5 comments about Enlightened Rogues.

1. Enlightened Rogues (1979) was the Allman Brothers Band's first studio album in four years, and it featured a new lineup and new start for the band. It's a strong album with two ABB classics, Crazy Love and Just Ain't Easy. Crazy Love is an exuberant Dickey Betts rocker, full of energetic slide guitar and wild romantic fun. Just Ain't Easy is Gregg Allman's slow and winding, world weary lament of too many wasted nights out on the town. The song's autobiographical heartfelt realization is quite compelling, and an example of Gregg's best songwriting.
   
   Lovely ladies all dressed in silk and lace
   While you're there, it seems like such a lovely place
   But when you leave there, you've got your hat down on your face
   Well, well
   
   Other highlights include the blues-rocker Can't Take It With You, the substantial instrumental Pegasus, and Try It One More Time, a song where Gregg and Dickey co-sing dramatic shout-and-answer lead vocals. They visit the blues with the slow Need Your Love So Bad and the potent Blind Love, and Gregg turns in convincing vocal performances on both. With guitarist Dangerous Dan Toler added to the lineup, the Allmans return to their twin guitar sound, and it's a welcome revival. This was to be their last album on Capricorn Records before the label went bankrupt, and the band signed on with Arista Records. Enlightened Rogues (also Duane Allman's nickname for the band) is a solid album with some good songs, but it's not in the same league with anything from the Duane Era. On the other hand, nothing else is, either.



2. This is a pretty damn good album. I hadn't played it in quite some time, and since I've been on an Allman Brothers kick for months, I broke it out again. It's a lot better than I remembered. It's no Filmore East or Seven Turns, but it's the best album from the Allman's dismal "middle period". Crazy Love is a pretty good song, the instrumental Pegasus is very good, Need Your Love So Bad is a great blues cover, Just Ain't Easy (Gregg's sole writing contribution) is another great, slow blues song, and Sail Away, the album's closer, is a majestic, uplifting song, sung beautifully by Betts. This was the first album since Eat a Peach to resume the twin guitar attack during the ABB's heyday, and it sounds like the Allman Brothers Band. Dangerous Dan Toler is good on guitar, but he's no Duane, Warren, Derek, or Dickey. This is a good ABB album, though not a great one. It would be 8 years until they really made a masterful comeback album called Seven Turns, and they made that comeback stick.



3. Another Great CD , I have the original LP Vinyl I bought when new and still in good condition so had to buy the CD and it sounded great Recommended .



4. To me, this was the Allman's best album to be released between Eat a Peach (their peak) and Seven Turns, far better than the overrated Brothers and Sisters: besides containing the group's second and last Top 40 hit (Crazy Love), the great instrumental Pegasus, and bluesy Can't Take it With You, they also bring home the goods on Try it One More Time and Just Ain't Easy. On the other end, they miss the mark totally on Blind Love; Need Your Love so Bad; and Sail Away, one of the most overused titles in history: Dickey Betts' singing, which drives me out of my head, doesn't add much. They can't all be masterpieces, and Enlightened Rogues is far from one, but whatever. If you're the kind of fan who thinks the Allmans should have packed it in after Duane died, I assure you this will change your mind.



5. This is a highly underrated CD that really deserved more attention. Just Ain't Easy is one of Gregg's finest vocal performances, while Dicky really steps up both in his songwriting and fine lead guitar play.
   Dan Tolner also deserves much greater praise than he ever recieved in his short turn with the band. He's not the great Warren Haynes but he plays with a lot more passion than the highly overrated Derek trucks.
   
   As a true Allman fan, going back to before Live at the Fillmore, I recommend purchasing this CD.

5 comments about Bayou Country.

1. I've seen self-appointed critics label CCR a "singles band" but that's bunk. Albums like "Bayou Country", "Willy and the Poor Boys" and "Cosmo's Factory" disprove that attempt at belittling their legacy.
   
   For my money the best thing CCR ever laid to vinyl didn't even make it to the knockout compilation "Chronicle". I'm referring, of course, to the opening track here, and the b-side of "Proud Mary", "Born On The Bayou". The a-side is present and accounted for here as well. The album closer, the almost eight minute long "Keep On Chooglin'" is also a must for even the casual fan of CCR. Such a song that so well defines a band's sound should also have made it to the definitive compilation.
   
   In the days before Amazon's mp3 downloads I was determined to have "Born On The Bayou" on CD. Since I already owned "Chronicle" on CD I was reluctant to shell out for a whole album but in this case my venture was well-rewarded. This is a great album. Oh, I don't really have any use for the least of the set, the Little Richard cover, but it certainly doesn't harm the album. If one was to download individual tracks to complement "Chronicle", the tracks already named would be must-haves, but seriously, just spring for the whole thing. Only one of the seven tracks is on the 'best of' and when you hear the other six here, you will be very glad you added this to your collection. It's as solid, consistent, and distinctive as any of the Doors' best albums from this same era.



2. With Concord Music Group having purchased the Fantasy catalog, the fortieth anniversary of Creedence Clearwater Revival's debut LP provides a suitable opportunity for a fresh round of reissues. All six of the original foursome's albums (from 1968's Creedence Clearwater Revival through 1970's Pendulum) have been struck from new digital masters and augmented by previously unreleased tracks. Those who purchased the 2001 box set can pick up most of the bonus tracks separately as digital downloads (the two longest bonuses are CD-only). Those who didn't buy the box, and think they'll buy all six reissues may want to consider the box set for its inclusion of pre-Creedence work from the Blue Velvets and Golliwogs, the seventh CCR album Mardi Gras, the 1970-71 live recordings and several box-only bonuses. But for those just wanting to pick up a few favorite albums, these reissues are the ticket. Each is presented in a digipack with original front and back cover album art and a 16-page booklet with photos, credits and new liner notes.
   
   By the time Creedence recorded their second album, Bayou Country, John Fogerty had fully merged his broad range of Americana music influences into a wholly new sound. The El Cerrito, California bred songwriter re-imagined himself as a bayou musician whose guitar rock crawled from the swamp laden with backwoods blues and country twang. Fogerty debuts his persona on the album's opener, with reverbed guitar bending over, around and through the group's brilliant rhythm section. It's a perfect bookend to the album's closer, "Keep on Chooglin'," whose title and rhythm define the underpinnings of the band's musical vocabulary. In between Fogerty crafted the lasting myth of "Proud Mary," fusing the group's newly born shuffle, the soul of Stax and fictionalized images of Mississippi riverboats.
   
   The band plays spare, late-night blues on "Graveyard Train," but the images of lonely rural highways, railroads and undertakers all return to the album's bayou hoodoo. The lone cover is a version of Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly" that finds Fogerty tearing up his overdriven lead guitar. The 2008 CD's bonus tracks open with an alternate take of the shuffling "Bootleg" that's stretched to double the original three minutes with a scat vocal section added to the middle. There's also a trio of live tracks from the three-piece version of the group (sans Tom Fogerty) that toured Europe in 1971. "Born on the Bayou" is more rock `n' roll fierce than the album track, "Proud Mary" is a by-the-numbers rendition of a band's Big Hit (and seems most to miss Tom Fogerty), and "Crazy Otto" is a nine-minute blues jam recorded at the Fillmore in 1969. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]



3. A very under-rated, intense swampy-bluesy, album which I appreciate now even more than when it was first released. Contains some outstanding material.
   
   Proud Mary, the most popular song, was a deserved big hit but Born On The Bayou is the best song. An intense, brooding, swampy - occasionally even slinky - masterpiece with scowling vocals that John Fogerty does better than any other man alive. Play it loud and get into the mood of the song. Magnificent. One of the greatest songs of the era.
   
   Bootleg is an excellent, catchy tune which also is typically swampy while being laid back and ultra cool. Very under-rated; few people have heard it but when they do for the first time it is an instant success. I'm surprised they didn't promote that song better. Is noteworthy that JF still does it in his concerts - he knows the good lesser known ones! Keep on Chooglin' (a term Fogerty says he made up himself) is also a great addition to the album.
   
   Penthouse Pauper reveals some fine Fogerty blues guitar and is an interesting mood change. Speaking of guitar, Fogerty does some neat work on Good Golly Miss Molly, which rolls along at pace compared to the slow, harp orientated, blues number Graveyard Train, which adds some darkness and tension to an excellent and varied album. I've bought a DCC version because the fine collection deserves to be heard at its best. A must have.



4. Bayou Country was the first huge break through for CCR. Technically they only had on single that was popular, but two of their very best songs appear on this collection. Every group has a break through album and this is theirs.
   Proud Mary is of course one of the top R&R songs ever recorded and has been covered by numerous artists including Tina Turner.
   This album also had Born on the Bayou, which to this day is my favorite CCR song of all times.
   This is one of the classic albums of R&R and belongs in any library.



5. I was really excited about CCR in SACD. Knew it was stereo, but was still expecting clear imaging. Previous reviews had bombed both Green River and Bayou Country. Like you, I try to determine who knows what they're talking about. Bad news is the worst critics were right. I've listened to better sound from the Red Book Box set. I'm still planning to get Cosmo's as others say that has a better sound...I hope so!!! Come on!!!
   
   Trust me, I own over 75 SACDs/DVDAs. Is it Steve Hoffman or soemthing happening afterwards? It's not my system.

5 comments about The Marshall Tucker Band - Live From the Garden State 1981.

1. This is an outstanding concert dvd with a song set of 15 great songs, performed extremely well by the very talented musicians in the Marshall Tucker Band. They perform before a packed crowed who really "get into" the concert. The band is from Spartanburg, South Carolina.
   
   The line-up consists of: Doug Gray on lead vocals (he is an outstanding performer and has a great repore with the crowd), Toy Caldwell on guitar and lead vocals on "Can't You See", Paul Riddle on the drums, George McCorkle on the "blues" guitar, Jerry Eubank's on sax and flute, and a bass guitar player (I'm not sure of his name). They play very well together. George McCorkle can really "jam" on his "blues" guitar.
   
   Some highlights I liked included: "Take the Highway", "Heard it in a Love Song", "It takes time", "Rumors are raging",(especially in a small town like Spartanbury, SC), "Fire on the Mountain", "Ramblin" (On my mind), and "Can't YOu See".
   
   Then they leave the stage, but are called out for an encore and Doug Gray tells the crowd "there's no way we're going to leave now, besides I hear the traffic is real bad out-side". Then they perform "This ol' Cowboy" (it won't be the 1st time this ol' cowboy has spent the night alone), "Searchin for a Rainbow", and an excellent end-all song "Blue Ridge Mountain Sky" (About the Spartanburg, SC area, and about an old man that has the best beagle hound in the county.
   
   Overall, this is a great 5 star classic concert dvd, and I highly recommend it. It's one of those concerts that leaves you will a wonderful feeling.



2. I must have seen MTB a dozen times, back in the day. They were always one of my favorites. This DVD will give you the best representation of what the MTB was like, and what they could put out in concert. I miss Tommy in this show, but Franklin Wilkie is an extremely capable replacement. Toy, Tommy, and now, George, will always be remembered!! If this DVD doesn't get your toes tappin', nothing will.



3. Great band. Great songs. Good sound. What could go wrong? Well, I will list my problems with this DVD.
   - About half of the DVD is zoom-in close ups of Doug Grays face - not very exciting.
   -As other reviewers have mentioned, at times Toy Caldwell is blistering away on guitar and the camera is on either Gray or one of the other guys - very frustrating.
   -The camera operators are so confused, when Caldwell goes into a solo they often zoom in on McCorkle or the bass player as if they can't tell who is playing the solo.
   - Doug Gray is too front and center, his place from 1973 to 1977 is to the side so Toy Caldwell can be front center where he belongs.
   -Gray's telling the New Jersey crowd how much he loves them gets old as does his constant substituting New Jersey into every place named in the songs. Annoying example: In Can't You See, when Toy sings "I ain't never coming back", Gray comes to the mic and says "I will" (as if people would come to see him without the great Toy Caldwell).
   This DVD has some great moments and I do recommend it generally, just be warned that there are some frustrating moments. There is Doug Gray overkill on this, but he sounds good most of the time, especially when he is not oversinging. It is good just to be able to see the Marshall Tucker Band with Toy Caldwell and I hope an earlier release will be coming with both Toy and Tommy.
   (Note-I actually give this a 4 star rating but Amazon won't let me change the rating above).



4. I've seen Marshall Tucker live and I felt like the performance, the night that they decided to film this movie....the music just didn't flow. It "felt" like every member knew that this was going to be a film/tape and they seemed to force the music, much more than when I saw them live. The time I saw them, it felt like a party and they made it feel that way by being loose and having fun.



5. ....and Rockin'. This is a very good show from the early days of MTV. There are the obvious hit songs live and some other songs from the vault that are played with a blues sound. Their live version of the songs are great (taking their own sound) and do not sound like the album cut I am used to hearing. While I like a live version of the songs, I thought Ramblin' was a little too fast.
   
   The 5.1 sound is good, but at times the center channel is a little quiet on the vocals. The video transfer is good with limited distortion - In a few scenes there is the obvious squiggly lines from the film (I think from the original broadcast).
   
   Overall a good show and I would watch again.

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 Time Warp: The Very Best of Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

1. To get it straight first: All the songs included here are at least very good. Well, we are talking about a great, underrated band of the 70s. Plain and simple!
   
   BUT: As a proper overview over the bands excellent output this compilation fails miserably!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   First: It relies much too heavily on the first two albums. If I want to buy them, i buy them - not this cd.
   Check out the bgo-release, where you can get the complete albums together for a pretty good price!
   
   Second - and this is the main point: They left out SO MANY classics. To name but a few:
   If I Only Knew
   Thin ice
   Fly away home
   You know like I know
   Noah
   River to the sun
   Crazy lovin
   Following the way that I feel
   
   There's is too much missing, you say. Yes it is!
   I just don't know why...



2. I love OMD! I am from St. Louis, so this band is kinda hometown. They are from across the state but OMD are hometown to anyone in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. This is a brilliant collection of songs.
   
   HOWEVER... it it absolutely CRIMINAL to not have included their most brilliant song of all. I'm talking about, You Know Like I Know. The vocals and songwriting are second to none. None of OMD, none of The Eagles and none of Poco.
   
   Buy this CD anyway, it's great. In fact, buy everything they have ever released. I mean that in every since of the word.
   
   THIS BAND HAS TALENT... SO MUCH TALENT... YOU CANNOT BELIEVE!



3. Sorry I have to break the 5-star-spell here. How you could put together a "Best of" for OMD and not include "Men from Earth"'s FLY AWAY HOME is beyond me!!! It's a moral outrage! It's worse than torture!!! It's.... okay, I'm messin'. But still, that is a terrific piece, their greatest in my mind, on all counts, and could easily have been in this package in lieu of "Jackie Blue". Never understood the popularity of that song, whimsical though it is. Anyway, do get Men From Earth just to hear, or at least to hear, FLY AWAY HOME. Country Rock at it's best.



4. The OMD have a very unique style, if I had to describe their overall style, I'd say it's like "psychadelic country". Even that isn't a complete description, but I think it comes pretty close. My personal favorite has always been "Jackie Blue", which is actually atypical of the usual OMD style. They are country with a bit of psychadelia and a little rock. This disc reflects their best hits and I'd highly recommend this to anyone who likes folk/rock and country/rock.



5. one of a kind band with a one of a kind sound. I bought this disc with no knowledge of the band whatsoever, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions i have ever made, when it comes to music.

1 comments about Collector's Edition.

1. THIS IS A GREAT LYNYRD SKYNYRD COLLECTION. FOR THE PRICE YOU CAN'T BEAT IT. I LOVE IT!!! IF YOU WANT A GOOD COLLECTION,BUY THIS ONE!!!!

5 comments about Win, Lose or Draw.

1. I'm somewhat surprised that some ABB fans would rank this effort at 3-stars, or even less! Win, Lose or Draw has all the elements that make the band a legend. The guitars ring, the keyboard and piano are perfect, and the song selection is very strong. The vocals are also top-notch. Can't Lose What You Never Had and High Falls (the 14-minute masterpiece) deserve to be on any list of best ABB cuts. The other 5 songs are all good, and although one could find minor flaws in any of those, there are plenty of brilliant moments as well. If you enjoy the classic Allman Bros. hits (Ramblin' Man, Jessica, Melissa, Blue Sky) you will most likely love this album. Put it on and let it repeat a few times...you WILL be hooked!



2. This was the last original studio album by the Allman Bros. before they broke up under "not so nice" circumstances in 1975 so as you listen to this album, die hard ABB fans (like myself) can hear only occasional flashes of the powerful and manicly blues driven original band with Duane Allman and Barry Oakley. That being said, there are some excellent tracks on this CD, including a great version of a Muddy Waters song, "Can't lose what you never had", the title track "Win, Lose or Draw" featuring one of Greg Allmans' best vocal performances (Greg also wrote it) and an awesome jazz-rock instrumental written by Dicky Betts entitled "High Falls". This might not be an album for folkes who want to one stop shop for an ABB cd, but for dye in the wool fans, it's a keeper.



3. Win, Lose Or Draw (1975) has three excellent songs that are surrounded by filler. Only three excellent songs? Yeah, but that's not as bad as it sounds. One of the songs, High Falls, is fifteen minutes long and takes up the space of three songs, so it's really like there's five excellent songs surrounded by filler. High Falls is one of the best songs Dickey Betts ever wrote. As an instrumental piece of music, it's in a league with In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed or Jessica. Butch Trucks later said they tried to perfect it in the studio, playing it over and over again, and sucked a lot of the life out of it. I still think the performance here is great. It's jazzy and free, Dickey's guitar work and Chuck Leavell's piano solos are solid, and the band really cooks in some places. The album's opener, Muddy Waters' Can't Lose What You Never Had, is a strong blues-rock track, funky and passionate, and meets the ABB standard. The title track is right on the money in my book. Gregg had a cold while recording the vocal track, so his vocals aren't what they normally are, but this one's all about heart and soul anyway, and his performance isn't lacking there at all. Good songwriting on his part, too. Dickey Betts' Just Another Love Song is OK, but everything else here is ordinary at best and sometimes just plain awful. This was pretty much the end of the line for this version of The Allman Brothers Band. They toured and released a lackluster live album (Wipe The Windows, Check The Oil, Dollar Gas), and then fell apart. Win, Lose Or Draw certainly isn't a classic or a must-have, but because of three very good songs, it isn't quite a throwaway either.



4. Even though I've only heard about half of Win, Lose or Draw, what I've heard is excellent. "Can't Lose What You Never Had" is a really good song, though not quite at the same level as previous Allman Brothers bluesy rockers.
   
   "High Falls" however, is the BEST instrumental I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. At nearly 15 minutes, it's a wonderful guitar jamming masterpiece. Probably the best instrumental the band ever made, or close to it. Seriously, this song alone is worth purchasing the album for. It's THAT good. True, there's some synthesizer notes mixed in, but that never hurt anything, and honestly, the entire jam doesn't sound dated at all either. It sounds like what you'd expect from the Allman Brothers- classic guitar playing, beautiful notes, a great emotional journey. Great song.



5. Back in "the day", the Allmans made several classic albums: Eat a Peach, Idle wild South, Fillmore East, and the debut. After Duane's untimely death, they would continue to make good music, though it wasn't as good. But this is one of those beat-your-head-against-the-wall-while-wondering-how-a-band-so-good-as-this-could-make-this- kind-of-crap albums, sort of like those '80's AC/DC and Pink Floyd albums.
   When the best thing on an album is mediocre (Can't Lose What You Never Had),
   you're in trouble. When the worst enough to make you run from the room screaming in agony with your hands over your ears, you're pretty well screwed. When multiple songs are that bad, and you're sitll listening, you probably have masochistic tendencies. That describes this disaster perfectly: the best song (Can't Lose What You Never Had) is the most mediocre song I can imagine. Onto the worst: the ballads Just Another Love Song and the title track are both pathetic; the good-timey songs (Louisiana Lou & Three Card Monty John; Sweet Mama) are embarrassing. I'm no fan of the extended instrumental High Falls either - what the hell is a Moog synthesizer doing on an Allmans record?

5 comments about Sonic Brew.

1. This album is pretty excellent, and Zakk Wylde is definitely a guitar master. Still, I'm not a fan of the harmonics as they get repetitive very fast. This album rocks hard though, "The Beginning...At Last" actually reminds me of some of Queens of the Stone Age harder songs. Overall the album has pounding guitar parts that never let up. And on a softer album "Spoke In The Wheel" has a "Simple Man" kind of feel in the best way.
   
   Good for those who like guitars to thud.



2. Derivative but inferior and muddy Zep/Sabbath stuff with too many guitar harmonics. Sluggish pace also. Very disappointed.



3. Having produced 7 albums for the last 8 years, I consider the BLS's first output "Sonic Brew" as the best work, mainly because of the band's (Zakk's) fresh creativity at that time. Considering that this album was made of a pile of ideas that Zakk had in his mind since the release of "Pride & Glory" and "Book of Shadow," outcomes should be a constellation of the heuristic music, which became "Sonic Brew."
   
   Some reviews are likely to criticize the distorted over-drive bass contained in the recording for this album, but I like it a lot. Actually, it seems that the sound level was a little lower at the process of production, which may be done intentionally so as to create the harshness in instrumenation. For example, the same effects can be found at the Wildhearts' (England's great metal band!) "Endless Nameless" album. Thus, I need to turn it up louder, every time I blast the CD on stereo.
   
   As always, the songwriting is fabulous. Following the line of 90's Zakk's works (this album was also released in the 90's), every song contain some melodic line, which is very catchy at times. Riffs are brutal as always.
   
   Most unique thing at this album is that the song structure is unpredictable, which is a great thing; you cannot expect what comes next even within same tune. This is primarily why listening 30 secs samples does not give you a justice for judging this album! You need to listen a whole song/album.
   
   CD starts with the great beginning (Bored To Tears) and ends the great end (The Beginning... At Last). I skip "No More Tears."
   By the way, if the band makes a whole thrash album (something like the song "The Beginning... At Last"), it would be extremely nice!
   
   If this CD is not in your catalogue, I highly recommend the inclusion soon or later!



4. This is the first BLS cd from Zakk Wylde and co. After years with Ozzy, and two solo CD-Pride and Glory and the solo Zakk Wylde-this cd marks the return of Wyldes brand of loud, unbiased heavy metal. Sounds like a Alice in Chains/Corrosion Of Conformity cross with Sabbath directing the mayhem. Top tracks are 'Bored to Tears', 'Hey You' 'The Rose Petalled Garden' which was Guns and Roses demo from when Zakk was playing with them mid 90's, he just finished it. The awesome acoustic numbers 'Spoke in the Wheel' and 'Taz' are tossed in for good measure. 'Taz' sounds like Van Halen's eruption, only on acoustic. Audio mixing is a little on the loud side, the bass guitar and the distorted guitars are really in your face, but then again, thats the point of this kinda music in the first place.



5. As awesome as this CD is, don't be fooled by the picture of the cover art as shown. Due to a law suit from Johnny Walker, the cover art had to be changed. What you will get is a plain b&w photo with their trademark skull. But the bonus tracks that the original didn't have will obviously make you forget about the cover!!

5 comments about Electric Rodeo.

1. It's an outdated term right? Shooter Jennings begs to disagree and shows us in a hard driving album. The first time I listened, I wasn't too impressed. Then, following a big night, I had to drive about 3 hours hung over as all getout, and popped this one in. I listened to it three times straight through. By the end of the trip my headache was intact, but I had a friend in the car with me and the volume at the proverbial 11.
   
   Well done.



2. I found this CD to be just as good as his previous album (Put the O back in country). It seems to me Shooter has only slightly more of a country "vibe" than a southern rock "vibe" on this CD but it's basically still split 50/50 (southern rock/country). Once again I find the whole CD to be outstanding, but if I had to pick just a few songs as "highlights" I'd say they are; "Hair of the dog," "The song is slipping away," "It ain't easy," "Gone to Carolina," and "Aviators."



3. Eletric Rodeo= Garbage
   Do not waste your time buying this CD
   If you wanna hear Real Country go and listen to Wayne"The Train"Hancock, Hank III & JB Beverley & The Wayward Drifters!!
   Shooter is just riding on his daddys coat tail!!



4. Shooter is just the best! Every review that said the good music is on the road and not in Nashville is so true! I saw Tim and Faith this past summer and it was a let down. Shooter is so much more a real muscian and talent. Good country / southern rock is alive and well with Shooter Jennings. I first heard these songs last New Year's Eve when I saw him in concert. I got the album on release day. It is the best. It reminds me of the music I grew up with--Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie, Waylon, with some old classic rock. You will not be disappointed if you are a southern rock/real country music fan! Go see him in concert too! The best!



5. If you like country music but you think yer gonna puke everytime you have to suffer through a "country" song from Nashville these days, and you happen to like classic rock, you would probably appreciate what Shooter's trying to do here. Folks, this is the Real Deal. I don't mean real country or real rock - this is a hybrid - I mean he's making music that is honest and down to earth. A flash in the pan, he's not. He's going to be around for awhile.

5 comments about Live with a Little Help from Our Friends.

1. This set of songs pulls some of the best talent out there together for some spectacular jams. This is well worth the money if you love blues, rock, all mixed together. Warren Hayes, Woody, Jimmy Herring, Derek Trucks, Randall Bramlett etc. There are some great covers here too, this is the shiz, get it, and start jamming. The time to jam is now. Anyone slamming this does not know quality music. Keep jamming America.
   Coconut Phil.



2. This collection is a must for every true GM fan. Some of the recordings experience some technical difficulties, but it is a box set, after all, and you can expect such extras to be included. The regular release of "With a little help..." is probably sufficient for you music-wise if you don't want to shell out the $45.00 for the box set, as cool as it is. GOV'T MULE RULES! Great Blues Rock!!



3. At a time when so much great live music remains in the vaults, Warren Haynes continues to record and release amazing performances. (The "Wintertime Blues" live double CD of an annual Christmas Jam with major guests, is a prime example.)
   
   Live With A Little Help From Our Friends was recorded at Atlanta's Roxy Theatre New Year's Eve '98/'99. Incredible music and jams with Haynes, Allen Woody, Matt Abts, and guests Chuck Leavell, Derek Trucks, Jimmy Herring, Randall Bramblett, Bernie Worrell, Marc Ford and others.
   
   How fortunate there were tapes rolling.
   
   Quality live rock music is alive and well!



4. This CD set represents a band recovering from a tremendous loss (A. Woody). From the ashes of devistation, not even knowing if the band would even survive the loss, an idea. Wouldn't Woody be proud to have all these folks he respected as bassists, sit in? A tribute to Woody, the Deep End project was born. This is the culmination of that project! The rest is history. Hard jamming and fresh, Mule pounds out 4 cd's of NYE rock like no one else can. Find out more about Mule, the fans, tour dates, live show download links, etc. Join us on the web at [...] See you there (after you order this cd set!) Tell 'em Baddad sent ya!



5. 
   If you like Allman Bros, If you like jams, if you like blues, if you like jazz, if you like good rock and roll, if you like hairy big fat rockers, you gonna like this FOUR record set, and i would like to have been there on new year eve.
   
   Govt Mule is great !!