5 comments about Strikes.

1. As I recall, Blackfoot had a reputation for having notabley better live shows than they did for their albums. I never had the previlage of seeming them live. Strikes is probably their best album. However, it is consistent with that reputation. It could have been a whole lot better than it is.
   
   What makes this album worth owning? If you are already an SR/Blackfoot fan, then you know there are a couple of truely great songs on this album. Highway Song is the quintessential Southern Rock anthem, complete with requisit ramped up instrumental closing out the song (and album).
   
   There are two other songs on this album that deserve to be in a Southern Rock "Hall of Fame" somewhere. Left Turn on a Red Light and Train, Train,...(includign the harmonica intro), along with Highway Song, make this album worth owning. All three remind the listener why they like Southern Rock in the first place. I still find the harmonica intro into Train, Train simply amazing, as do my kids! That track gets repeated often just to here that portion. Train, Train, always leaves the listener wishing the song had been a couple of minutes longer.
   
   However, there are some big wholes in the is album as well. The album is short (not uncommon length for the late '70s time frame) and so it does not allow room for many errors. Unfortunately, several of the remaining songs need help. There are not many that are out and out bad. However, they really lack much energy and emotion. The music and lyrics for the remainder of the songs are cookie cutter Southern Rock (think Allman Brothers w/o the Allman Brothers sound). The band just seems to be going through the motions of filling up an album for the three great songs that are on it. Perhaps, that is an indication of just how good those three songs are?
   
   For anyone who considers themselves a closet Southern Rocker, this album is required to complete a proper collection. However, in the genre of Southern Rock, I would consider it an average album at best. I am glad I own it again (used to have it on 8-track), but it will likely not get overplayed. I will, from time to time, pull it out to get my fill of the three great pieces on here. If you are just getting into SR, you should probably look elsewhere for a while and come back to this one once you have developed a collection of several other greats (Lynard Skynard, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, 38 Special, etc.).



2. I have always loved this band. All of their records are worth having.Remember the first time I heard Road Fever blasting out of one of my buddies cars in a parking lot. Had to have it. Been a fan of theirs ever since. Great band.



3. Blackfoot is and will a great "southern rock band" Medlock was a drummer with skynyrd. Great songs , great voice. A must see live!!



4. Blackfoot is another in a long line of underrated bands. They could jam and boy do they jam. This album is for the most part the peoples choice as their best but I rank this as their second best. I think their best album was Marauder. This however is also a classic. Every song is great. I also disagree with the reviews that compare Highway Song to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Free Bird. Both songs are classic but they are very different. This album never gets old. This is not Lynyrd Skynyrd and they sure didn't need to be. They were different and just as good in their own underrrated way.



5. This CD brings back so many memories. If you love Southern Rock than this is one for you. You shuld Also check out a CD called PRIDE & GLORY also Book of Shadows by Zakk Wylde.

5 comments about Cosmo's Factory.

1. There are few bands in rock history who have put together so many fine songs on so many top quality albums. Every song is worthy of being on this wonderful album, which my son so aptly describes as the Abbey Road of CCR's many fine compilations.
   
   Almost every song is so well known that I won't try and review them one by one, although failure to mention any song almost calls for an apology. It is significant that most of them are at least as appealing now as they were when they made a huge impact on release almost 40 years ago.
   
   Consider the almost frantic Travelin' Band, the superb Ramble Tamble, Up Around The Bend, that quickstep standard (Lookin' Out My Back Door), the Woodstock reference (Who'll Stop The Rain) and the list goes on.
   
   A good quality indication is that the band took on classics like Before You Accuse Me, My Baby Left Me, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ooby Dooby and arguably did the best versions ever done of those songs.
   
   A benchmark album of the rock era.



2. Ramble Tamble is, IMHO, the best song CCR ever did. It hit my stereo in the summer of '70, and its menacing lyrics, combined with a gradually accelerating train ride pace that careened throughout with chugging rhythm section and eerie lead guitar, grabbed my head and gut and wouldn't let go until it finally spun back into its foot-stomping accompaniment to John Fogarty's wailing complaint about modern life. It was a hot summer, what with the War heating up and general craziness in the air, and this song captured the West Coast mood perfectly. And the rest of the album ain't bad, either.



3. As a long time listener of rock in the 70's, there are seven of the eleven songs that I would consider hits due to my recollection of hearing them regularly.
   
   Those that didn't get air play are still decent pieces, and I don't skip over any tunes when I play this CD.



4. For some reason Cosmo's Factory was the #1 CD they did while still together. Everyone seemed to love it. Some of the best songs "Who'll Stop The Rain, Up Around The Bend, Lookin' Out My Back Door and Travelin' Band" were on this album. That is what was used back in those days. Ha ha Some of John Fogerty's best CCR work is put into this one CD. I still love it.



5. Widely considered Creedence Clearwater Revival's peak effort, this album includes an astounding six 1970 top five singles like 'Lookin Out My Back Door' and 'Run Through The Jungle'. My favorite tracks are the two longest: the seven-minute opener 'Ramble Tamble' and the eleven-minute cover of 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine'. There more covers complete the tracklist. This is strongly recommended for CCR fans looking for something beyond their excellent greatest hits collection.

5 comments about Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances.

1. This is a great 2 CD set if your a gospel music fan and a must have if you're and Elvis fan.



2. I bought this 2 CD set for my beloved because he had lost his CD. I listen to these myself and these 50 Christian songs have become a tremendous blessing to me, in fact I intend to buy a copy for myself as well. There are songs on these 2 CDs that fit every situation that person goes through in life. One of the most amazing things about it is that as you listen to these songs it gives you a glimpse into the spiritual life of Elvis in spite of the tremendous temptations he went through in his life. His early introduction to Jesus in his childhood influenced him his entire life. He never lost his love for Jesus nor the Christian hymns that touched his spiritual life. It is obvious that these songs had meaning for him and the other performers and that they enjoyed the experience of recording them. Surely these songs he recorded were a blessing to him in his final days on this earth.



3. This is a great selection and is very well done. I highly recommend it.
   JIm Mixon



4. I bought this album for a friend for Christmas because I have one myself and I love it so much. It is my favorite Elvis Presley album. He had such a beautiful voice and sang all the hymns with his whole heart. How Great Thou Art is the most powerful hymn ever written. Anyone who loves Gospel music should purchase this album.



5. The double plastic CD case was cracked when it arrived. I did not know it until I had already opened the package. It had a cardboard sleeve over the double case which prevented me from seeing the crack. Is there any recourse now?

5 comments about The Best of Sam & Dave.

1. This album is the s**t !!! Makes ya feel all warm and groovy, and wanna git up and DANCE !!! Recommend highly.



2. If you are a true fan of Memphis soul music and especially a fan of the Stax label, this is a must
   have. The CD has all the songs that received "air-play"
   during Sam and Dave's heydey and some that I had never heard but are testaments to the Stax sound and production values. Listen to "Goodnight Baby". I'm a hardcore OG but
   the song gives me chills!



3. I would love to review the item I ordered, but I never received it, and I have never received a refund!



4. It's clearly an older disc, and it sounds like they dubbed it straight from the reel. I love that warm sound, especially with music like this.



5. The world of show business is not a place where shrinking violets bloom. On the contrary, it is known for bombast, opportunism, and egos larger and more gaseous than zeppelins.
   
   Consequently it is rare indeed to find an act featuring two prodigious talents who have chosen to share billing equally. This extraordinary gesture of selflessness is indicated by the word - AND - which links the two names.
   
   A small handful of examples comes to mind where two geniuses are paired. The Captain And Tennille, of course, The Fluorescent Leech And Eddie, and the late lamented duo, Wayland Flowers And Madame who, tragically, died simultaneously.
   
   Add to this distinguished list the names, Sam And Dave. These powerhouse singers, who secured their place in history with a few hits covered by shabby second-stringers, simply define everything that is good about R&B. In fact, if you were beginning an R&B collection, this outstanding CD would be an excellent place to start.
   
   You'll find barnburners like Soul Man and I Thank You, among many others, but you may be surprised how these guys work a ballad. The Best Of Sam AND Dave delivers the goods; and so much more.

5 comments about An Anthology, Vol. 2.

1. The Duane Allman Anthology Volume 2 brings together an eclectic mix of musicians and Allman's superior guitar skills. The range of music on this two-disc set displays Allman's versatility. Blues, Motown, southern rock, straight rock 'n roll, funky jazz, Creole rock - all manner of R&B - you find it all here.
   
   In addition to his work with the Allmans Brothers Band, Allman was a session musician. Most of the songs here feature someone other than Allman such as King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann, Otis Rush, Dr. John Creaux, Wilson Pickett, Lulu, Boz Scaggs, Delaney & Bonnie, and Ronnie Hawkins.
   
   (Pickett's 'Born to be Wild' was one of the anthems of a generation - looking back from middle-aged parenthood I can only imagine how thrilled my parents were to hear that song blaring!)
   
   The album goes from one triumph to another. 'Walk on Gilded Splinters' featuring Dr. John is worth the purchase price all by itself. Likewise, 'The Weight' by King Curtis and 'Push Push' by Herbie Mann.
   
   There's also plenty to satisfy Allman Brothers Band aficionados. 'Done Somebody Wrong' and 'Midnight Rider' (live from the Fillmore East) as well as 'Leave My Blues at Home' all feature the full band.
   
   Allman's carefree nature is on display in 'The Happily Married Man' (refrain: I ain't seen my wife in 2 or 3 years, I'm a happily married man) and 'No Money Down', a Chuck Berry song about trading in his 'broke-down raggedy Ford' for a Cadillac with a nuclear reactor, railroad air horn, and psychedelic strobe spot.
   
   Blistering good music. Highest recommendation.



2. 
   Universal Japan has issued new '08 remasters of both Anthology and Anthology II, both in LP-replica mini-sleeves of the original album covers, and both complete with replicas of the original booklets.
   
   It's great to finally have improved-audio versions of both of these fabulous compilations, but the track that just knocked my socks off was the remastered "Loan Me A Dime": This track sounds better than any other CD ever released, including the '97 Scaggs Anthology. I've always loved that song, and now it sounds like you're standing in the room when they recorded it; you won't believe the increased clarity of the drums, or the awesome bass-drum kick on this version.
   
   The price of both of these sets will probably take your breath away, but you can find them direct from Tokyo retailers, or eBay, for nearly half the price Amazon is charging for them. Just don't delay in buying them, as all mini-sleeves are limited edition.
   
   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!



3. Like the first anthology, this set features more of Duane Allman both in the Allman Brothers and a sideman. There's some real treats here including the cuts by Johnny Jenkins, Herbie Mann, Otis Rush, King Curtis, and especially the lead vocals from Duane on the set. His work on "Dimples" alone is worth the price of the set! Though not quite as good as the 1st set, it is still magnificent and still 5 stars.



4. As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.
   
   It has been a unanimous vote that the legion of Duane fans prefer the first Anthology. That said in no way does it desecrate the wide range of Duane's talents showcased on Volume 2.
   
   Duane's brilliance can be appreciated even more once you get through a listen to both Anthologies. Many terrific players are locked into one style of playing and it becomes their calling card. The skill displayed by Duane is well noted but we never want to overlook how his talent went in so many directions. He could play the blues, country, folk, and rock but never did a solo or a rhythmic pattern feel inferior in one of those categories.
   
   Duane's presence in a recording studio was good enough to push his fellow musicians into higher expectations. Listen closely to "Dirty Old Man." Lulu had a solid career in the U.K. (1960's) with her combination pop and rhythm and blues vocals. "Dirty Old Man" has her singing the blues and Duane providing the backing for her to confidently explore new territory.
   
   "Matchbox" sounds wonderful with Ronnie Hawkins and Duane's excellent rendition.
   
   "Walk On Gilded Splinters" from Johnny Jenkins is another highlight. Duane's guitar sounds as if it playing only for you. The entire 5:15 is captivating!
   
   When the Duck & The Bear track "Goin' Up The Country" (It is the same song you all know and love from Al Wilson- Canned Heat) first resonates from the speakers you'll feel as you have been lassoed between the tweeters and woofers!
   
   Even if the new math says "1 is greater than 2", two is pretty special!
   
   Enjoy the music and be well,
   Craig Fenton
   Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"



5. Not as good as volume #1 but still amazing guitar playing and a great collaboration of other amazing musicians.

5 comments about Nuthin' Fancy.

1. I've been a diehard Skynyrd fan since this album was originally released and it remains my favorite of their entire body of work. This version sounds great and the bonus tracks are a super addition. On top of everything, the price can't be beat!



2. The original Skynyrd line-up only recorded five studio albums and one live, so it's no surprise that each one of them has someone calling it Lynyrd Skynyrd's best album. Including this one.
   
   "Nuthin' Fancy" isn't, though. It's good, but it's not great, at least not compared to, say, "Pronounced 'lh-'nérd 'skin-'nérd". There are a couple of generic run-of-the-mill songs here, and too few of the really classy ones, but "Nuthin' Fancy" doesn't suck. The original Skynyrd line-up never made a bad album, and this one has a lot going for it.
   It's somewhat more low-key than its two predecessors, but there is some rockin' and rollin' as well. The gritty "Saturday Night Special" is here, as is the stop-and-go riff-rocker "Whiskey Rock-a-Roller" and the mellow country-rock of "Am I Losin'", and the folkish acoustic "Made In The Shade" is certainly enjoyable as well. The slow, bluesy "Cheatin' Woman" sounds more like morose early "Free" than Skynyrd. It's not bad, nor is it terrific.
   
   Songs like "Saturday Night Special" and "Whiskey Rock-a-Roller" admittedly sound better and more powerful on the live "One More From The Road", but the 1999 addition of two bonus tracks earns "Nuthin' Special" another half star...these live recodings of the otherwise relatively unremarkable "Railroad Song" and the riff-driven "On The Hunt" in particular are much grittier and more enjoyable than the studio versions.
   
   All in all, "Nuthin' Fancy" isn't the way to start your Skynyrd collection, but it's one you'll want to pick up once you are hooked for sure. It's not fantastic, but it's enjoyable, and certainly good enough for some 3 1/2 stars.



3. Nuthin' Fancy is the most underrated album Lynyrd Skynyrd ever made. I love every single song. They basically brought back the energy that was lacking from Second Helping and made sure to keep the songwriting abilities firmly intact as well. When you combine energy with good songwriting, and hardly any radio exposure (except for one song) you're left with a very underrated album.
   
   "Saturday Night Special" is interesting to me because it shows the band bringing back the energy and excitement from something on the debut such as "Gimme Three Steps" and also featuring a rather odd, but very memorable, chorus.
   
   Now, here's where it gets interesting- some people think that's the only song on the album worth listening to, but guess what? The next four songs are even BETTER than the opening song. The guitar playing on "Cheatin' Woman" rules, and the vocals are very good as well. "Railroad Song" should have been a hit, "I'm a Country Boy" almost reminds me of a southern rock version of Dire Straits, and "On the Hunt" is just a typical Lynyrd Skynyrd song, but I say that as a GOOD thing.
   
   This is probably the best album Lynyrd Skynyrd ever made. Better than the debut, and much better than Second Helping. No filler in sight in my opinion. I wish more bands were this consistently enjoyable. A MUST own, even for people who might not dig southern rock a whole lot. It's truly an underrated album.



4. And that's just the way it is. They're all that good in my book. Every one of 'em. Stop yer nitpickin'. Nuthin' Fancy (1975) may be nothing fancy, but it sure is something special. Saturday Night Special, On The Hunt, Am I Losin', and Whiskey Rock-A-Roller are all Lynyrd Skynyrd classics from this album. I also like the slow blues Cheatin' Woman and Ronnie Van Vant's personal declaration of independence, I'm A Country Boy. The acoustic roots-music Made In The Shade works for me, too. This is all great music! Saturday Night Special is top-of-the-line Skynyrd rock that addresses the issue of gun control and the availability of cheap handguns. Van Zant gives us an example.
   
   Two feets they come a creepin'
   Like a black cat do
   And two bodies laying naked
   Creeper thinks he's got nothing to lose
   So he creeps into this house
   And unlocks the door
   And as a man's reaching for his trousers
   He shoots him full of .38 holes
   
   Nuthin' fancy, but strong stuff! Whiskey Rock-A-Roller is quintessential Lynyrd Skynyrd party-on-the-road rock n' roll and a great song, too. Of course, every one of these songs has great Lynyrd Skynyrd signature guitar work. This isn't my favorite Skynyrd album, but it's one that's essential to the Lynyrd Skynyrd catalog, and one that I like very much. Any Lynyrd Skynyrd album with Ronnie Van Zant is a classic, if you ask me.



5. Skynyrd's 3rd album sees the first changes in the band's lineup. Original drummer Bob Burns is replaced by Artimus Pyle. The album was a bit of a rush job as the record company was pushing the band to come out with a new album as quickly as possible after the huge success of their previous effort. As the title suggests the songs here are a bit on the simpler side, but the band still breathes plenty of life into them. "Saturday Night Special" was the big hit from the album with "On The Hunt" and "Whiskey Rock-A Roller" also receiving airplay. The rest of the material is pretty typical Skynyrd all well written and performed. The album is probably not as strong as the first two, but is still well worth owning for Skynyrd fans.

5 comments about Little Feat.

1. The Little Feat CD arrived in amazing time and
   was in perfect condition. Enjoying the music.



2. Little Feat's self-titled debut album is great, with an incredibly twisted sense of humor. However, if you buy it, don't expect the polished sound of the follow-ups SAILIN' SHOES and DIXIE CHICKEN, and certainly not FEATS DON'T FAIL ME NOW. This is raw, unvarnished, country-blues-rock. In fact, it's so raw as to be underdone at times. However, if you listen enough times, it will eventually grow on you. This is a CD which any Little Feat fan should own.



3. the first step on the road to lowell george perfection (dixie chicken, anyone?) this first feat's album was rough and unrefined and just what it took to blow the socks off a little 16 year old boy who grew up on the beatles. the ground work was laid for the classic feat sound- a little country, a little blues and funk with just a taste of zappa weirdness thrown in (lowell was previously in the mother's with bassist roy estrada). these guys were my favorite band through their first 4 or 5 albums and they still sound fine now that i'm old and grizzled at 53. lowell left us much too soon and is sorely missed.



4. Little Feat's classic debut album for Warner Brothers has been lovingly remastered by Shawn Britton (who has done two other recent terrific MoFi releases Linda Ronstandt's "Don't Cry Now" and The Allman Brothers Band's "Idlewind South"). This classic mix of humor, blues-rock (which features Ry Cooder as a guest guitarist on two tracks)sounds terrific. The original album art has been duplicated. There's also an appreciation by Russ Titleman (who met Lowell George in a class to learn how to play sitar during the Summer of Love)as well as the lyrics to all the songs on the album.
   
   If you got into the band with later albums you should be aware that Little Feat's first album (an overlooked masterpiece, while it has the seeds of their later great albums, is probably the least like albums such as their classic live set "Waiting for Columbus" compared to later work. It has a much rougher blues edge to the overall sound but it's still a delight.
   
   This is only available as a limited, numbered edition (don't know how many are being produced however). I'd highly recommend Little Feat's debut. Keep up the great work Shawn!
   
   Also recommended:
   Waiting for Columbus
   Sailin' Shoes
   Feats Don't Fail Me Now



5. Little Feat released their self-titled debut in 1971. With its heavy emphasis on the blues along with splashes of country and spiritual music, the album boasts a different sound than the funky, New Orleans-based sound that they are now identified with. Lowell George's slide guitar and harmonica was more prevalent here and Bill Payne's piano work played a larger role than on their later albums. In a sense, the band was similar to long standing bands like Rush, Judas Priest, and Steely Dan in the fact that their first album sounded quite different from their future releases. However, unlike those bands, Little Feat's debut has become a forgotten gem. Even the band rarely acknowledges this album in their live shows as they only perform "Forty Four Blues" from this release and that's not very often.
   
   But don't let that discourage you from checking this out as every track here is very good. Tracks like the melancholy "Truck Stop Girl", the beautiful "Brides of Jesus", and the story songs "Crazy Captain Gumboat Willie" and "Strawberry Flats" are all top notch while the country sounding "I've Been The One", the ballad "Takin' My Time", and the bluesy "Crack In Your Door" are also very good. The version of their classic "Willin'", is very good and very different than the more popular version on Sailin' Shoes as George sings the vocal faster while the arrangement is straight country. Other strong tracks include the rollicking tracks "Hamburger Midnight" and "Snakes on Everything" and the old-time blues of "Forty-Four Blues/How Many More Years." All told, this is easily one of their best albums and I would rank this is as their third best studio album, behind Sailin' Shoes and Dixie Chicken respectively. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Afterburner.

1. Of course the music is great. The CD itself was in great shape as was the packaging. I would order from this supplier again.



2. ...And with this, one of my favorite groups, left me behind, abandoned, without a hope of ever hearing good ol' blues-rock ever again. Certainly, I'm exaggerating, well, sort of. The Top's ninth studio album peaked at #4, the highest chart position for any & all their albums to this date. It charted higher than Tres Hombres, Deguello & Eliminator. Is Afterburner a better album than those three? Simply, no. Afterburner doesn't compare to those three albums. Top was going commercial (gasp! not that l'il ol' band from Texas!), they incorporated synthesizers, dance rhythms & straight ahead drum beats soaked in reverb. Basically, what happened here was the 'follow-up effect', Afterburner was released after Eliminator, one of their best albums if not THE best, & was able to capitalize on the previous album's success. Nothing wrong with that but they were veering, somewhat, into club & dance music & this just doesn't fit into the Top's brand of music (okay, my concept of Z Z Top).
   
   After saying all that, Afterburner isn't a bad album but it isn't a good album either. The most amazing thing about the album is that it had seven songs (it had a total of 10) that managed to get on some form of a chart. That's amazing! Simple math reveals that to be 70%! If a baseball player could bat that you know he would end up going to Cooperstown. "Can't Stop Rockin'" (#8 Mainstream Rock), "Sleeping Bag" (#1 Mainstream Rock, #8 Hot 100, #41 Club Play), "Stages" (#1 Mainstream Rock, #21 Hot 100), "Delirious" (#16 Mainstream Rock), "Rough Boy" (#5 Mainstream Rock, #22 Hot 100), "Velcro Fly" (#43 Club Play, #15 Mainstream Rock, #35 Hot 100) & "Woke Up With Wood" (#18 Mainstream Rock). This certainly makes Afterburner a popular album but doesn't make it a good album. The only catch to all this has to do with all the charts that these songs charted on, they were 'specialty charts', not the Pop Singles chart which is more indicative of the overall performance of the songs.
   
   That leaves three songs, "Planet of Women", "I Got the Message" & "Dipping Low (in the Lap of Luxury)". These are all substandard songs for the Top as are "Delirious" & Woke Up With Wood". The rest of the songs are good but nothing is outstanding. Lyrically, the album is typical, they are many double entendres & boogie humor. Don't get me wrong, I've been a big fan of the Top for years & there's nothing wrong with making a buck but, honestly, they sold out with this album. They lost me as a fan & a buying customer, no big deal, for every fan they lost, they probably got two new ones in return. But then, when we look back on Eliminator, we can see the sellout began then, the signs were there hinting at what direction they were going. The big difference was Eliminator still rocked & it didn't seem, at least to this reviewer, that they were compromising their music so much.



3. This is the only album I own that I actually listen to all 10 tracks. Its very rare when I like more than 4-5 songs on an album. Eliminator had one dud (Thug). The energy is strong throughout. I like the synthesizer sound that bands were using in this era. Afterburner was also one of my favorite album cover designs. Recycler was also a great album cover design too.
   
   November 1985 Chicago airwaves were flooded with stations playing cuts off of Afterburner. It was really popular and got tons of airplay. On February 26, 1986 I saw ZZ TOP live for the first time. The show was great but the wait in the parking lot to leave was longer than the concert. And it was like 12 below zero out that night.
   
   I bought the original LP on Nov 1, 1985, made a tape of it and have been rocking ever since. I finally bought the Eliminator/Afterburner CD's in 2005 when I bought a new car that was equipped with a CD player...............and tonight, I Woke Up With Wood



4. I rated this a 4 because the CD,to me, is above average compared to **all** rock CDs made. However,I agree with the low raters that it is below average when compared to ZZ Top's other material. (If you hate synthesizers avoid it. :) )



5. Very Good. Good price, and product arrived in excellent condition.
   
   Very good ZZ Top clstyle of music. Would recommend to all ZZ Top fans.

5 comments about Classic Rock Gold.

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



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



3. alright first off all these bands are good and this cd is good for someone who wants a lot of classic rock songs but on the other hand stay away from this one okay for one thing it shoulda been 3 cds because this is not comeplete alright where the hell is BOSTONS MORE THAN A FEELING and its missing so many bands that ruled the air waves in the 70s kiss, pink floyd etc. okay why the hell is ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE NOT ON HERE THATS BS and another thing why is kiss dissed so much all the time anyways this is a very cheesy album and its not even complete i say stay away from most of these albums and just download the songs off amazon for only 89 cents,
   ROCK WILL NEVER DIE



4. This is the music that I listened to during the college years of the mid 70's. I still enjoy this sound better than most I hear today. This collection is what you expect with one classic tune after another by some of the best groups of the 70's.



5. Wow, all I can say is 'WOW'. This is a fantastic collection. This is what I grew up on and every song brings back memories of a particular time or place in my childhood. I've been buying various 'hits' compilations and many of them are remakes. So you start to listen and think, yea this is it, only to hear the voice that doesn't match your memories. Not so here, this collection is made up of all original recordings so your memories will be intact. Of the collections I've purchsed, it's the best. It can't match new music fidelity, but hey, neither did it in the 60's and 70's.
   If you were born in 1958 like me, this will be a golden collection. I just wish it was a series and there were more sets like this one.

5 comments about Blue Moon Swamp.

1. When it comes to the CCR sound I have all of it and without a doubt this is the best of the bunch. I have loved this CD from the begining. I did not have to listen to it over and over and convence myself the songs were good. I enjoyed the whole thing from start to finish and now 10 years later and after hearing Revival I still think it is by far his best work. Depth and maturity in the songs and vocalls and at the same time that unmistakable CCR sound on every song. If this would have come out in 68 it would have been the biggest seller ever.



2. BLUE MOON SWAMP, John Fogerty's second comeback, is just as good as his first, CENTERFIELD. Here, unlike on Centerfield, where he played all of the instruments, he uses a full band on every song, and the result is a great, rocking CD that sounds totally alive, like you're in the room with the musicians. The songs' lyrics often evoke the spirit of 50s rock & roll, as doers some of the music. Fogerty's advocacies of sanctions against countries which convict foreign tourists for trumped-up crimes, increased funding for law enforcement, and high-school community-service requirements make this CD an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.



3. John Fogerty's BLUE MOON SWAMP is a great rockin' CD. You can not pass this up if you're a fan of CCR.



4. music, of course, is the same as beauty. It's in the eye (ear) of the beholder. with these albums, one can see that JF has improved, even though that was thought undo-able. How can you get better than great???



5. Great value. If you remember the 60s' and 70s' you will love this one.