2 comments about Be a Brother/How Hard It Is.

1. This album is great! Listening to the band was quite different from listening to it with Janis. They're great in their own right.



2. This is a two disc set comprising the individual albums of the same names. For reviews of both albums please refer to my reviews of the individual albums under their respective titles.

5 comments about CD Singles Collection.

1. Many other reviewers here on Amazon have done a sufficient job of telling you about the contents of this set, but the ultimate question that needs answering is: Do you really need to own this set?
   
   If you're a casual or mildy fanatic fan, the answer is probably a "no." It's an expensive set to say the least. You are paying for 22 CDs containing 2 songs each. Depending on where you buy this set, you are paying (on average) $7-10 per disc...or $3.50-$5.00 per song! Also, all of these tracks can be found on the 13 original albums and the two compilation discs (Past Masters 1 and 2). You can actually buy the 13 original albums and two compilation discs as a package deal for just a little more than what this singles box set will cost...and will end up with all of the officially released songs, not just the 48 songs that were released on singles in the UK.
   
   If you are an obsessed fan or a raving lunatic (like myself), you'll want to own this set, however. While it's nice to have the box and the 22 individual sleeves recreating the artwork in the singles, the real strength of the set is the sound quality. All of the singles (with the exception of the last couple of singles, which were stereo only) are presented in their original mono mixes, just as released in UK. While some people view "mono" as a dirty word, it really is the best way to hear these singles...as the Beatles and George Martin invested most of their time on the mono mixes, with stereo mixes made later (almost as an after thought). As others have pointed out, songs like "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" which sound full and bright in mono, sound rather thin and weak in the stereo mixes presented on the Past Masters compilations (and on the "1" CD, unfortunately).
   
   In summary, casual Beatles fans can steer clear of this box. Diehards and fanatics, however, may find this box set will be a valuable addition to their collection. If you can find a slightly used copy on the second-hand market for much cheaper, even better.



2. Look....dont be just another fool parted with their hard earned money.....if you already have the cd's....of all the music THE BEATLES released.....you're either a chump...or your bankroll exceeds your common sense....
   
   I love THE BEATLES...but am sick of all the same material being duplicated to death....just anoth marketing hoax to keep the bucks flowing in



3. I was a little hesitant to buy this due to the "extremely" high price, but I took the plunge.
   
   I'm glad I did... the mono mixes of most of these tracks ROCK.
   
   My favorites are Paperback Writer/Rain, Revolution that screams out of your speakers, and I Feel Fine/She's A Woman.
   
   You really need to be a Beatles fan is you are going to spend the dough on this though.
   
   Think about it.



4. The Beatles SINGLES COLLECTION is a very pricey set of the 22 British singles. Each of the 22 discs is comprised of the two songs from the corresponding original 45 rpm single along with the British-single artwork. (In America, we had different artwork and, to some degree, different singles.)

   I bought this for one reason: to finally get the glorious mono versions of many of these songs on CD. Scores of us older Beatles fanatics--those of us who grew up as fans of the band in the 60s--bought the mono versions of these songs and became accustomed to their clear, full, focused, and balanced sound. George Martin spent the majority of time working on the mono mixes and comparatively little time on the stereo. Mono was, by far, the norm in those days; meticulous work and many hours went into making the mono mixes sound perfect. And they still do sound perfect. In fact, they still sound shockingly superior to the stereo versions in most cases. Why?

   George Martin recorded the vocals on a separate track from the backing so that, in the final mix, the vocals would not become buried and the engineer would have the means to adjust their volume. Because of this, Martin's mono mixes were superb. But when it came to stereo mixing, the vocal track was sometimes shoved to one side of the stereo picture, giving an unnatural, lopsided left/right channel separation and making the vocals sound detached from the rest of the music. To make matters worse, the drums and bass--key instruments from which rock bands get their power--were usually shoved far left, robbing the music of much of its strength. (An example of this is the egregious stereo version of "Day Tripper.") Indeed, the stereo versions of many a Beatles tune sound artificial, unbalanced, and anemic.

   The lack of time and effort spent on mixing the pre-1969 stereo versions reflects just how unimportant they were considered to be. It is documented that five songs from the BEATLES FOR SALE album were remixed for stereo in half an hour. As The Beatles recorded REVOLVER, showing more and more interest in the mix sessions, their attention was focused on the mono mixes. Even during the recording of SGT. PEPPER'S, the band members were all present for the mono mixes--the stereo being done in their absence. Moreover, when MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR was released in America, the stereo version of the album had mock-stereo versions of "Penny Lane," "Baby, You're A Rich Man," and "All You Need Is Love" because stereo versions did not yet exist for those songs. "All You Need Is Love" was mixed for stereo in October 1968 for inclusion on the YELLOW SUBMARINE album. But "Penny Lane" and "Baby, You're A Rich Man" did not receive stereo remixes until late 1971!

   Many of the mono versions in this collection can be found elsewhere (either on the CDs of the pre-1965 British albums or on various compilations), so my reasons for obtaining this set are as follows:

   Here, we get actual versions of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "This Boy" used for the original single, sounding fabulous and in mono. The grossly inferior stereo mixes on PAST MASTERS VOLUME ONE are not the versions that sold millions, as the notes deceptively imply.

   On PAST MASTERS, we are given the stereo "I Feel Fine," which has the drums and bass far left, the guitars far right, and the vocals--sounding abnormally detached and somewhat cavernous--in the middle. How realistic the mono sounds in comparison: power coming from the rhythm section, Ringo's magnificent drumming dancing around the vocals as it should, and the total sound focused and balanced (as if the band were right in front of us!).

   Though the stereo version of "Ticket To Ride" improves upon the previous stereo mixes, the mono version reveals the degree to which the divine interplay of the rhythm section--especially Ringo's contagious drumming--is masked on the stereo by the peculiar channel separation. The mono gives us an astounding difference in power. The stereo version of "Yes It Is" sounds hollow and misshapen, almost a mutilation of the gorgeous piece of music presented on the mono track.

   Many of us were infuriated when PAST MASTERS VOLUME TWO gave us the stereo versions of "Day Tripper" and "Paperback Writer," probably the two most disappointing mixes of all. In both cases--and to a shocking degree!--the anemic and gimmicky stereo mixes sap this incredible music of its original power. Though I still own the original 45s of both, how thankful I am to finally own the mono versions on CD!

   I slightly prefer the stereo "Help!" (found on the HELP! CD) to the mono version, which was released as the single. The stereo is a different take: John sounds more involved, the whole track is clearer, and the added tambourine on the choruses makes those sections even more infectious. I also prefer the stereo versions of "Get Back" and "Don't Let Me Down," the first Beatles single to be released in stereo rather than mono. (In this set, we get the mono mixes.) Finally, "Something," "Come Together," and "Let It Be" were originally released in stereo, and that's what we get here.

   To those who have longed for the mono versions, I say only: Well, here they are but they are indeed expensive. Unfortunately, it's the only way that some of these masterpieces can be had. If you are a Beatles fan and have not heard many of these mono versions (and if the price is not a problem), go for it; the difference in the quality of these mono-mixed gems will truly astound you.




5. Well this is it. The greatest collection of singles of all time! This box will make you smile all the way through! From the greatest rock group of all time comes 22 CD versions of their original 45's. The box has a few rarities included. Inside you will find the original monophonic 45 mix of 'Help!' which features a different lead vocal from John Lennon. Also included are the superior monophonic mixes of 'I Feel Fine', 'She's A Woman', 'Day Tripper', 'Paperback Writer', 'All You Need Is Love', 'Lady Madonna', 'Revolution' (be ready for a hurricane when this one comes on). In the USA, 'Get Back' was the Beatles first stereo single. In the UK, it was 'Ballad Of John & Yoko'. Included here are the UK mono mixes of 'Get Back and 'Don't Let Me Down'. Each single comes with a picture sleeve. The only annoying thing about that is EMI used the same photos used on the 20th anniversary singles from the 1980's. The box is rather attractive even if EMI has used that layout a few thousand times in the past as well. Perhaps in the near future, EMI can include 'Free As A Bird' and 'Real Love'. That would be rather nice.

5 comments about Stars Die: The Delerium Years '91-97.

1. For those who are just discovering this phenomenal band, you are in for quite a treat. Stars Die is the perfect place to start if you have heard Deadwing or In Absentia, and want to hear more of the band's earlier works. Not only that, but the set works quite well as an album itself. I own all of the early works, but still listen to my Stars Die set quite a bit, as I like the way the tracks flow from one to another.
   
   Most importantly though, it was recently announced on the band's website that this version of the Stars Die box set is going out of print soon. Snapper UK will be replacing it with a new digipack version. The new digipack will include the same audio material. (with the exception of Up the Downstair and Fadeaway, which will be replaced with the new versions found on the 2004 remaster of Up the Downstair) However, the new version will not include the lengthy history of the band found in the booklet in this version. If you are in any way interested, I highly recommend that you purchase this version now.



2. I LOVE PT & HAVE ALOT OF THEIR CD'S ALREADY BUT READING THE REVIEWS ON THIS MADE ME HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT GETTING IT.WELL I JUST DOVE IN & GOT IT.I WAS NOT DISAPPIONTED,EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST 3 TRACKS.I'M SURE THEY WILL GROW ON ME BUT IT MAY TAKE ALITTLE WHILE.THE REST OF THE 2 CD SET IS A-1 PT.DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ,SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO DIVE RIGHT IN.THIS IS A MUST HAVE IN MY OPINION.SOME UNRELEASED TRACKS & SOME EXTENDED VERSION.RECORDED VERY WELL.I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS GROUP.I STARTED LISTENING TO THEM ABOUT A YEAR AGO & CAN'T GET ENOUGH.I REALLY LOVE THESE GUYS.THEY DO PUT OUT SOME FANTASTICLYIMPRESSIVEGREAT MUSIC.I HOPE THEY ROCK FOR A LONG TIME...



3. There is no waste. You can buy with closed eyes. Amazing.
   Steven Wilson is a genius, time will tell.



4. This is a very nicely packaged 2-CD compilation of the band's early releases on the UK Delerium label. CD1 is mostly Steven Wilson as one-man-band, while CD2 finds the rest of the latter-era members joining up as the tracks progress.
   
   Porcupine Tree's early discography is a daunting, hard-to-find and expensive mess, so even though some good songs might be missing here, it's still a great way to get a ton of the early stuff in one set.
   
   The box and accompanying book are just beautifully done. PT's music pays homage to the Prog greats of the 70's and so does their album art. The hard-cover box is so nice it should be standard for this type of comp. The book is full of great pictures, a history of the band, track notes that are actually accurate, and it even sort-of makes sense of that jumbled discography.
   
   "The Sky Moves Sideways (phase 1)" is just plain awe-inspiring, probably my all-time PT favorite. Required listening for Progheads. Other standouts include "Nostalgia Factory," "Up the Downstair," "Stars Die, "Waiting" and "Signify 2."



5. This is a really awesome collection from one of the smartest and most eclectic rock bands ever to record music. Their earlier material was more psychadelic rock, sort of like Pink Floyd. And there later stuff was more experimental prog rock, like a compination of Opeth, Dream Theater, Theatre of Tragedy, Pink Floyd, Rush, and Genesis. I kknow that sounds like a lot, but really shows its eclectic side of aweseomness. Now If you have ever Porcupine Tree album, you still need this. This has some new mixes of certain track and unreleased material. As well as a huge booklet of interveiws a biography and some really awesome pictures and art. And its a pretty cool case too.

   Do yourself a favour and get this really cool box from a really talented band.

5 comments about Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits, Vol. 2).

1. Back in the day we never considered this anything but another Stones album, and not a boring hits album. Most of the songs were available nowhere else. Through the Past Darkly in its U.S. version just burns the house down. The toned down Euro vynl just isn't the same without Paint it Black & Have You seen Your Mother Baby, Standing in the Shadow?! That combo of songs on the cracked glass octagonal bright blue album is magic, and anything else just isn't the same. The Original Stereo mix on a virgin vintage original London vynl lp is the best sounding too! I'm just not too excited about remixes and bonus cuts; this piece of perfection is best left alone. If you must have a cd; burn it from clean vynl!



2. This is the remastered September 12, 1969 - U.S. London release that was dedicated to Brian Jones. This US version covered their American hits from 1966-1969. Here are the songs on this album, in the order they were released as singles in the U.S.:
   5-6-66 Paint It, Black
   7-1-66 Mother's Little Helper
   9-23-66 Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
   1-13-67 Ruby Tuesday
   1-13-67 Let's Spend The Night Together (B side of Ruby Tuesday)
   8-18-67 Dandelion
   12-22-67 She's A Rainbow
   12-22-67 2000 Light Years From Home (B side of She's A Rainbow)
   5-31-68 Jumpin' Jack Flash
   8-30-68 Street Fighting Man
   7-3-69 Honky Tonk Woman

   For some reason the album did not include the US single release of In Another Land or We Love You (the B side of Dandelion).

   All the songs on this album are different from those that appear on the 1st compilation album Big Hits (High Tide & Green Grass).

   This album is different from the album released by U.K. Decca the same day. There were 2 tracks that were not included on each release. Here are the differences:
   U.S. London release included:
   .....Paint It, Black
   .....Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
   U.K. Decca release included:
   .....We Love You
   .....You Better Move On

   At the time of the release, it was the only album that included the following tracks:
   In the U.S.:
   .....Jumpin' Jack Flash
   .....Mother's Little Helper
   .....Dandelion
   .....Honky Tonk Women
   .....Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?
   In the U.K.:
   .....Jumpin' Jack Flash
   .....Let's Spend The Night Together
   .....We Love You
   .....Ruby Tuesday
   .....Dandelion
   .....Sittin' On A Fence
   .....Honky Tonk Women

   This information comes from "It's Only Rock And Roll: The Ultimate Guide To The Rolling Stones" by Karnbach and Bernson and from my own collection.




3. A lot of confused or too young reviewers around. This is truly one of the best records you can buy if you want the Stones rolling with powerful raw songs, and sophisticated exercises that certainly were very progressive at the time and still are deligthful now. WHAT IS THIS DVD THEN ? IT IS NOT a DVD of an original vinyl, and neither a recopilation of songs now made from several old records.
   The reviewer from Warsaw got it rigth. In september 1969 I bought a strange vinyl record, my first adventure in the Stones, which came in a strange octogonal casing, and had the picture you get in the CD now. Almost all the songs you get in this CD were there, in the original record by Decca (which by the way I lost in the 80's. Anybody out there can help?).
   So then if you love the Stones, get the record straigth. Then buy this DVD. It is an outstanding representation of the classic Stones...................



4. Essential for anybody who, like me, listened to the vinyl Decca version, and admired it's strange octagonal sleeve. I don't remember whether it was actually the first Stones record I listened to, but it sure was the first I had in my hands. I'd give it 5 stars if only there were the original line-up of songs with tongue-in-cheek lyrical "You Better Move On" and splendid "We Love You" and "Sitting On The Fence" instead of "Paint It, Black" and "Have You Seen Your Mother...". In the Decca version the band's portfolio sounded more versatile. It is a shame there's no collector's item state-of-art compact disc replica of that one! Thus, the past grows darker and darker.



5. Get Big Hits (High Tides and Green Grass) and Thru The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol II).

   Thru the Past... has "She's A Rinbow" and "Dandelion" AND "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Women".

   Okay, HOT ROCKS has "Brown Sugar", "Wild Horses", "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Sympathy for the Devil", but you own BEGGARS BANQUET, LET IT BLEED and STICKY FINGERS all ready, don't ya?

1 comments about Beggin': The Sound of London's Mod Club Scene.

1. This review is on the RPM/Retrodisc release of TIMEBOX "BEGGIN' The Sound Of London's Mod/Club Scene" a re-vamp of the previous Deram CD, minus the track "Misty", BUT it also contains the 4 sides they cut for Piccadilly, which is a nice addition (the disc clocks in at 78:08, so I guess something had to go). The liners by David Wells are lengthy and informative and go into more detail than I'm sure Barry Monks was allowed for the Deram issue (he does get a special thanks). Also, there are many more photos (including six that are full-page, and three that are new), all in all a better release than previously issued. Don't forget to check out The Ollie Halsall Archive, as always GREAT SITE, with some EXCELLENT videos, and best of all, ARTIST APPROVED! Ollie and Mike are surely proud....

4 comments about Exotic Birds and Fruit.

1. I am an old Procol fan. They are still my favorite band after all these years, so I might be a tad biased. But, to me, this album is just good solid Procol from their halcyon days. Whether you are a fan of the band, or you are into the kind of progressive rock they performed, no collection is complete without this one. If you are new to them, then this is Procol Harum at their best.



2. Procol Harum's 1974 release, "Exotic Birds And Fruit," is one of the group's finest albums. It may not boast any "hits," but diehard Harum fans know classic Harum songs when they hear them, and "Exotic Birds" contains many of them, such as the thumping "Nothing But The Truth," the drinking-song pastiche "Beyond The Pale," the fine melodies of "As Strong As Samson" (with one of Keith Reid's very best lyrics: "Ain't no use in preacher's preaching/When they don't know what they're teaching"), the spooky "The Thin Edge Of The Wedge," the playful "Fresh Fruit," and the rockin' "Butterfly Boys." The band, led by singer/pianist extraordinaire Gary Brooker, sound superb on this one. Thumbs up all the way on Procol Harum's "Exotic Birds And Fruit."



3. Exotic Birds and Fruit was originally issued at a time when disco fever was beginning to sweep the AM radio charts and at a time when imaginative music got increasingly less airplay on FM as radio business consolidations standardized playlists across the country.
   I remember buying it the day it arrived in the record store and rushing home to put it on. Immediately, I recognized the songs on side 1 of the album as being as good as anything the boys had issued to this point. Side 2 of the album was played less as I felt at the time the songs were somewhat weaker.
   With CDs, listening to a recording is a whole new experience. Sure, you can skip songs you don't like and easily replay those you do without the hassle of getting up to move the needle. But I tend to listen to the recording in its entirety which often gets me to hear a song I once did not care for with new ears. Such has been the case with the Friday Music reissue of Exotic Birds and Fruit.
   First of all, the sound is of excellent quality. Secondly, Friday Music tempts the Procol Harum fan with a couple of bonus tracks. Nothing But The Truth, Beyond The Pale, and Strong as Sampson still rate among the band's best songs but after hearing this well-made remaster, I have a new appreciation for The Idol, Fresh Fruit, Monsieur R Monde, and Butterfly Boys. I still don't much care for The Thin End of The Wedge but that is no demerit for this. Of the two bonus cuts, the band's magnificent rendition of Strauss' Blue Danube waltz stands tall, particularly during keyboard solos.
   Whether you are an old-time Procol Harum fan or a Procol-curious newcomer, you can't go wrong adding this overlooked classic to your CD collection.



4. I remember this album on vinyl from my past and am glad it is now on CD. It didn't get much attention as there are no real AM hits on here, but very good, orignial songs. This is by far my favorite album by Procol Harum and I recommend you give it a try, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

5 comments about Born to Be Wild: A Retrospective.

1. Born To Be Wild "Retrospective" is a wopping 34 song tribute to Steppenwolf. This is Real Rock !! PowerHouse Rock !! Steppenwolf to this day still dedicate themselves to bringing us Rock n Roll. The style of Rock n Roll that we have craved and thrived on for decades. Steppenwolf Music is the "Rebel Rock" that speaks to all of us free spirited Rebels in the world.
   This Retrospective comes with a fact filled booklet that gives an in depth history of Steppenwolf including some Great Photos.
   The booklet alone is worth the price of admission. And thats just for starters. The encore presentation in this collection is the music.
   Be prepared to get your rocks off with Hits like:
   Magic Carpet Ride- Sookie Sookie- Rock Me- Move Over- Everybody's Next One- For Ladies Only- It's Never Too Late-
   The Pusher- Screaming Night Hog- Born To Be Wild-
   Hey Lawdy Mama- and the John Kay Hit "I'm Movin On".
   
   Steppenwolf "Retrospective" is for everyone and anyone who wants a little wolf in their lives. John Kay calls this an Excellent Collection of the bands music. Today, Steppenwolf operates without any major label financing. They even have their own in house 24 track recording studio and they continue to tour several months out of the year.
   Final thought:
   There is nothing retro about this Retrospective.
   It is as current today as it was back then. "Go For It" !!



2. This is the ultimate Steppenwolf album! Fans of late 60's psychadelic/progressive rock will really appreciate this one. The songs included chronicle John Kay's rise to rock history, from his membership in the band "The Sparrow" through the drug-induced 60's and the formation of his now-famous band.
   
   Along with Iron Butterfly, I consider Steppenwolf to be one of the bands that really defined the psychadelic rock scene in the late 60's, until the arrival of Led Zeppelin blew everyone away.
   
   You will NOT be dissapointed with this collection. From "Twisted" to the much later live version of "Born To Be Wild" and Kay's 80's projects, Steppenwolf's folk and R&B roots can clearly be heard.
   
   This compilation is not for the casual Steppenwolf fan; there are "best of" albums out there for you. If you are interested in the evolution and metamorphosis of rock n' roll bands, however, this 2-CD set is for you.



3. This is a wonderful collection of Steppenwolf. However, I was unaware that this CD set was transfered from analog tape and absolutely contains hiss and anomalies. I would have never purchased this particular recording on CD. The sound quality is so poor that it can only be listened to at a low volume level-quite unfortunate for tunes such as Born to Be Wild, Sookie Sookie and Magic Carpet Ride. Don't waste your money if you have become accustomed to and expect excellent sound quality from a CD. The music is good-just should have been digitally remastered or why bother?



4. MCA Records has continued to released and re-release tons of Steppenwolf compilations over the years with the same songs, this is the only one that bears any identity in the pile. This 2-CD set is like a Steppenwolf history book, containing two Sparrow tracks from 1966 and covers the "Rise and Shine" album from 1990, and in between the 'Wolf hits and John Kay solo recordings. If you want a good insight, and excellent sound quality (which the current budget series reissues are lacking) and don't want to spend a lot, this is a good starting point. What would make this all complete for listeners is for Epic to re-release "Reborn to Be Wild" a collection of what the 'Wolf did between '74 and '76, then we would have a complete summary in 3 CDs...



5. This double-disc set begins with two 1966 songs by the Canadian band Sparrow that would change its name to Steppenwolf by 1968. "Twisted" is a rocking John Kay original. "Good Morning Little School Girl" is a capable cover of the Sonny Boy Williamson classic with Kay playing harmonica.

   Steppenwolf's debut is the most liberally represented on this set (seven tracks in all), including classics like "Sookie Sookie," "The Pusher" and, of course, the biker anthem "Born To Be Wild."

   Frequent personnel changes didn't affect the quality of music. Steppenwolf the Second produced "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" and their second million-seller hit "Magic Carpet Ride."

   By the release of Steppenwolf 7, the hits had pretty much dried up, but the band was still releasing terrific music. (While in college I caught Steppenwolf supporting this album.) "Snowblind Friend" is a tender anti-drug song. "Who Needs You" and "Screaming Night Hog" are solid rockers.

   In 1972 Kay formally disbands Steppenwolf. The two solo tracks from this period are a rousing interpretation of Hank Snow's "I'm Movin' On" and the autobiographical "My Sportin' Life," featuring Kay on accoustic guitar and Dobro.

   In 1974 Kay re-forms Steppenwolf with Jerry Edmonton (drums) and Goldy McJohn (keyboards) from the original band. Their music is as strong as any of their sixties' material. The Jerry Edmonton-penned "Straight-Shootin' Woman" becomes the band's last single when it peaks at No. 29 in 1974.

   One of the highlights of this set is the previously unreleased "Live Your Life" from 1977 with Lowell George on slide guitar. Another is the inclusion of the live version of "Born To Be WIld" from their appearance at Farm Aid III (which I had the joy of being at).

   If all you want are the hits, there are some single-disc compilations available that will suffice, but none of them cover Steppenwolf's career as thoroughly as this. RECOMMENDED

5 comments about Forever Changes.

1. As a teenager in the 60's, and a literal garage rocker, my bandmates and I latched on to Love. When their first album came out we figured out all the music and lyrics, and would play them in my friend's room and record ourselves on his old reel to reel, trying to mimic the cool vocals of Arthur Lee, Bryan Maclean and company in a fair attempt at matching the harmonies and chord changes which were, for the most part, remarkably simple. We even had down the design of Love's red logo, drawing it all over the place.It was a great thing. Then Da Capo, their second album was released. Well, the difference between it and the first album was huge. The beautiful rudimental sound of their debut album had leapt to heretofore unknown territory and into a completely different musical realm, with it's sophisticated use of instruments foreign to us young rockers. I mean, the Harpischord! Well it was getting more difficult to reproduce these songs, but we had fun trying, and man, we were on the edge digging it. Then Forever Changes, came out, and by now in my neighborhood, Love had caught on, and was on the stereo at all the parties. We had been on this early alternative wave from the beginning and did love Love. Now over 40 years later, this record has only gotten better with each listen, always with some nuance to a lyric or melody unheard previously. I listened to Sgt. Peppers today, and then to Forever Changes following, the former really sounding kinda silly and camp mostly (except for a few timeless tracks). But Love's third and best still awed me in its simply unrivaled achievement. Funny, I got my sister to listen to it last night for her first time in about 25 years, and she could still sing the lyrics word for word, with all the changes still in memory. Yet it always is fresh and new as the title suggests.....



2. Album content 5 stars, this version of the album 2 stars
   
   Years ago when I picked up a book that ranked the best albums of all time, I had a great shock when I found this album at #1. Could it possibly be better than the #2 "Pet Sounds" or even the #3 "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"? Fueled by a combination of curiosity and utter disbelief, I decided to get the cd and lo and behold, I was blown away.
   
   The music was unlike anything I had ever heard before and it was obvious from the start that this was a very original work of art and that Arthur Lee was a brilliant genius at work. It became clear to me as well that "Forever Changes" is very deserving of its lofty ranking. A simply beautiful album and probably as close as pop music has ever come to being high works of art.
   
   Now this version has been released without any bonus tracks in a mini lp replica sleeve design which pretty accurately recreates the original lp design. Unfortunately, it hasn't been very well remastered and does not sound quite as good as the prior Rhino version. We also know that for years now, the Japanese have been the masters at mlps cds and they still have the edge over Rhino at least for now. The Japanese have the good sense to include a plastic sleeve for the cd to prevent dust and more importantly scratches from damaging the shiny side of the cd. When I received my cd from Amazon, there was already a couple of lines on my cd because there was no plastic sleeve protecting my disc from the paper sleeve which has two folds that what with movement during shipping and everything meant that I received a scratched cd. Otherwise, the outer cardboard sleeve is well done and is good quality unlike some of the other mlps versions I've seen out there that have flimsy or poor quality, thin cardboard covers. I don't actually mind the fact that the 7 bonus tracks on the prior Rhino release are missing as I guess most of the time, bonus tracks do not add to the enjoyment of the original album tracks and many a time actually spoils the listening enjoyment when they are countless outtakes or alternate takes of album tracks or worse interviews and obvious filler material.
   
   Otherwise, if you don't mind the diminished sound quality as compared to the prior Rhino release and the propensity for the lack of proper plastic protection for the cd to result in scratches on the data/music side of your cd, then for lovers of the mlps format, this may be a worthwhile addition to your other Love albums. Overall, I like the whole Rhino Replica idea but I hope they'll take my comments seriously and seek to better protect the discs from damage and also seek to remaster and hence improve the sound quality of future releases. The following are just some of the albums I'd love to see as Rhino Replicas:
   
   "Partners In Crime" - Rupert Holmes
   "No Goodbyes" - Daryl Hall & John Oates
   "Abandoned Luncheonette" - Daryl Hall & John Oates
   "Not Fragile" - Bachman-Turner Overdrive
   "Van Halen I & II" - Van Halen
   "L.A. Woman" - The Doors
   "Greatest Hits" - The Little River Band (original album and NOT what's currently out there which totally screwed up the track order)
   "No Parlez" - Paul Young
   
   (all remastered with plastic cd protecting sleeve in addition to the paper sleeve and please no bonus tracks)



3. First off, my Five Stars are for the music only. The highly touted reproduction of the album art here is practically actual size on my computer as shown on Amazon. That said, if it's a fresh, beautiful reproduction of the William S. Harvey album art you want, don't buy this one because you won't be able to even read his name it's so tiny. For the art, I recommend the gorgeous Sundazed VINYL re-release. It actually IS LP sized because it's actually an LP! I love vinyl and it's great to have if you only have a CD version right now. In my opinion, "Forever Changes" is the single greatest rock album ever recorded. So far I've bought this album SIX times since I discovered it in 1983. First as a vinyl reissue, then another copy soon after because I was wearing out the first one. A third time once I found a collectable mint condition 1967 original issue with the Elektra and Love logos. Then a fourth time when finally released on CD. A fifth time when released in its entirety as part of the "Love Story" 2 disc compilation and a SIXTH time when the single CD was re-released in 2001 with bonus tracks. All money gladly spent mind you, but here's where I draw the line! There's NO REASON to buy this for the sake of the "faithful, loving reproduction" of the original album art. IT'S CD SIZED, PEOPLE! Might as well be a postage stamp. I can only read the song titles and credits on the back because I know them by heart! A magnifying glass should come as standard issue. So buy the Sundazed vinyl version for the art, but for the music pick up the WEA 2001 release with the bonus tracks which actually contains song titles & album credits that are easier to read than this "new" version they put out mostly for the sake of the "packaging". The 2001 version contains the normal jewel case setup with identical cover art that is itself slid into a sleeve that ALSO has the art front and back. It even has the old style Elektra and Love logos printed on the disc. This latest 2007 version is a waste of money even for a fanatics fanatic such as myself! If you do buy it, make sure to peel off all those stickers teling you what a wonderful, loving reproduction they've produced with the art! It's funny to think now that I bought that second copy because I was afraid that it may go out of print forever.



4. One must be in the right frame of mind for LOVE's unique album Forever Changes. It's all breezy guitars, lush orchestrations, Tijuana brass, no real hard rock, and haunting tunes woven together into an eerie semi-arid urban tapestry that demands and requires your attention. I had special-ordered this legendary record decades ago on vinyl (it never went out of print). Listening to this LP at 18 or so, about 10 years after its release, I was not yet sophisticated enough to appreciate the musical depth. I was listening to the New Wave, and an old hand at 60s and 70s Rock, and at the time was bored by it. Now I realize Forever Changes is simply a beautifully realized personal statement (Arthur Lee's) including his comments upon being a black man in a largely "white" subculture - L.A.'s acid-rock, country-western, and psychedelic bands, particularly those bands playing at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go - plus his own passion for that city (he later said he felt the songs were about his expected impending death - he passed away decades later in 2006). A real summer night driving record, LOVE Forever Changes is a sultry delight, a relic and microcosm, a time capsule and breaking chrysalis . . . this is a great, tuneful record of happenstance, almost outsider-art for its lack of significant commercial success, and may possibly be one of your undiscovered loves.
   Thank goodness for Elektra who not only discovered Detroit bands THE MC5, and THE STOOGES, but particularly Whiskey-A-Go-Go bands like THE DOORS and LOVE. Thank goodness for RHINO re-issuing Forever Changes with the bonus tracks (including "Hummingbird" and LOVE's last single "Your Mind And We Belong Together" b/w "Laughing Stock.")



5. The music we know...but now Rhino has issued this timeless beauty in a mini Lp sleeve replica just as it was meant to from the beginning!Thanks!!

5 comments about Chi-Lites - Greatest Hits.

1. ALL TIME CLASSIC BEST OF CD , EVERY TRACK I LIKE ALOT , THEY WERE ANOTHER SUPER SOUL GROUP FOR THE 70'S SEEK THIS OUT ......TIMELESS



2. The only setback is the coldest days of my life isn't the full version.



3. This is an enjoyable compilation. The Chi Lites were a second tiered group, they were a quality soul group yet they did not have as many hits as the Temptations, Four Tops or other more prominent groups.
   
   What I like about them is that, out of completely nowhere, they would inject these psychodelic and fuzzed out guitar riffs, the phatest bass lines of the era and I love that guy with the deep, I mean DEEP voice. He was an instrument all by himself.
   
   The ballads are nice, but the songs like "Have you Seen Her", with its crazy fuzzed out, introductory guitar tone, is what gets me going. "Power to the People" is another psychodelic song. Don't miss "Are you my woman" which is the song Beoyance sampled for her hit "Crazy in love"!
   
   This group went a bit against the grain which I like.



4. If you're like I was, you probably know "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her" and have acknowledged that they're great songs, but you secretly suspect the Chi-Lites of being something of a one-hit wonder (okay, a two-hit wonder). Then you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that nothing could be further from the truth. This compilation is full of great songs, and not just in the "Oh Girl-Have You Seen Her" variety. There's also a good bit of early funk to go with the soul. Most importantly, it's all worthwhile. The Chi-Lites concentrated on the three most important things (as far as I'm concerned) in pop music: Melody, harmony and lyrics. They nail them all. "We Are Neighbors", "Let Me Be the Man My Daddy Was", "Stoned out of My Mind", "Homely Girl", "Give More Power to the People" are splendid examples, but I could include every song on this compilation. And, as other reviewers have noted, the sound quality is superb, crystal-clear. I frequently spin around to see if Eugene Record is standing behind me. No, it's just the CD. If you have any affection for the sweet sound of 60s and 70s soul, buy this record, and you'll be well rewarded.



5. They may not as been as popular as other similar groups of the day but the group that started out as Marshall & the Chi-lites found their niche in pop history. When you first heard the heartfelt wailings of "Oh Girl" or "Have You Seen Her" or the Rare Earth sounding "(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People" we were hooked. We didn't know much about the politics of such songs back then when they were released, we just knew what we liked. We liked the Chi-lites. And still do.

5 comments about The Time Has Come.

1. Loved this CD when it was released as an album back in the day. Slap the headphones on and listen. What a powerful CD, what a group! The only other group I could think of with this much energy playing rock is Living Color. This CD STILL sounds fresh. Heck, even my sons like it. They never imagined that I was young once and could appreciate rock music. Little do they know! If you have only heard the radio version of Time Has Come Today - then get the CD and crank the REAL version. Who cares what the neighbors say - you won't be able to hear them anyway. The Chambers Brothers are right up there with any group out of the 60's - but they transcend the years and the music still sounds 'modern' and in actuality sounds a lot better than much of the stuff that is being played today.



2. I remember listening to the "Chambers Brothers" when I was young on the radio. Buying this CD brought back memories that had been stored in the vault for a long time and I am happy to have opened that time frame.



3. This is an OUTSTANDING album. It sounds as fresh today as when it was released almost 40 years ago.



4. realmente los 60 fueron una caldera inagotable de sensaciones, estilos,excesos, propuestas... que dificilmente puedan tener parangon...he aqui una muestra muy valiosa de esa confusa y hermosa realidad..gospel, funk, rock, psicodelia....versiones como "in the midnight hour","people get ready" te vuelan la cabeza.....muy buen disco, ademas tiene esa joya perenne como "time has come today"..que mas queres??



5. One of the First albums too talk about the Homeless. One of the first R&B/Gospel groups too cross over to the Rock genre. The Chambers Brothers are one of the Icons of the early Rock Movement. Two songs (The Time Has Come Today & People Get Ready), are must haves for Any Fan of early Rock.