out of print again.

5 comments about Cheap Trick - Authorized Greatest Hits.

1. but probably not the best Cheap Trick album, and certainly not the only one you need despite containing all the bands major radio hits.
   
   Cheap Trick is a band that used to write very good and consistently enjoyable albums from start to finish, and that ain't no lie baby.
   
   I'm talking about the first four albums. All classics, and all of them should be bought instead of a grestest hits album. You won't find any filler on the bands first four albums, I guarantee it.
   
   I guess this greatest hits set deserves additional credit for including the live version of "I Want You to Want Me" since THIS is the version radio stations have been playing for years- not the studio version.
   
   All in all, a decent collection, a great band, but pick up the first four albums instead because if you like catchy pop rock/glam rock, you will NOT be disappointed with anything they created in the 70's.



2. This was my first Cheap Trick CD. I bought it to get to know the music before I go to one of their concerts. This is a great mix of songs. For someone who has never listened to Cheap Trick, this is a good start.



3. What can I say. I've been a Cheap Trick fan for longer than most fans out there. This Rockford, Illinois band has been rockin' forever. These are good tracks. I like the other 'greatest hits' too though. Put the best of the 2 together, and you have the best of the best. Southern Girls is one of my all time favorites.



4. This is not a bad collection. I'm sure there have been worse. My main complaint is the alternate version of "If You Want My Love." To me it's a major letdown because that is one of my favorite Cheap Trick songs and I really was expecting to hear it when I bought this. Now I wish I had not even bought it.
   
   I don't think "authorized" versions are the way to choose songs, the band is always too subjective. They should have taken a poll from amongst their fans, and chosen the results that way. Plus, the omission of one of their greatest recorded songs will potentially lose new listeners who are not as familiar with the band's music.



5. The Authorized Greatest Hits by (formerly) the best Rock N' Roll band of alltime, 'The Noise Boys from Rockford, Illinois', is beset by one basic problem - not enough songs from when Jon Brant helped Cheap Trick put out four of the Anglosentric(k?) LPs of alltime! Why isn't Y.O.Y.O.Y or Take me to the Top on here? Tom Peterson (or is it still Petersson?), that's why!
   
   I'm sure Rick, Brad (Carlson, i.e. Bun E.) and Robin had many
   fights with what's his name about the 'set list' here as well.
   I half way expected the wretched "I know what I want" to show
   here like it did to tick me off on the Sex, America and Cheap Trick disc. [It sounds better with Rick signing it anyway - Just
   like World's Greatest Lover]. I still love though - 3/4's of 'Em that its!

5 comments about Something/Anything?.

1. This may sound silly but my first experience with Todd Rundgren was hearing "Hello It's Me" on "That 70s Show". Something about the song wanted me to listen to more. After listening to "Something/Anything" I can honestly say this is probally my favorite album of all time. It crosses over to so many genres and has a great sense of humor. Todd played all of the instruments on the first three sides and it is all produced by him. This might be the best album of all time.
   
   The good side to "Something/Anything" is that there is no filler. Every song is special and interesting. Rundgren has a wicked sense of humor. Some jokes may fly over some's heads. He is also a great storyteller. "Piss Aaron" is a story about his Dad's highschool. "Couldn't I Just Tell You" might be the greatest power pop song of all time. His two greatest singles are from this album as well. "I Saw The Light" is a sweet song about two teenagers falling in love for the first time and "Hello It's Me" is a a dark and eerie song about two people breaking up on the phone. This is Rundgren's signature song and it was actually the first song he ever wrote.
   
   There is really no bad side to the album. This is the first time I've been able to say that about an album.
   
   In conclusion, "Something/Anything" is essential and overlooked. If you need more proof Todd Rundgren is the most underated artist of all time this is for you. The only other two albums I would consider for best of all time are The Beatle's "Sgt. Pepers" and Prince's "Sign 'O' Times". Highly reccomended.



2. I can clearly remember this like it was yesterday. It was the early 1970's and I was thumbing through the latest releases at the local record store with a friend. Playing in the background was this compilation of weird, but catchy, tunes. I recall stopping what I was doing, several times in fact, to listen to this artist. I was intrigued! When I asked the store clerk what was playing, it was Todd Rundgren's "Something/Anything". I can say, without hesitation, that this very album transformed my musical psychie from that day forward. Now, here we are almost 40 years later in the year 2010. The Beatles are still my favorite band of all time but Todd Rundgren's "Something/Anything" is still, without any doubt, my favorite recording of all time.



3. A Creative masterpiece this album most surely is, no doubt about it. Something/Anything is one of those elite records that truly delivers as a mega concept album success. I would go as far as to say this album is nearly as good as George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass."



4. The eclectic masterpiece. Todd is indeed Godd. Here's why
   
   1. Redefining the already perfect Nazz version of "Hello It's Me"
   
   2. The pop masterwork "I Saw The Light"
   
   3. The haunting, exquisite melody and perfect poetry of "Sweeter Memories"
   
   4. The playful prog rock (anticipating the upcoming AWATS) of "Breathless"
   
   5. The soul baring innocence of "Marlene"
   
   6. The 3 AM barfly, honking horns, down and dirty "Slut"
   
   7. The distorted wailing psychedelic guitar god virtuosity of "Little Red Lights"
   
   8. R & B Motown homage of "Wolfman Jack"
   
   9. Classic 70's rock of "Black Maria"
   
   10. Existential soul of "Dust In The Wind"
   
   11. The perfect production and instrumentation (like an exqusite frame around a Rembrandt portrait) of "Cold Morning Light"
   
   Philly soul, the transition to progressive rock, and, in fact, so many ideas and brilliant songs that the album could barely contain them in Todd's next masterpiece: "A Wizard A True Star".



5. I originally had the album, years ago..so I knew what I was getting. But absolutely love the whole thing...

5 comments about Kihnsolidation: The Best of Greg Kihn.

1. Good CD at a great price. I've wanted these songs forever and you hardly ever here on the radio any more so i could not resist. Glad i have it now.



2. Nice CD with a lot of good tunes but no GREG KIHN "Best Of" CD is complete without the rousing, energetic tune "ROADRUNNER" a great tune that SHOULD be on this copulation.........but sadly it's not!



3. Unable to find the original versions of the two hits, 'Breakup Song' and 'Jeopardy', on an MP3 format, I purchased this CD, in order to download these two originals onto my iPod. The rest of the album is good to have, but I really wanted these specific songs, so it was worth it for them. Enjoy!



4. Greg Kihn is a lovable lightweight, a handsome guy who made endearing good pop songs on the eclectic Beserkely Label when they seemed destined to be an American Stiff. Along with labelmates EarthQuake, The Rubinoos and Johnathan Richman, Kihn was the most popstar friendly of the bunch. He also had a knack of terrible puns on his name substituting for album titles (a habit even he got annoyed with). He became a local legend in the San Francisco area for his great live shows and good-guy demeanor.
   
   By the time his "With The Naked Eye" started flirting with Top 40 material (great covers of Springsteen AND Richman - "Rendezvous" makes this CD, but unfortunately "Roadrunner" didn't), Kihn became Beserkely's biggest seller. It also led to the lable getting snapped up for distribution by Elektra, and Kihn was ready for his close up. "The Break Up Song" cracked the top 40 with an infectious "Na na na" hook and the band became stars. (Missing from this CD, "Valerie" and a great cover of Tommy Roe's "Sheila" - that's a CD deserving a re-issue!) A little more grooming lead to the funky number two "Jeopardy" off "Khinspiracy" and Kihn was big enough to rate a Weird Al Parody.
   
   But the wheels came loose for ""Kihntagoius," despite the exuberant "Reunited" here. He soon switched labels for EMI and snuck one more single into the top 40, "Lucky." After this, came "Love and Rock and Roll," but few were left to notice that Kihn wasn't making jokes for titles. The title track was pretty good workman pop (and this compilation would have benefited from Kihn's cover of The Only Ones' "Another Girl Another Planet"), but the shimmer had dulled.
   
   There are plenty of gems here, and Kihn is certainly pleasant listening. I'd bet he's a great guy to go paling around with, that's how much his aw-shucks charm comes through on his best work. He still makes the occasional album ("Horror Show" being the best of the latter day releases), and "Kihnsolidation" gives plenty of reasons to note that Greg Kihn is a better artist than a one-hit-wonder tag would indicate.



5. I grew up here in The Bay Area and saw Greg Kihn many times. He was always a first rate performer and wrote some great and catchy pop songs. He made you enjoy them with his passionate concert style. I actually never enjoy his hit singles (Jeopardy and others). The other songs on this disc, such as Madison Avenue Man, Love and Rock & Roll, Testify and a great cover of For You, are all very good examples of his talent and fun deliveries. He was great for his time (and still does a great morning show in The Bay Area to this day). A worthwhile and refreshing listen.