5 comments about Tejas.

1. I just want to re-enforce what others have said about the CD edition of this excellent recording. As noted by so many, the original (thank God I still have an old cassette tape) carried the vibe and nuance so well, it really was an integral part of the songs. That "dark and smoky" mix was simply part and parcel of Tejas' personality. And being in Texas, there's nothing like listening to the original Tejas and running across mesa country in the Colorado and Concho Valleys (depicted so well by the cover art). I DO NOT want the 80's dance remix of this music. I've tried really hard to accept this CD, but the sterile electronic vibe is so obtrusive, so counter to the tone established by the original, I just can't. It has simply gutted the personality of this unique album from the Texas Trio. My only hope is that so much negative feedback will accumulate here and across the board that a "new, old" version will be released. Ahh - dare to dream...



2. If you want to hear ZZ Top, find their original LPs. The CDs that are available are an insult to the quality inspired musicianship the band once had. They are essentially re-recordings, and it's a shame that anyone who buys a CD is not going to hear the true ZZ, and why they were one of the best bands of the 70s. BUY THE LP or CASSETTE!!!



3. This was my favorite album back in the days of cassette tapes. I wish I still had the tape. It would be better than the remixed garbage put out on CD. Why would anybody want to take a perfectly good drum track and make it sound like a casio drum machine on PURPOSE? The original Tejas was one of those rare albums where EVERY song was good and the sequence was perfect. I'd never get sick of listening over and over to this album. But three seconds into "It's only love" on the remix and I'm sick to death.



4. tejas represents zz top at their very best! this is true musicianship blending country, jazz and boogie with cactus juice squeezed all over. i think it is the peak of their talent and shows their true singular style. the new re-release contains a horrible remix. drums are too loud sometimes, there's a squeal here and there that is missing. but this music is so good i can tolerate the remix.



5. I bought this to replace my very worn out record. If you loved the vinyl as much as I did, you will probably not like the CD version. It sounds like they used some triggered drum sounds or re-recorded the drum track with triggers... no bueno. (Though it does sound kind of cool on "Ten Dollar Man") I'm going to the used record store to buy a new vinyl version of this.

3 comments about We Are Marshall.

1. This is one of two soundtrack CDs for "We Are Marshall." The original motion picture soundtrack by Christophe Beck is also great. I know this "music from" CD does not include all of the selections in the movie, but it's a good listen nontheless. Just download the missing songs to "complete" this CD.



2. The instramental music from the soundtrack of We Are Marshall is not included at all on this CD. Some of that music is very very good - it heighten the movie. To not include that music is really dissapointing. This should be called a PARTIAL soundtrack of We Are Marshall.



3. OK, I'm a HUGE soundtrack fan. I am always sadly disappointed by the lack of songs actually in the movie.
   
   This one is no exception.
   
   Here are the songs on this CD:
   1. Groove Me - King Floyd
   2. Looking Out My Back Door - Creedence Clearwater Revival
   3. Mama Told Me Not To Come - Three Dog Night
   4. Let's Work Together - Canned Heat
   5. Proud Mary - Ike & Tina Turner
   6. Peace Train - Cat Stevens
   7. The Love You Save - Jackson 5
   8. Let's Stay Together - Al Green
   9. American Pie - Don McLean
   10. Put A Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie Deshannon
   11. Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) - Melanie/Edwin Hawkins Singers
   12. I'm Your Captain / Closer To Home (Live) - Grand Funk Railroad
   13. We Are Marshall Chant - Cast Of "We Are Marshall"
   
   AND HERE ARE THE SONGS MISSING FROM THIS CD:
   Paranoid - Black Sabbath
   Ventura Highway - America
   Draggin' the Line - Tommy James
   Suite: Judy Blue Eyes - Crosby, Stills & Nash
   If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot
   Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond
   
   If you ask me, the ones NOT on the CD are the best ones in the movie ... figures.
   
   You decide if this is enough for you. Just my observation.

5 comments about Time Loves a Hero.

1. This album suffers from minimal input from the "big toe" Lowell George, who pulled a Jim Morrison during the recording sessions and only showed up on occassions. Therefore the rest of the Feat had to fill the void, even using synthesizers to simulate the sound of George's signature slide guitar on some tracks, like the solo on "Rocket in My Pocket". That's my biggest complaint with this one, LG's brilliant guitar playing is practically non-existent. It may have actually saved the jazz-fusion tracks "Dog Day at the Races" & "Red Steamliner" from mediocrity. As they are, they're cringe-inducing and unlistenable to me. The synthesizers have run amok on those two particular tracks. Fortunately the rest of the disc doesnt suffer. The title track "Time Loves A Hero", "Keepin' Up with the Joneses", and the simple acoustic guitar closer "Missin' You" being the real standouts, and exemplary of the clasic Little Feat sound, before complacency began to set it and the gradual decline of one of the greatest American bands.



2. I have listened to all of the LF recordings and have seen them perform 3 times over a period of 15 years. What makes Time Loves a Hero special is its appeal to a broad audience. I played Day at the Dog Races during a guest DJ slot on a jazz radio station and stumped everyone. When I revealed the artist there was an initial sense of shock from the listeners but the overall response was very good.
   I love the Feat and wish they would record more music like Time Loves a Hero.



3. I'm not a big Little Feat fan, but I really like lots of guitar jamming and jazz fusion, and lately that's the kind of music I've been listening to.
   
   Time Loves a Hero captures exactly the kind of music I'm interested in. Even though I haven't heard the entire thing, the songs I have heard really opened my eyes to the band. Going in a jazzy direction helped keep their songwriting fresh and enjoyable. I really like it.



4. 
   I had high hopes for this recent remastered re-release of the entire Lowell George-era Little Feat catalog.
   
   As Warner Brothers domestically has never bothered itself, other than the 2000 Rhino box set, to bring the LF catalog properly into the digital world, the announcement a few months ago of the Japan release was a pleasant and exciting surprise.
   
   Unfortunately, upon arrival, I found the Japan mastering to be a major disappointment.
   
   Rhino did a pretty good job on their set, but the highs, especially the clarity in the percussion, were lackluster. As LF's powerhouse rhythm section is one of the band's greatest trademarks, this was always a lamentable aspect of the box.
   
   On the 2007 Japan mini-sleeve version of "Time Loves A Hero", the missing highs & clarity are there, but the midrange is severely compromised.
   
   All of Japanese editions of the earlier studio albums exhibit the same discrepancy, in varying degrees, when compared against the box discs. It's barely noticeable when A/B'ing tracks from the first album, but the midrange deficiency grows progressively more pronounced as you move chronologically thru the catalog. Obviously, as recording progressed, more care and time to the production and engineering was given to each successive recording, so the better the source material, the more the pronounced the midrange anomaly becomes.
   
   On "Time", it's just glaring. The warm richness of tone on the Rhino is completely missing in the 'sleeve edition. It's like the music is emanating from an FM-band radio with the treble boosted.
   
   The 'sleeve version of "Waiting For Columbus" is the same exact fabulous-sounding expanded-track remaster set that Rhino released in 2002. As that is the jewel of the LG-era catalog, that's a welcome relief.
   
   So, listening to the great LF studio catalog is actually more frustrating than ever, given the choice between diminished clarity and detail or a compromised midrange. Argggh.
   
   Yes, they all sound better than the crappy old WB domestic individual CD's, but it's a tepid endorsement I proffer. This is something you usually don't see on the Japanese remasters, so it's an expensive disappointment. However, I'll be keeping the 'sleeve set, as the great Neon Park artwork brings back fond memories.
   
   In 1978, I attended a pre-show WB party for the band at the top of the Washington Plaza hotel before their Paramount Northwest appearance, for which I had front-row seats, a fantastic show. All of the band members were in attendance at the party, except for Lowell George. It was explained later he was still recovering from a hepatitis bout three weeks before, and needed to rest.
   
   The party was a quiet, relaxed, low-key affair with a fabulous panoramic view of the Seattle Harbor and Olympic Mountains. Each of the band members graciously signed the inside gatefold of my "Waiting For Colombus" album cover. Years later, I remembered thinking that except for Emmylou Harris, those cats were the nicest people I ever met in my three years in "the business".
   
   I had replaced the two factory LP's with great-sounding white label vinyl test pressings supplied by a friend in the Tukwila WEA office. I still have that set today; it's one of my most prized possessions from that era, and I'll never let it go.
   
   WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
   
   Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
   
   Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13.5MM X 13.5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
   
   Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
   
   Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
   
   The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
   
   Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
   
   All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!



5. It's a common enough story in popular music: backing band with aspirations pushes out front man in decline. Only insiders will ever know whether Lowell George jumped or was pushed from the creative heights to which he led Little Feat in the Dixie Chicken era. This album certainly occupies a much lower place, in which, as another reviewer put it, jazz-rock noodling and synthesizers replace the "country with a funky beat" that (for me) defines the `real' Little Feat.
   
   By the time of this album, Little Feat was effectively two bands: one backing Lowell George's synthesis of rock, country, and funk; and another without him, dabbling in now-dated 70s-style fusion with little lasting appeal. Some people like either or both of these versions, but not me: I'd take a few cuts from this one, ignore then next two, and leave Dixie Chicken in my CD changer permanently.

5 comments about Bring It Back Alive.

1. By far this is one of the top 5 live albums. The Outlaws were simple the best southern rock band. Skynyrd was raw and gritty, the outlaws were precice, had "Eagle" type harmonies, and the double and triple guitar work is unbelievable. If you like rock, southern rock and a small bit of country balled up into one band, the Outlaws are for you. This live album has all of their great hits from their fantastic 1st 3 albums. The audio recording makes you feel like the you are in the 1st row of the show. The live "Green Grass & High Tides" blows any version of "Freebird " away.



2. This album puts on display the energy and power of the Outlaws live to wonderful effect.



3. One of the best live albums of all time. The Outlaws always were a better live band then their cds made them sound like. Much heavier and harder sounding live. Not that Im complaining they are one of my favorite all time bands live or album....



4. A good CD with a later incarnation of the band but, with 3 original members. I say farewell to Hughie and Billy by listening to this great CD.It 's a testimony to their talent.



5. This is the Outlaws best album! The more I listen to it, to more I enjoy it- from the great percusion to the truly amazing guitars. I have a hard time with some of the folksy, California country music vibe of some of the studio albums- but thats not a problem with this live recording. If you only buy one Outlaw album- this is the one to get!

1 comments about Let's All Go to Bed.

1. The third Mother Truckers CD, Let's All Go To Bed is a continuation of more great music from a band that blends styles together so well it is hard to categorize their work. It is a fusion of Blues, Country, Rock, Americana and a little bit of old school ukulele from the past. With their new rhythm section their live sound has become more powerful and this CD captures that energy. The primary members Teal Collins and Josh Zee form a duo that shares the vocals and guitars. Ms. Collins has never sounded better and her powerful voice shines on Billy Joe Shaver's "When I Get My Wings" but shows a softer side on "Quiet Night". Mr. Zee not only has mastered the electric guitar he pushes it to new heights. Buy this and all their CD's but remember to catch them live as well.

5 comments about A Blessing and a Curse.

1. Another reviewer said this album lacks breadth & depth. He must be listening to another album. This is The Drive-By Truckers. This is what they do. If you like them then what's there not to like? I've yet to hear an album of theirs' that isn't a 4-star minimum. Brighter Than Creation's Dark and Pizza Deliverence are definite 5-star records and possibly The Dirty South too which is fantastic. I haven't yet heard Decoration Day or Gangsterbilly but I'm sure they will be great too. Great guitar-based rock music!



2. This is just a fine CD with a good mix of songs. Everybody got a chance on this disc and the songs you maybe didn't like at first grow on you.



3. after reading glowing reviews of the DBTs I picked up three of their cds. While some of the lyrics are strong, the songs have no melodies whatsoever. Most of the arrangements consist of guitars blaring over a terrible singer. They're reputed to be carrying on the tradition of Skynyrd and the Allmans. But those bands weren't just loud guitars...they had memorable tunes and great singers. DBTs are a huge letdown.



4. I don't get these other reviews. This disc if beautiful, deep, and clearly fits into the direction that the band is heading. There are several poignant songs (check out Gravity's Gone, Goodbye, Daylight, and ESPECIALLY Little Bonnie). To say that these are poorly written songs is unbelievable.
   DBT continues to look at real life situations straight in the eye, and lay all of the emotional cards on the table.
   Clunkers on this disc? There may be a couple- I don't like Track #1.... And if you like the really hard stuff (Sink Hole, Careless, Lookout Mtn), you might be put off- it might be a bit mellower than what you're used to.
   Overall, though, just another masterpiece from the boys from Alabama.



5. Most of the reviews here make a whole lot of sense to me, even the bitter ones. This is NOT in the same league as SRO, Decoration Day nor Dirty South. I was expecting something of that calibre but was very dissapointed when I heard it for the first time. Not a heck of alot of depth here, what happened to the songwriting? I couldnt believe all 3 DBT songwriters went into the songwriting tank at the same time. How could this happen to 3 brilliant writers simultaneously?
   
   What I am finding now after about the 50th listen is that although the songwriting is not as interesting, its a fun album to groove to for music itself. The playing on this album is WAY beyond any of there previous outings, it is slick and polished but it sounds great. The guitars duel the drums kick and the vocals are first rate. The songs are good... not great... but you get used to them after a while and find yourself singing along.
   
   Check it out
   
   ML

5 comments about Now That's What I Call Music! 7.

1. 1.Survivor-ultimate girl-power song! This song is on repeat. Perfect song to dedicate to your ex. Also a perfect song to play if you've given up on something--this song gives you encouragement to try again. 5/5
   
   2.All For You-gets annoying but still good. 3/5
   
   3.Baby Come On Over-I prefer 'Don't Need You to Tell Me I'm Pretty' but this song will do. 3/5
   
   4.In My Pocket-I love Mandy Moore and this song! Love the beat, love the lyrics, love everything. 5/5
   
   5.Play-gets annoying but still good. 3/5
   
   6.The Call-ugh! Love the BSB but they are not rap song people! 0/5
   
   7.Playas' Gon' Play-this song may not make sense to some people but it makes sense to me. Just listen. 4/5
   
   8.Ride Wit Me-too much censoring but good! 3/5
   
   9.Danger-ugh! Not my type of music! 0/5
   
   10.Fiesta-ugh! Again, not my type of music! 0/5
   
   11.Let Me Blow Your Mind-ugh! Again, not my type of music! 0/5
   
   12.What Would You Do-this song is on repeat! I don't like how it's censored though. No part should be censored. This song talks about serious issues which most songs these days don't. This song is awesome! It's sad; it's based on a true story! 5/5
   
   13.Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know-I HATE BRITNEY SPEARS but surprisingly, I like this song! Girls can relate! 3/5
   
   14.This I Promise You-OMG! My mom and I love this song! This song is so beautiful! 5/5
   
   15.Never Had A Dream Come True-I love this song! I can relate to it. 5/5
   
   16.Hanging By A Moment-Jason Wade says this song is about his parents divorce. This is a good song to play if you're depressed--it helps. Even if you're not depressed it rocks! 5/5
   
   17.Jaded-I like this song. This song gets annoying after a while. 4/5
   
   18.From My Head to My Heart-OMG! Evan and Jaron rock! I love this song! They kept making hit after hit! 5/5
   
   19.Flavor of the Weak-awesome song! I only heard this song on the radio once but I love it! 5/5
   
   Anyways, get this CD! IT ROCKS! Play it at a party and you'll be dancing all night!



2. Now we're getting somewhere...As you may already know from my previous reviews of the 'Now!' series, I feel that it's a nice way to remember the yesteryears, but as we roll into 'Now! 7' we're getting a glimpse of the not so distant past, songs that we may still hear from time to time on the radio and such. Songs like 'Ride Wit Me' or 'Survivor', Mistikal's brilliant anthum 'Danger' (which I just heard on the radio last night), 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' and Lifehouse's biggest hit 'Hanging by a Moment' are all heard on the radio to this day.
   
   Laced though with not so common hits, 'Now! 7' still has something to offer to those who are looking for a blast from the past. Samantha Mumba (where is she now) delivers a song we can all remember tearing up the airwaves ('Baby Come on Over') and Mandy Moore gives us another great track with 'In my Pocket' which I don't remember as well as some of the other tracks here.
   
   Never was a fan of Janet's 'All for You' or J. Lo's 'Play', heck, or even Destiny's Child's 'Survivor', but they all have their place in the memory of yesterday right. I actually like 'The Call' and this remix by The Neptunes is off the hook. There is some ballads that maybe should have been avoided, most notably Britney's 'Don't Let me be the Last to Know' and S Club 7's 'Never had a Dream Come True' which is just irritatingly cliche. I always liked N'Sync's 'This I Promise You' but even that may have been beter suited for another CD.
   
   The real gem here though is City High's 'What Would You Do?' which is a song I almost forgot about. It was such a good song back in the day, and even now, listening to it for what feels like the first time I'm left with the same feeling. Great song, great sound and great message.
   
   Yes, I agree that the constant editing of the songs is annoying...I just really with they'd pick songs that don't have to be edited, but I doubt they ever will. These rap songs (like the awful crap R. Kelly and Jay-Z delivered) is too popular with today's generation for them to get avoided when putting together these CD's. Oh well, it's something we all have to deal with to get what we want, if this is indeed what you want.



3. ...if you want to add to the destruction of music as a valid art form.



4. The Summer of 2001 was hot, hazy and dry; it was near impossible to cool down. Thankfully, Sony/Universal/EMI/Zomba released "NOW 7", the #1 way to keep cool during the heat. 2001 was a great year for music from the start on January 1st, and this album does a perfect job of gathering up the best tracks from the first half of the year. The wonderful balance of pop, rock, R&B and rap creates a cool vibe which flows through out the album. The nineteen amazing tracks:
   (1) Destiny's Child "Survivor" A-. It may have been overplayed, but it still remains a great modern R&B track. Most distinguishing is that the song is about joyfully moving on. Listener's respond to the song because it offers a positive attitude. It also helps that the beat is terribly addictive, and I'm sure that it's popularity was also helped by the fact that the TV show of the same name was popular at the time as well.
   (2) Janet Jackson "All For You" A-. Shows what a dance song is supposed to be, and showcases some of Janet's best work. There isn't too much substance, yet the beat a production are so infectious that you get caught up in it. Janet's vioce sounds as smooth as ever, and adds a nice sexy undertone.
   (3) Samantha Mumba "Baby, Come Over (This Is Our Night)" B. Her standard material is compenstated by the urgency in her voice. However she achives it, the song sounds very convincing and even carries some depth. Not a great pop song by any means, but a pretty fun one.
   (4) Mandy Moore "In My Pocket" A. From the start we think that this will be your standard pop song, yet it blooms with so much dimension and hidden feelings. The mesmerizing beat engulfs the listener and the lyrics create some mysterious images. This is Mandy Moore at her best.
   (5) Jennifer Lopez "Play" B+. Sheds the emotion of "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny"; leaving a playful dance single left. J. Lo doesn't settle for average material though, as this is a catchy, clever and original track about her wanting to hear her favorite dance song. Fiery beats make this impossible to resist.
   (6) Backsteet Boys "The Call" (Neptunes Remix w/ Rap) A. While it may feel like a strange remix at first; the song does grow on you. Cheating has always been a common theme in music, but this enters a new area with it's modern edge. The lyrics create a true dilemma, while the Neptunes lace them with their quircky beats and rhymes.
   (7) 3LW "Playas Gon' Play" B. 3LW doesn't break much new ground; as they don't seem to stand out from the pop crowd. Still, this contains a nice idea with some intelligent writing that rings true. Pop and hip-hop are easily mixed, but the mixture here doesn't pick up flair like it should.
   (8) Nelly feat. City Spud "Ride Wit Me" A. A perfect showcase for why Nelly is the best new rapper pf the 2000s. Jason "Jay-E" Eppereson production catchy, bouncy and highy enjoyable. Strange how the song is both "gangsta" and "old school" at the same time. This is hands down a great rap song.
   (9) Mystikal feat. Nivea "Danger (Been So Long)" A. Mystikal's usually unappealing voice somehow works here. Maybe it's not really his voice; it could be Nivea's mesmerizing voice, or the striking beat that drive it. I don't even know what this is about, yet I can't help but get dragged into the fun.
   (10) R. Kelly feat. Jay-Z and Boo & Gotti "Fiesta Remix" B. Not bad a bad song, just not a satisfiing one. For R. Kelly, it's nowhere near as deep as "I Wish", or as cool as "Thoia Thoing". Jay-Z isn't given much to do and Boo & Gotti are disposible. Fun while it last, then utterly forgetable.
   (11) Eve feat. Gwen Stefani "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" A-. One of Eve's best songs ever. Functions in as both a pop and rap song; mainly because Eve and Gwen blend so well together. In general, Dr. Dre and Scott Storch's production make this a stylish little charm of a single.
   (12) City High "What Would You Do" A. Less than three minutes long, yet it tell's a striking story with alot of deoth and enotion. Yes, it's cold and startles the listener, but that's the whole intention. Definetly a nice change of pace from most rap songs.
   (13) Britney Spears "Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know" B+. The changes that can occur when she drops the "naughty image". True emotion can be found in this pop ballad; the lyrics display true urgency and feelings. Tragedy this didnt find as much success as the disasterous "Oops!...I Did It Again".
   (14) *N Sync "This I Promise You" A-. A traditional pop that is done to pefection. The boys never have to try too hard, and just let everything develop natrually. By the end, we see exactly how this beautiful song slowly formed. Also serves as a flip-side to "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me".
   (15) S Club 7 "Never Had A Dream Come True" A. This usually disposable group (from the awful TV show) somehow hits a home run here. Words that describe this song: deep, emotional, powerful, heartfelt, honest and beautiful. The content is so touching that anyone can relate to it. This is a small pop treasue.
   (16) Lifehouse "Hanging By A Moment" A-. They never quite equaled it afterwards, but this is a terrific rock song. It's intelligent, catchy and heartfelt. Falls into the same league as the best work by the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty. In fact, it did go on to become Billboard's #1 song of 2001.
   (17) Aerosmith "Jaded" A. One of the best songs the group has ever recorded; and that's no small accomplishment. Steve Tyler's voice delivers the lyrics with true emotion; all set to the piercing guitar beats. This is great rock track which packs quite a punch during its running time.
   (18) Evan and Jaron "From My Head To My Heart" B+. It's just as good as "Crazy For This Girl", and that was well done. The two boys have a nice relaxed feel and carry true feeling in their lyrics. Quite refreshing to hear a good natured pop tune these days.
   (19) American Hi-Fi "Flavor Of The Weak" A. This workls as well as it does because of it's bluntness. There is a story to be told in it's lyrics, and the song tell's that story straight; holding nothing back. Great summer track that demonstates hard rock at its finest.
   Bottom Line: ****. As compilations albums are a dime-a-dozen these days; "NOW" always shows how it should be done. They even top themselves in putting together this masterpiece. It may have been the perfect album for Summer 2001, but it happens to be a great album for any season, of any year. THIS is an album!



5. 1. Destiny's Child - Survivor : I really don't like this song much.
   Original Grade: C-
   Should it be on: B+
   Released: May 8, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
   2. Janet Jackson - All For You: I kind of like this song, but Janet's other songs are a bit better.
   Original Grade: B+
   Should It Be On: B
   Released: March 27, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
   3. Samantha Mumba - Baby Come On Over: I liked the Now 6 song much better.
   Original Grade: B+
   Should it be on: A++
   Released: September 3, 2001 (released before Now 7 in stores, which is awesome)
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 8
   4. Mandy Moore - In My Pocket: I like her other songs like "Candy" much better.
   Original Grade: B-
   Should it be on: A
   Released: June 4, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
   5. Jennifer Lopez - Play: A great song, but a bit old.
   Original Grade: A
   Should it be on: B+
   Released: April 23, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 7...but maybe could've been on Now 6
   6. BSB - The Call (Remix): I really hate this group and this song. The remix isn't any better anyway. Plus, it's outdated.
   Original Grade: D-
   Should it be on: C+
   Released: February 19, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
   7. 3LW - Playas Gon Play: I really do miss 3LW, and I think they should have been around a bit longer.
   Original Grade: A
   Should it be on: A++
   Released: October 18, 2004
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 8
   8. Nelly - Ride Wit Me: Great song, but the edited version took out the fun of it.
   Original Grade: A-
   Should it be on: A++
   Released: August 27, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 8...or I guess 7 if they made the CD
   9. Mystikal - Danger: I have never liked this song. Plus, it's outdated too.
   Original Grade: F
   Should it be on: C
   Released: February 13, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
   10. Jay-Z/R.Kelly/Boo(?) - Fiesta (Remix): Hate this song!!!
   Original Grade: F
   Should it be on: A-
   Released: May 7, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
   11. Eve - Let Me Blow Ya Mind: It's an ok track.
   Original Grade: B-
   Should it be on: A-
   Released: May 15, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
   12. City High - What Would You Do: Another ok track. Also, a bit outdated.
   Original Grade: B
   Should it be on: B-
   Released: February 13, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
   13.Britney Spears - ...Last To Know: Beautiful bllad, but not as good as "Everytime" or "I'm Not A Girl..."
   Original Grade: A-
   Should it be on: B-
   Released: March 15, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
   14. Nsync - This I Promise You: Hate boy bands! Very outdated! Ugh!
   Original Grade: F
   Should it be on: D
   Released: October 9, 2000
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 5
   15. S Club 7 - Never Had A Dream Come True: A bit on the boring side, but I guess it's ok. Heard much better though.
   Original Grade: B-
   Should it be on: A+++
   Released: November 27, 2000
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 9
   16. Lifehouse - Hanging By A Moment: Great rock song!!!
   Original Grade: A+
   Should it be on: A
   Released: June 5, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
   17. Aerosmith - Jaded: Ok track. Very outdated.
   Original Grade: B
   Should it be on: B
   Released: February 20, 2001
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
   18. Evan and Jaron: It's a great song....but was never a hit
   Original Grade: A
   Should it be on: F (see below)
   Released: Never was released as a single.
   Earliest Now it could've been on: --
   19. American Hifi - Flavor Of The Weak: Another awesome rock track!!!
   Original Grade: A+
   Should it be on: A++
   Released: August 27 2004
   Earliest Now it could've been on: 8
   _________________________________________________________
   
   Top 3 Highest Grade:
   
   1. American Hifi - Flavor Of The Weak (A+)
   2. Lifehouse - Hanging By A Moment (A+)
   3. 3LW - Playas Gon Play (A)
   
   Top 3 Lowest Grade:
   
   1. NSYNC - This I Promise You
   2. Mystikal - Danger
   3. Jay-Z/R.Kelly/Boo? - Fiesta (Remix)
   
   Top 3 Most Deserving Songs:
   
   1. S Club 7 - Never Had A Dream Come True
   2. 3LW - Playas Gon Play
   3. Samantha Mumba - Baby Come On Over
   
   Top 3 Least Derserving Songs
   
   1. Evan And Jaron - From My Head To My Heart
   2. NSYNC - This I Promise You
   3. Mystikal - Danger
   ____________________________________________________________
   
   Overall Original Grade: A
   Overall Should It Be On Grade: A-
   Overall Month For Released Songs: Late-May
   Overall Earliest Now: 7
   
   Now 7 did a good job at keeping the latest songs on it. The CD overall grade is very good. This may be the best now CD, but I'm not sure, considering Now 13 is the best. This may be the second best.
   
   ____________________________________________________________

5 comments about Have A Nice Decade: The '70s Pop Culture Box.

1. I liked that many of these songs fit into the "one hit wonder" category, it was fun to listen to them again after all this time. I agree with what many people said about the news snip-its randomly inserted through out - while I didn't completely hate them, it was annoying when I created an itunes play list with some of these songs for a party and all of a sudden the music stops and some weird recorded voice stated speaking about some news-worthy event. I thought they might show up as separate tracks on the CD, providing the ability to omit them from playlists, but that was not the case. Dispite this, I love the box set.



2. This is one of the best box sets EVER! From a decade that no one will miss. That is ofcousre if you have this



3. This is a pretty cool seven CD box set that covers hit songs of the 1970s. It features songs from many different styles of music; including pop, rock, country, folk, R&B, disco, novelty and others. A few of the songs are preceded by brief excerpts from news reports or press conferences. I know that some people didn't like this aspect of the collection, but it didn't bother me, because the sound bites usually relate to the following song in an amusing way. There are many great songs here, and there are also many not-so-great songs ("Feelings", anyone?). A lot of these songs are quite frankly on the "cheesy" side, but in a way that is part of their appeal. This collection does a fantastic job of covering the good, the bad and the ugly of 1970s popular music.



4. Do you remember watching "Chico and The Man"? Do you remember when the Colts were in Baltimore and the Orioles were famous for Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer and Earl Weaver instead of Cal Ripken? How about Chevy Vans with Shag Carpets with murals painted along the side? If so YOU MUST PICK UP THIS BOX SET! Rhino has done a fantastic job compiling 7 CD's worth of memories from the "ME" decade. Journey back to a time when AM Radio (that's right...AM Radio) featured hits by Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton, mixed with hits from Motown artists like Stevie Wonder and James Brown...and throw in a dash of Disco for flavor. A time when music wasn't so fragmented, a time when there really was Top 40 radio. Sure some of the songs in this set are goofy, and will make you roll your eyes (Popcorn by Hot Butter) but you can't help but feel their nostalgic charm. There are going to be tons of songs in this set that you know by heart...but, there are also tunes found here that you probably haven't heard in 20+ years (well, except when today's American Idol winners and hip-hop artists steal certain portions of these songs to incorporate in today's "music") Maybe nothing on this set is ground-breaking, and the booklet included in this set even recognizes that the musical path we followed in the 1970's was nowhere near the path carved by music pioneers in the 1960's, but you will still have a great time listening to these tunes. The booklet by the way is fantastic. Great track by track listing of the songs and the artists who performed them. It's full of the useless trivia that I crave and which currently clogs up about 80% of my brain pan. I loved listening to a tune, and reading the paragraph or two about the artist or the song while it played out.
   I see other reviewers here who disliked the "sound bites" or news clips that are wedged between some of the songs....I loved them, and only wish they had provided more per disk. (There is usually only 4 or 5 per CD). Sure I loved hearing "Convoy" and "The Streak" again, but I also enjoyed listening to Jimmy Carter denounce his "Playboy" interview, and nothing is so chilling as hearing Jim Jones urge his followers to "hurry" and drink the Kool-Aid before authorities arrive. Moments that really defined the 70's.
   So jump into your favorite bell bottoms and peasant blouse or jam your butt into some sequined spandex and get your boogie on.



5. This seven disc compilation would have been perfect, if Rhino had left off the highly annoying soundbites that precede many of the tracks. I did not purchase this set to hear segments of ancient news stories that did not interest me then, nevermind today!

5 comments about Down on the Farm.

1. Little Feat is such an unusually talented and funky band - probably one of the best American bands of all time. And I think that this is their strongest CD. Many Litte Feat songs have such incredibly complex rythmns and beats; they almost seem to not follow a steady beat, yet the songs are very tight and in their own way, are never off beat. Very unique songs! This CD, from 1979, was Lowell George's last, as he died right after the production. It has 4 very solid tunes - Perfect Imperfection, Front Page News, Straight From The Heart, and Wake Up Dreaming. I remember buying this album right after it came out and I played it to several friends - withing a month or so, all of them bought the album. Very high praise indeed - this a wonderful CD. You can't go wrong.



2. Down On the Farm would be Little Feat's final studio album to feature their leader Lowell George as the band would complete the release soon after his untimely death. While their previous release, Time Loves a Hero, showed an exciting new direction in fusion, Down on the Farm sounds like the band phoned it in. The great songs as well as their strong musical interplay were gone and a very glossy production didn't help matters.
   
   The title track is the best song here and remains a staple of their live show. "Six Feet of Snow", which the band still performs in a much stronger bluegrass version, and "Kokomo" are the only other tracks you could all decent and would have been better if they weren't so overproduced. The rest of the album comes off sounding way too professional, kind of like when the Allman Brothers Band went adult contemporary in the early-80's. In fact, Lowell George's vocals sound very similar to Dickey Betts at times. The performances have very little passion and the album gets progressively worse from "Be One Now" to the end. Based on the fact that George's death was a severe blow to the band, you can forgive them for this release and the band would put out several strong albums after they regrouped in the late-80's. However, I would recommend this only to a diehard fan who wants to have their entire catalog.



3. "Down on the Farm" was the last album to feature leadsinger, guitarist and songwriter Lowell George. Actually George had left the band before the album was finished, and sadly during a solo tour in 1979 he died from a heart-attack. George had always been the driving force in the band, but due to healthproblems ( drugs/alcohol) his position in the band had diminished after "Feats Don't Fail Me Now".
   
   The previous album "Time Loves a Hero" had very little input from George and their musical style had become much more slick and and funky.
   
   After George's death the other bandmembers decided to finish the album they had been working on before George left. Fortunately George had recorded vocals for most of the tracks, and he wrote 5 of the songs on the album. The album is often referred to as one of the weaker albums from the George era, a fact I never understood. It's no exaggeration that it's one my personal favourites.
   
   George's vocals were never better and his songs are outstanding. "Be One Now" is simply heartbreaking. "Kokomo" and "Six Feet of Snow" are as good as anything on "Dixie Chicken" or "Feats". The title track written by Barrere is catchy and funky and featuring one his strongest vocal performances - I used to believe it was George singing.
   
   Among the rest of the album's tracks "Straight From the Heart", written by George and Payne also deserves to be brought out.
   
   The final two tracks could be the reason that the album as a whole is often underrated. They are nice tracks; a little too polished for my taste, with very litle, if any, input from George. Still a great album.



4. This album was created using bits and pieces of an unfinished album found in Lowell's studio after his death. Be warned that Lowell never heard anything close to the final version of these songs. To credit him with co-production of "Down on the Farm" was a compliment to him at best and a commericial-backed white lie at worst. The truth is somewhere in between.
   
   Having said the above, I'm still glad his buddies released it because it gave the world a few more nuggets of his slide work and amazing voice to hold onto in his absence.



5. Many people are bit hard on this album, Lowell George's last with the group before his untimely death. While it may not be as brilliant as "Dixie Chicken" or "Feats Don't Fail Me Now," it is a definite improvement over "Time Loves A Hero." This is largely because Lowell contributions to this album are much greater than the previous one. And the songs he has written or co-written are great. "Kokomo" and "Be One Now" are the George standouts and Barrere contributes one of his best songs, "Perfect Imperfection." "Six Feet of Snow" is the band's one foray into Zydeco and is pretty good, too. The only real misfires on this album are the overlong closer, "Feel the Groove," and "Wake Up Dreaming." "Front Page News" is alright and the title track is solid. This is maybe not the best Feat album but it ranks pretty closely with "Last Record Album" and even the weaker tracks are quite listenable. And, as always, Lowell's voice and slide guitar playing are gorgeous and the entire band plays brilliantly.

3 comments about His Hand in Mine.

1. "His Hand in Mine" was the first gospel album recorded by Elvis Presley, which was quite an event at the time. It instantly became a hit. With gospel classics such as "I Believe in the Man in the Sky", "There'll Be Peace in the Valley For Me", the album title song "His Hand in Mine" this inspirational, old classic album is a must have for all fans of Elvis and gospel music.



2. Released in late 1960, this was Elvis' first, full length Gospel album. It was a hit in the US climbing to 13 on the album chart and eventually being certified PLATINUM by the RIAA. It was an even bigger hit in the UK reaching 3 on the album chart there. While no singles were immediately released from the album, a few years later Joshua Fit The Battle / Known Only To Him and Milky White Way / Swing Down Sweet Chariot would be released. Swing Down Sweet Chariot would reach the top 10 in Italy in 1962 while Joshua Fit The Battle was a number 1 hit in Sweden in 1966. Both singles were minor hits in Australia in 1966 as well. This release is made even better than the original with the inclusion of 4 bonus songs from the Peace in the Valley EP. Peace in the Valley was a top 40 hit in 1957.
   
   While this is an excellent CD, there are better Elvis Gospel collections available now, such as his excellent Ultimate Gospel CD.



3. Released in late 1960, this was Elvis' first, full length Gospel album. It was a hit in the US climbing to 13 on the album chart and eventually being certified PLATINUM by the RIAA. It was an even bigger hit in the UK reaching 3 on the album chart there. While no singles were immediately released from the album, a few years later Joshua Fit The Battle / Known Only To Him and Milky White Way / Swing Down Sweet Chariot would be released. Swing Down Sweet Chariot would reach the top 10 in Italy in 1962 while Joshua Fit The Battle was a number 1 hit in Sweden in 1966. Both singles were minor hits in Australia in 1966 as well. This release is made even better than the original with the inclusion of 4 bonus songs from the Peace in the Valley EP. Peace in the Valley was a top 40 hit in 1957.
   
   While this is an excellent CD, there are better Elvis Gospel collections available now, such as his excellent Ultimate Gospel CD.