Supernatural Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, I've read something like 400 of these reviews so I thought I'd speak up. I've been a Santana fan since the early '70's. My personal preference is for Santana's old jazz/rock fusion albums, (e.g., "Illuminations"[1974], "Borboletta"[1974], "Lotus"[1974], and the impossible to categorize, "Oneness"[1979]). But "Supernatural"[1999] is definitely Santana's best pop/rock album in at least 12 years ("Freedom"[1987]) and maybe 28 years ("Santana III"[1971]). I felt the band's last studio album, "Milagro"[1992], was too diffuse and self-indulgent to achieve greatness (despite some fabulous individual tracks).
I like almost every track on "Supernatural." The Latin rock tracks include "(Da le)Yaleo," "African Bamba," "Migra," "Corazon Espinado"(featuring Mana), and "Primavera"; in my opinion, any one of the last 3 of these is worth the price of the CD. I'd never heard of Lauryn Hill before I bought this album, but I really love "Do You Like the Way"--I didn't much care for it at first listen, but it grew on me. "El Farol" is a sweet, passionate sort of light jazz guitar solo with typical blazing crescendo. "The Calling" w/Eric Clapton is decent, but not great--though both guitarists manage to put out (all-too-brief) moments of sheer wonder. I don't care much for either "Maria, Maria" w/Product G&B, or "Wishing It Was" w/Eagle-Eye Cherry. The pop tunes, "Love of My Life" (featuring Dave Matthews) and "Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas) are really great tracks. The dark and brooding alternative rock track, "Put Your Lights On" (featuring Everlast) simply takes my breath away. Be sure to wait for the unlisted track after "The Calling."
My chief complaint with the album is that Chester Thompson's keyboard talents are not showcased enough. The percussion section is given ample room to breathe, especially on "(Da Le) Yaleo" and "Migra."
Santana's unique style turns me into one big goose bump; if the music doesn't do that for you, it's not Santana's fault and it's not your fault, either. Despite several reviewers' criticisms about what they perceive as a commercial bent to this album, I find that commercial bent to be a very positive influence on the band's music; this is an extremely tight, well-produced CD--kind of a rarity for Santana. I don't personally see what is so objectionable about an artist reaching out to a wider audience. The first 3 albums by the original Santana band were smash hits and, frankly, I think it's great to hear the band on the radio again with some new music. Anyway, if you find something sinister or just plain unsatisfactory about a band consciously trying for commercial appeal, then be forewarned because that is exactly what Santana and Arista Records set out to do. I think they did a great job.
If you like this CD, you might want to check out "Moonflower"[1977], "Zebop!"[1981], "Spirits Dancing in the Flesh"[1990], or even "Freedom"[1987]; these are some of the better pop/rock Santana albums, in my opinion.

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Victims of the Fury Review

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(More customer reviews)Originally released in January 1980, Robin Trower's seventh LP "Victims of the Fury" proved to be his ultimate crowning achievement. It had been five years since what I consider to be his last truly great release before this, 1975's "For Earth Below." The three albums that came in between, 1976's "Long Misty Days," '77's "In City Dreams," and '78's "Caravan to Midnight," while all being good, I feel were somewhat uneven in quality for Trower standards.
That's why when Robin and company ushered in the new decade with "Victims of the Fury," both blues and heavy rock fans alike had reason to rejoice. While the at the time 34-year-old Robin originates from London and from a clearly English background, his emotionally rich and vivid playing, along with the ever soulful vocals of bassist James Dewar, were more rooted in U.S. blues of the past. Hence, Trower's LPs throughout the '70s always charted higher in America rather than in his own home country.
Being only five years old in 1980 when this album was first released, I was introduced to Trower's music much later on in the '90s with the "Essential Robin Trower" compilation. While collections like that are great for that purpose, I eventually picked up all the original albums, including the one being reviewed here "Victims of the Fury."
This record, as stated, is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the opener "Jack and Jill," Robin introduces his jangly, reverby guitar and some of the most fluid riffing he had ever created and more rooted in heavy rock than ever before. From there, the chorus on the title track really made it stand out to me on the "Essential" CD and hearing it here in its original LP placement position is amazing. Side one of the original album closes out with the breathtaking "Only Time," which paints an emotionally rich picture so vivid through the sounds you hear and the vocal lines are very poetic as well.
The reason I say in the headline that you must get the 1989 Chrysalis pressing of this CD rather than the 1997 BGO disc (which also had "Caravan to Midnight" tacked on), is that the latter switches the LP's original running order around and eliminates three of its compositions, "the Shout," "Fly Low," and what is one of Trower's best ever songs, "Ready for the Taking," which features one of his most mesmerizing riffs ever, truly brilliant. I am listening to it now and am still swept away by its essential beauty and power.
If you can't find or afford the original Chrysalis CD though and don't have a turntable to listen to the record, then definitely download the missing tracks here on Amazon. You won't regret it.
All in all, some of the best blues rock ever created from one of the genre's most amazing power trios. Highly recommended.

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A. R. M. S. Concert - The Complete Show (Vol. 1 & 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)My fellow reviewer above described this thing absolutely perfectly. But as an MS victim myself, I DO so appreciate Slowhand, Page, Beck, et al, playing a tribute to ex-Face, Ronnie Lane (who died of MS some years later.) Unfortunately, I do have to force myself to try to do the impossible and just tune out Ray Cooper making a transcontental fool of himself, WAY "over the top" on percussion; however, as a long time Rolling Stones fanatic, I just smile WIDELY, seeing/hearing Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts as part of the rhythm section here. I would say that THEIR presence alone justifies the price of this, but the fact that this concert was done for a MS sufferer and, really, to bring the public attention to/about MS, makes this DVD almost...sublime. And now that I actually own the DVD and can view it at my leisure, I, even more, have to say: Thank you guys, and may God Bless ALL of you! RIP, Ronnie. Doggone shame that Avonex wasn't available back then.

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Joan Armatrading Live - All the Way from America (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Three decades after her earliest recordings, a full-length concert by Joan Armatrading finally sees the light of day, recorded June 25th, 2003 at Saratoga California. Not too late, fortunately: she is in prime voice and able to perform even the early tunes with the depth and flexibility that marked the original versions. Not only that, her music is about as timeless as that of any other contemporary singer-songwriter, at least this side of Joni Mitchell. In that regard, if I weren't familiar with her music and someone told me Joan was a newcomer on the music scene, based on the music on this DVD I would have no trouble believing that.
Part of the contemporary feel of this concert is in my opinion due to the fact that nearly half of the songs are culled from her then-most-recent album (2003's LOVER'S SPEAK, one of her best ever). No matter how long an artist has been around, when they stay focused on performing the tunes that matter the most to them at any given point in time, that tends to be a great way to remain inspired and relevant even if one has been on the scene for over thirty years.
Even so, there is a generous selection of classic tunes that have not aged a bit. She still performs the likes of "Down to Zero," "Love And Affection," "The Weakness In Me," and others as if the tunes were just born yesterday. Interestingly, she appears with only two supporting musicians, but due to their versatility one doesn't ever get the idea that there needs to be a bigger band. All in all, anyone who was ever a Joan Armatrading fan -- particularly those who may not have kept up with her recently -- will likely have lots of good things to say about this DVD. While I won't argue with other reviewers who were critical of the video editing, I'm glad that all of the tunes are heard in their entirety and the 5.1 sound mix is up-to-standard.

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One of popular music's most enduring and respected singer songwriters captured in her favorite environment - live in front of a theater full of adoring fans!This spectacular event recording was filmed during Joan's 2003 World Tour and features a collection of her most popular hits (Love and Affection, All the Way from America, Blessed, Willow) along with new songs from her most recent studio album 'Lover's Speak'. Filmed completely live at the Lillian Fontaine Theater in Saratoga, California 'All the Way From America' showcases Joan as the consummate entertainer she is - accomplished singer/songwriter, guitarist and spellbinding story teller.DVD Video tracks: 1. Down To Zero 2. All The Way From America 3. Prove Yourself 4. Physical Pain 5. You Made Your Bed 6. Tender Trap 7. The Weakness In Me 8. Let's Talk About Us 9. Join The Boys 10. Save Me 11. Everyday Boy 12. Love And Affection 13. Crazy For You 14. Lovers Speak 15. Love Bug 16. Rosie 17. Mama Mercy 18. Kissin And A Huggin19. Me Myself I 20. Willow 21. BlessedBonus Tracks: Bottom To The Top *In These Times (Studio Version)

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Lil Band O Gold Review

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(More customer reviews)Looking for the rock in swamp rock? Be prepared to look hard here. Lil' Band O' Gold, billing itself as a Swamp Rock supergroup, turns out to be slightly off base in this release. The CD is heavy with ballads and laments, with sad songs of lost love and mournful dirges taking up slightly more than half the songlist. If swamp blues are what you're looking for though, you'll be satisfied, especially with the wonderful vocal work, both lead and backup, of "First You Cry". C.C. Adcock (who co-produced this recording) provides his usual gritty guitar sound; the mournful pedal-steel work is that of Richard Comeaux. Of the 'up' tunes on this effort, "Shirley" was a surprise, with the innocent lyrics and raw sound of early 60's pop. A Cajun dance-hall standard written by the late, great Dewey Balfa, "Parlez Nous a Boire" ('let us talk of drinking, and not of marriage') gets a kicked-up treatment here, with driving bass line, hard-edged vocals and an intriguing sax opener. "7 Nights 2 Rock", a familiar rockabilly number, beckons you to the dance floor, but could have used another rockin' number as its follow-up, not the undistinguished 'slow dance' of "Dreamgirl". The swamp rock highlights here? "Allons Rock N Roll" and "Cajun Twist" -- both benefit from Steve Riley vocal and accordion work, and great backing by the St. Martin Horns (Dickie Landry, David Greeley, and Pat Breaux). If you're not up and dancing to the "Cajun Twist" cher, your feet must not work.

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Antenna Review

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(More customer reviews)It seems ZZ Top was done messing with sequencers and programmed "synthesized" drums by the time '94 rolled around. That's not to say this album is a total return to the sound that made up their earliest albums. No, because the production and song-writing on Antenna just won't allow for that. But having said that, it is the blusiest release by the boys since at least Deguello or perhaps even Tejas. Gibbons guitar tone is low-down and dirty, making one forget all about those glittering (Slide It In-era) Whitesnake-style riffs and solos that so generously filled Afterburner and occassionally still reared their commericial head on Recycler. Even the likes of "My Head's In Mississippi" from Recycler can't compete with the rejuvenated passion in the blues Gibbons had displayed throughout Antenna. "Breakaway" is the first real clue here that the boys mean business, and the spirit is maintained well thru "World of Swirl" and "Fuzzbox Voodoo." "PCH" begins with a devastatingly down and dirty Gibbons lick, and just forces the tried and true Top fan to crack a smile and leaves them ready for more. The upbeat tempos of the previous three outings are mostly maintained here, but at least it appears to the naked ear that Beard is actually rappin' on the skins once again.
Top seems destined to roll along with relative ease, changing their sound a bit here and there, while rolling up and taking back down bits of the future as well as the past in the process. At this point, they seem incapable of putting out an unenjoyable release. Just having some fun while poppin' the "Top" down and soakin' up the sun...

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Live Licks (bikini cover) Review

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(More customer reviews)So far, the reviews seem to divide between people angry about Live Licks, and people angry about the people who don't like it. Let's try to reason together, folks.
What do people want from a 21st Century live Rolling Stones CD? Some folks want the Stones to dig into their treasure trove of back catalog for great songs that haven't been released live before. Some want the Stones to dig into their R&B roots for the old blues and soul songs that they started their career covering. Some will not be satisfied without hearing Stones classics. Of course, we all want the geezers to defy all odds and continue to care. Despite the whining from some quarters, all of the above goals are addressed.
In a solid programming decision, there is one 11-song disc of all classics (or overdone warhorses, depending on your viewpoint) - and a second 13-song disc devoid of same, with lots of really well-chosen stuff we've never heard the Stones do live. If you do want the classics, they are well-performed and recorded here. For those who can't believe that they are recording these songs again, you can buy Live Licks for $12 if you try (I got mine at a retail store for $11.99, and some Amazon vendors are also selling it around that price) - even if only one of these two discs appeals to you, is $12 out of line for well-recorded, energetic performances of music this good?OK, I understand the feeling behind "Jeez, do we really need another version of Honky Tonk Woman?" So toss disc 1 if you feel that way, and you still have disc 2 which starts out with terrific performances of "Neighbors," "Monkey Man," "Rocks Off," and "Can't You Hear Me Knocking." I didn't ever expect to hear "Knocking" from a post-Mick Taylor Stones - and they absolutely nail it. "Monkey Man" sounds like it was cut circa Let It Bleed.. Despite the hand-wringing about a seamless 2-second edit in "Rocks Off," you have a great bunch of Stones nuggets never before released live. There are terrific versions of beloved R&B covers the Stones did before they hit their stride as songwriters: "That's How Strong My Love Is" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" - the latter with a blast-furnace soul shouting cameo from Solomon Burke.
Can we all agree that Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out is the definitive Stones live disc without banning them from releasing any more live performances? I mean, come on, there are 24 tracks here, and only three repeat songs from Ya-Ya's It's only the second time for "Gimme Shelter," and the only other time was on the not-particularly-beloved "No Security." The way Lisa Fischer wails on it, and the way the Stones still play, no apologies are needed.
OK, so how do the old folks sound this time? There are no words for the unchangeable greatness of Charlie Watts, so I won't even try. Mick & Keith defy all odds by sounding as though they still love their jobs. We are now way beyond any precedent for rock & roll bands playing into their 5th decade, and they still play "Street Fighting Man" as though crucial to Western Civilization. The playing is crisp throughout, the recording quality is excellent. By all rights, the Stones should have gotten too bored to carry on, oh, about 20 years ago. Come to think of it, they were bored 20 years ago. This is their 2d wind..
OK, there are a few edits and if you know the songs well, you will notice. But the edits are technically seamless, and not jarring. Since the Stones have had total artistic control over their releases for over 20 years, I'll just sorta presume that they had good reasons to release it the way they did. Since neither of the two discs are pushing time limitations for the media, the edits were not done to squeeze more songs in. The edits are not that big a deal unless you are a fuss-budget.
Incidentally, I am not a Stones apologist or a newbie who doesn't know any better. I`ve been a Stones fan since the mid-60's, and I'd agree that their last really solid LP was Exile On Main Street (as far as I'm concerned, even Some Girls is a mixed bag). The only live discs that worked for me were Ya-Ya's and Flashpoint. But this one's a keeper.


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Japanese pressing features a bonus track on disc two, 'If You Can't Rock Me'. Also included for the first pressing only is a bonus Rolling Stones sticker for the first pressing only. Recorded on their mammoth 2002/2003 Licks world tour, the Rolling Stones’ latest live album is a testament to the band’s incredible staying power. After some 40 years in the business, the Stones are still drawing huge crowds all over the world with the promise of an inimitable live experience. And on 1st November, the release of the new double album, Live Licks, looks set to capture on CD the charisma and talent that has led to the Stones’ putting on the top three most successful world tours of all time. Recorded on the recent Licks world tour, the double album was recorded in venues right across the globe and features performances of some of the best-loved tracks from the Stones’ sterling back catalogue. In addition, you’ll also find their lesser-known songs and inspired cover versions that also made up part of the fantastic Licks set. 25 tracks in total. Virgin. 2004.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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By a Thread-Tour Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a Mule fan since the first album. Seen them twice, once back in the day, the second time a few months ago.
Just got the new album and love it. I love Warren's playing and singing. The band seems to have gelled into a more cohesive unit, and in new bass player Jorgen, I think warren's found his felix pappalardi.
I'm surprised to see the negative reviews here. Really? You guys don't like this?
All musicians change (if they're paying attention to their muse) and warren has taken a turn more towards hard rock, classic rock then blues.
The riffs and songs are groovier and crunchier. That's why I like 'em. The sound of the album is more like a led zep or hendrix record, without being imitative, but with warren's great voice.
The band has evolved and grown and changed. Warren's tone has changed, on this record. You want blues, listen to the Allmans. (who i love as well.)
You want crunchy, funky, groonin' guitar tone and playing, buy this CD!
I can't believe you guys don't love this!


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2009 release, the first studio album in three years from the critically lauded Rock outfit. Recorded largely at Willie Nelson's Pedernales Studio in 2009, the album s origins are apparent from the first track, 'Broke Down On The Brazos', named after the nearby river, with a deep Texas stomp for the backbeat and featuring the trademark guitar-work of ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Sanctuary Review

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(More customer reviews)Sanctuary was a turning point for the J. Geils Band. The album embodies musical and production sophistication not found in previous albums by the band.
What makes the album outstanding is that despite the new-found polish the band acquired with this record the grit, rhythm, pathos and plain old fun which is a trademark of "the bad boys from Boston" still is everpresent.
The song "One Last Kiss" received great radio play at the time it was released and is an upbeat blue-inspired rocker of love lost.
"Sanctuary", the title track features Peter Wolf's vocal at their most expressive and some wicked harp by Magic Dick.
The song "Teresa" is simply one of the best pop songs I've heard by any band. Again Wolf's vocals are at their most expressive; they are plaintive and heart rending, matching Seth Justman's piano.
"Wildman" and "Jus' Can't Stop Me" are great party rave-ups, while the inclusion of ! "I Do" a neat sing-along tune with terrific harmonies, origally on the album Monkey Island, rounds out Sanctuary.
I'm glad this album is out in CD format. The quality of the digital version will highlight the production value of the album while none of what made the J. Geils Band famous in the first place will be lost. If you want to laugh and cry, dance and sing then you should purchase this CD!

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1995 U.K. reissue on BGO of their 1979 EMI album, remasteredfrom the original master tapes & with extensive sleeve notesand faithfully restored artwork. Unavailable on CD in the U.S., it features nine tracks, including the top 40 hit 'OneLast Kiss' and 'Take It Back'.

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The Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Beacon Theatre (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)An excellent live concert release from one of the original jam bands. Here The Allman Brothers Band present an uncut 2 Hour and 48 minute concert recorded in March 2003 at The Beacon Theater in New York. Although a few Allman Brothers classics like Ramblin Man, Jessica, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, and Revival are not here they are included on other video releases and what is included here is excellent and worthy of 5 stars. The 5.1 sound and video quality are excellent and the band is as tight as they have ever been. This version of the Allman Brothers Band (Founding members Gregg Allman, Jaimoe, and Butch Trucks, along with longtime band members Warren Haynes, Marc Quinones, and Oteil Burbridge, and more recent addition Derek Trucks doing a good job filling Dickie Betts' shoes) seem to be really enjoying themselves on stage and it comes through in the quality of the music.
Besides the concert, the double DVD release also includes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of interviews and behind the scenes footage. There is a also a very good dressing room performance of Old Friend by Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks along with a photo gallery and discography.
Here is the Track Listing:
1. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
2. Black Hearted Woman
3. Statesboro Blues
4. Woman Across The River
5. A Change Is Gonna Come
6. Maydell
7. Come & Go Blues
8. Rockin' Horse
9. Desdemona
10. Don't Keep Me Wondering
11. Midnight Rider
12. Soulshine
13. High Cost Of Low Living
14. Leave My Blues At Home
15. Old Before My Time
16. The Same Thing
17. Melissa
18. Instrumental Illness
19. Worried Down With The Blues
20. Dreams
21. Whippin' Post
22. One Way Out

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Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: Deluxe Edition (CD & DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well since this is the deluxe edition with DVD I'll comment on that first. Personally I think it's a great bonus. It's six songs performed live in Burlington, Vermont right on the lakefront, which is the same place they played just last night. There's a few cuts from this album, as well as their past hit "Apologies" which I love, and a cool cover of "White Rabbit". Plus A few interview bits here and there. I think this is a Best Buy exclusive kind of thing. For the album itself, it may be a little more produced than some fans want, but it's still a good listen. Bluesy, rockin' and sexy. I don't think "Tiny Light" was the best choice for first single but it's ok. Most of what's here I enjoy, but my faves are "One Short Night" and "Hot Summer Night". Gotta have a couple songs about nights on here, being the Nocturnals and all. With the DVD, four stars.

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Deluxe edition includes bonus DVD featuring six live performances plus behind-the-scenes interviews.
Track listing:
CD
1. Paris (Ooh La La)
2. Oasis
3. Medicine
4. Goodbye Kiss
5. Tiny Light
6. Colors
7. Only Love
8. Money
9. One Short Night
10. Low Road
11. That Phone
12. Hot Summer Night
13. Things I Never Needed
Bonus DVD
Live in Burlington, VT
1. Apologies
2. Paris (Ooh La La)
3. White Rabbit
4. Medicine
5. One Short Night
6. That Phone

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Rarities 1971-2003 Review

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(More customer reviews)The Good News: This is pretty fun to listen to and gives us crystal-clear, remastered quality, versions of a couple of nifty vinyl B-Sides from the '70's.
The Bad News: The songs collected here are not particularly "Rare" (a few songs would be better described as "Common") and this set could have easily been a thousand times better. There is nothing here from "The Vault"; all songs collected on Rarities have been previously released as B-Sides, Album Tracks, Singles or on a DVD. Even operating within that constraint, they bypassed many quality B-Sides (not to mention widely bootlegged outtakes) that would have been a better fit than some of the selections.
The Really Bad News: The liner notes in the booklet are embarrassingly bad, riddled with errors. The clown who wrote them just does not know his Stones and nobody connected with the band evidently cared enough to proofread.
The Songs:
1. Fancy Man Blues- A great latter day blues issued as a CD Single B-Side from the 1989 Steel Wheels record. It was amusing to see so many reviewers get themselves worked up over the inclusion of Back of My Hand on the Bigger Bang record. That song is the type of thing they have been relegating to B-Side status for years and in my opinion, inferior to Fancy Man Blues.
2. Tumbling Dice- A B-Side from the Wild Horses (unplugged) CD-Single from '96 (which the liner notes author fails to note) is a pretty nifty version but butchered in the liner notes. This is a Stripped album outtake and begins with a lo-fi rehearsal version of the song featuring only piano, handclaps and Mick's vocal for the first verse. This bit was then spliced onto a hi-fi live version from the Voodoo Lounge tour and thus seems to bloom or burst into Technicolor sound. Nice trick but the dude in the liner notes insinuates that it is a single take which makes you wonder if he listened to the song all the way through.
3. Wild Horses- This is the exact unplugged version available on Stripped and therefore is not rare. The liner notes guy says that it was recorded before a live audience in a studio in Tokyo. If it was, they are a pretty darn quiet (silent) audience.
4. Beast of Burden- This terrific live version was recorded in Chicago (not LA) on the 1981 tour and released as the flip to the Going to a Go-Go single in '82. It was re-released on a limited edition CD called Rolling Stones Collectibles in conjunction with the 1990 Flashpoint live album. This live version was not included on Sucking in the 70's (which was released before this was recorded) as the liner notes state. The Some Girls studio version of Beast of Burden was used on Sucking in the 70's.
5. Any Way You Look At It- This gentle Mick and Keith ballad duet was issued as a Bridges to Babylon B-Side and is a pleasurable tune of its era. The only person who would mistake it for a mid-60's psychedelic pop tune is the liner notes author.
6. If I Was A Dancer (Dance Pt.2)- This disco groover was first released on Sucking in the 70's which makes it common, not rare. It would have been more appropriate to replace this with a Licks tour live version of Dance Pt. 1, which they played at several club shows and can be found on the Four Flicks DVD. The liner notes incorrectly state that this was Ron Wood's first songwriting credit with the band. Not so, he got partial credit for Everything Is Turning to Gold, the great, disco B-Side to the Shattered single, later collected on Sucking In The '70's. Don't even get me started on It's Only Rock and Roll.
7. Miss You (Dance Version) - This is the extended dance version released as a vinyl 12" single in 1978. Sort of interesting but it won't change your life.
8. Wish I'd Never Met You- Another great blues put out as a Steel Wheels B-Side. The joker in the liner notes reports that it is "Rarely Played Live..." Uh, how about never.
9. I Just Want To Make Love To You (Live)*Misspelled as Wanna on Rarities. Great bluesy, slowed-down version that the band was playing in 1990 on the Steel Wheels tour. Originally released in '91 as a B-Side on the Highwire CD single not on the 1998 No Security live album as stated in the liner notes.
10. Mixed Emotions (12" Version) - A CD-Single B-Side remix of the pretty lame Steel Wheels tune (it doesn't get any better as a dance mix). Our favorite liner notes author reports that Mixed Emotions "...wasn't a massive hit upon release." In fact, it was their last Top Ten hit, reaching #5 on the US singles chart and featured a video that received heavy rotation on MTV.
11. Through The Lonely Nights- A It's Only Rock and Roll B-Side, this pleasant track is nice to hear in pristine form but is not a lost classic.
12. Live with Me (Live) - Good rocking' live version originally put out as a Voodoo Lounge B-Side. The liner notes incorrectly state that it was pulled from the No Security live album. Out of all the nuggets they have resurrected on the last few tours, why include this one?
13. Let It Rock- Great live Chuck Berry cover from 1971 originally issued as the B-Side to Brown Sugar, this is the best track on Rarities. Bozo writing the liner notes says it was played "Occasionally" on the Some Girls tour. Uh, let me guess, you missed that tour, right (it was the opener at every USA show)?
14. Harlem Shuffle (NY Mix) - This is the 12" vinyl dance single remix released in '86 in order to promote the terrible Dirty Work album. Not only is this the weakest hit single the band ever put out, but I have news for you boys: There is not a single Stones fan on earth that ever gave two shakes for a dance mix of any Stones song. Finally, Mr. Goofus from the liner notes reports that Harlem Shuffle was the first cover song the band had released as a single since 1964. Not so, Going to a Go-Go is a Smokey Robinson cover that the band released as a single in 1982 from the Still Life live album. Time is on My Side b/w Twenty Flight Rock was a double cover single also released to promote Still Life but received less attention than Go-Go.
15. Mannish Boy (Live) - Boy, is this one not rare, having previously appeared on both the Love You Live album and the Sucking in the 70's collection. Not even a very good version to boot.
16. Thu and Thru (Live)- This oddly compelling Keith song starts very slow and picks up some steam midway through. This version was previously released on the Four Flicks DVD.
So there you have it, many of these songs are worth listening to but do not be fooled by the title. For whatever reason, Mr. Jagger is not interested in opening the vaults at this time so continue to keep your fingers crossed (don't worry, we will see a true previously-unreleased-material box set someday, Bob Dylan and the Beatles have made too much money for Jagger to not take the bait eventually). Moreover, even though I am a self-professed Monster Stones Fan, all of the information offered here is easily available with a few Google searches and there really is no excuse for the inaccuracies printed in the booklet. One last jab: They chose a performance picture for the cover dating to circa '78 with Bill Wyman airbrushed out? How petty is that?


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Crossroads 2: Live In The Seventies Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the perfect box set for the casual Clapton fan or the serious without a live set. This is a great introduction to Clapton's to most of Clapton's mandatory songs (minus the Cream songs) that were recorded during the 70's at various venues. The sound quality is perfect with no deteriation from the recording at all.
There are some amazing rocking versions of songs. This set was taken during his drugged out depression phase when his solos rocked the hardest and his blues were the saddest.
Disc One- A great intro for the set with a fun Hand Jive. The highlight of this disc is the great "Cant Find My Way Home" with some of Clapton's cathiest lyrics to date.
Disc Two- The best disc of the set and one my single most favorite discs OF ALL TIME- worth the price of the set by itself. The 4 and a half min Layla is the best version of Layla ever hands down. Clapton tears through the riff with an amazing solo that shows of his best skills and his full range. Guaranteed to have you air jamming every time. The I Shot The Sheriff jams like no other. Clapton just gets in a groove with some finger pickin that cant be beat. Badge goes through its usual first half before Clapton just puts on an all out assault on the laws of rockin. The solo flies through many phases and has to be heard to be believed. Follow this up with a 24 min "Why Does Love Have To Be So Sad" with Santana. This is my all time favorite Clapton song and it needs to be heard multiple times before its complexity can be unraveled. The easiest way to describe it would be like a battle between Santana and Clapton where they are playing off of each other in alternate dueling commraderie. Fantastic!!
Disc three- the second best disc with multiple winners. The two best are Core with its powerful emotion and the always solid Cocaine.
Disc four- my least favorite of the discs but some decents ones hidden away. "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" is another cathy tune that not all casual classic rock fans have heard.
Bottom Line: anyone interested in Clapton, classic rock, or kick-... guitar shreddin should go out and get this set.

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Seven Turns Review

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(More customer reviews)The Allman Brothers Band released their comeback album, Seven Turns, in 1990. The band was riding a wave of momentum as old fans were reminded of the band's powers with the release of their 4-CD box set retrospective, Dreams. In addition, a new whole audience discovered the band's greatness on their 1989 tour. Original members Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe were joined by guitarist Warren Haynes, keyboardist Johnny Neel, and bassist Allen Woody. The inclusion of both Haynes and Neel indicate an attempt to not only recreate the magic of the two-guitar lineup of Betts and Duane Allman but to also relive their popular Brothers and Sisters album in which Chuck Leavell's piano added another weapon to the band's impressive arsenal. The infusion of new blood is very apparent as the performances on Seven Turns show a classic band regaining their hunger. Allman certainly was feeling the vibe as his vocals on this album are arguably the best of his career. Whether it's on the smoking rocker "Good Clean Fun" or on the bluesy tracks "Low Down Dirty Mean" and "Gambler's Roll", Allman sounds reborn. "Let Me Ride" is a cool country rocker from Dickey Betts while "Shine It On" is a driving slice of southern rock. "True Gravity" is another strong jazz inflicted instrumental to add to their collection and is highlighted by Neel's impressive piano solo. The title track is a modern classic in the country rock vein with a memorable chorus and some cool slide guitar during the outro. The remaining tracks "It Ain't Over Yet" and "Loaded Dice" are also very good. All told, while Seven Turns is not on par with their best work, it's a very strong comeback and easily their best album since Brothers and Sisters.

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Outrider Review

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(More customer reviews)For those dogs that like their Led Zeppelin without any frills, this is the bone for you. Years after the tragic end to Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page released Outrider to very little fanfare, but if guitar rock is your thing, then this is definetly one for you, not a single keyboard used, and don't let that fool you into thinking the sound isn't full, think again this is Mr. Jimmy Page we're talking about here. Jason Bonham occupies the drum stool for seven of the nine tracks, and a more than adequate job he does of it to, you can never compare two musicians fairly, but let us just say that his father would have been more than proud. To these floppy ears it's the instrumentals on the album that really take the biscuit, showing the likes of Eric Johnson & Kenny Wayne Shepherd how to play with flash but keep it interesting. Although all the songs sound as if they have been recorded by a band who've known each other for years, actually Jimmy uses 2 drummers, 3 bassists & spread over the 6 vocal tracks 3 vocalists, the very underrated John Miles (he of "music" fame) handles the first brace with his usual aplomb. Chris Farlowe ("Tears Go By", Atomic Rooster & Colosseum) takes the final curtain calls, when he engagingly stutters his opening delivery of "I've be a b-b-b-b-b-bad b-boy and I've been a bad boy all night long" you can actually hear him smirk & wink over Page's bleeding electric guitar, of course after this the lyrics descend even further into bloke rock, and the guys seem to be having the time of their lives. The final vocalist used is of course Jimmy Page's old sparring partner, Percy himself Mr. Robert Plant, and it's a credit to the other two that this song is not the stand out track of the album, I think that has to go to the 12-bar of "Prison Blues", if Mott could get his paws round a guitar neck, this is the way he'd play guitar, with legs astride, head thrown back, in front of 250,000 screaming women. As in the last quote this album may be a little self indulgent, but they sure don't make albums like this anymore, and to make sure it was just right Jimmy Page even produced the whole thing himself. If you still not convinced, try lending an ear to Jimmy Page's latest release with the Black Crowes where he revamps his old Led Zeppelin Catalogue as well as bashing through some old chestnuts. Listen & Believe. Mott the Dog.

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Japanese only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD - playable on all CD players) pressing packaged in a paper sleeve. Universal. 2008.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Lilith Fair: A Celebration Of Women In Music, Volume 3 Review

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(More customer reviews)I was give Volume 2 and I thought it was good. I decided to go see how Volume 3 was. I loved it! In my opinion even better then the Volume 2! It has a wide variety of songs that all sound great. i loved Sarah's "Black and White". It's amazing!

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Dave Mason - Live at Sunrise (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was actually at this Dave Mason concert which was recorded live at the Sunrise Musical Theatre in Sunrise, Florida (Fort Lauderdale). I have read the other reviews here at this site and many complain that the show was short. There is a reason Dave Mason did not play for very long. It is because he was not the headliner for the event. Dave Mason was the opening act. The headliner was Deep Purple. They also recorded their show and you can buy their DVD...which they called Perihelion. The audience was aware that the shows were being taped so the audience was extra boisterous. On a side note...the Sunrise Musical Theatre no longer hosts concerts. It was bought out a few years ago and is now a Church.

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Recorded live at the Sunrise Theater, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dave Mason (Vocals & Guitar), Richard Campbell (Bass Guitar, Vocals), John Sambataro (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Bobby Scumaci (Keyboards, Vocals), Greg Babcock (Drums). Songs: Let It Go Let It Flow, Only You Know and I Know, World in Changes, We Just Disagree, 40,000 Headmen, Look at You Look at Me, Dear Mr. Fantasy, All Along the Watchtower, Feelin' Alright.

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