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Reviews (107)
Sep 24, 2008
Bob Wills -- Legendary Western Swing Bandleader
This little budget compilation of some of Bob's greatest hits, from Rhino, runs a little short on time; but it's still pretty nice.
Depending on who you ask, Bob Wills was either ONE of the greatest, or literally THE greatest Western Swing bandleader(s) of all time. In his heyday, Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys were one of the most popular bands in America; and along with Hank Williams: the biggest thing in Country music.
You probably won't be able to completely grasp the fullness and breadth of Bob & the boys musicianship and work from listening to this little collection....
Just think of it as an appetizer.
If you really want to have a blast, pick up one of Bob's live LPs or CDs; or the incredible Tiffany Transcriptions records !
Jul 17, 2008
High Energy Rock'n'Roll ! !
High Energy Rockin' songs and performances from the legends of the Michigan Rock Scene...... The MC5.
The MC5 were both cool and funny; with lyrics which encapsulated the aforementioned qualities(Sister Anne, Baby Won't Ya) and ranging to erotic(Miss X) to politically obtuse(The American Ruse- great guitar on that one) to charmingly bizarre and funny(Call Me Animal) to just plain strange(The Human Being Lawnmower) and beyond...
Here is a snippet from CALL ME ANIMAL which is rather hilarious:
"Call me animal,
That's my name,
Call me animal,
I'm not ashamed,
Call me animal,
You got the power,
Call me animal,
This is your hour!
Call me animal, animal, animal...."
Hee, hee. Not sure what these guys were singing about here, so I'll have to investigate further, but the song cracks me up every time I listen to it; and sometimes I do feel like an animal.
The music goes from R&B and Rock'n'Roll to R&B/Rock'n'Roll influenced Rock, Hard Rock and even Metal. Some of it is moderately rocking, and some of it is extremely intense.
Back in the 60's the MC5 were known for their advocacy of radical leftist politics and social upheaval. Capitalism and the American government were the big enemies.
All I can say to that is thanks for including their great, infectious version of Chuck Berry's BACK IN THE USA on this CD ! It's much appreciated by the capitalist masses (ha, ha). While I don't always agree with the band's world view; their music always soothes and inspires me.
I've loved their super high energy cover of RAMBLIN' ROSE (from their 1st LP, KICK OUT THE JAMS) since the first day I heard it many years ago.
Believe me when I say that these guys know how to GET DOWN.
They've got charisma to burn, and are smokin' hot musicians in regard to their chosen style of music. They also really knew how to drive a song home.
Bottom line: All three of the band's three original LPs (now CDs)...
KICK OUT THE JAMS
BACK IN THE USA
HIGH TIME
...are great in various ways. HIGH TIME is probably the best because of it's combination of strong songwriting, performances, and recording production.
BIG BANG is valuable not only because of the well chosen tracks from their original three LPs, but for the inclusion of the first three tracks on the CD, which were made before the band signed with Elektra for KICK OUT THE JAMS. They are chaotic, intense Garage Rock songs which vaguely recall the Yardbirds in their glory days, and are well worth hearing.
The closer, THUNDER EXPRESS, which is another rarity, is very cool, too.
Not to forget SISTER ANNE.
It's one of the greatest Rock'n'Roll/R&B/Hard Rock songs ever...
Raging, distorted, beautiful chords roll and surge over a slamming, massive rhythm section while white hot leads swirl and twist their way through whatever space is left open.... Lead singer Rob Tyner pours all his passion and soul into the song, seemingly oblivious to the deafening but glorious musical storm which surrounds- and almost overwhelms- him.
Incredible !
Jan 05, 2011
Somewhat Half Baked, but Still Tasty
1 of 1 found this helpful Lest there be any confusion, I do believe Jimi is the Kang! (king), and he stands head and shoulders above most Rock, Soul, and Blues musicians.
I've been listening to this material for many, many years, as it was released on CRY OF LOVE, WAR HEROES, RAINBOW BRIDGE, VOODOO SOUP, etc. These are not actually finished recordings (not by Jimi, anyway), but projects Jimi was working on at the time of his death.
To be honest, I don't think most of it compares to Jimi's work on ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?, BOLD AS LOVE, ELECTRIC LADYLAND, BBC SESSIONS, or even BAND OF GYPSYS or some of the other good/great live albums. Of course there are some interesting musical ideas here, we are dealing with Jimi Hendrix, and the man was brilliant. Musicianship, especially Jimi & Mitch, is amazing, but Jimi isn't quite as colorful as previously.
With 17 tracks, there is a lot of music here; so we are certainly 'getting our money's worth'. The music generally leans toward Rock & Funk. Some Pop & just a little Blues/Soul. Very little to no Psych or Acid Rock (opinions come into play), just hints here & there.
The musical colors seem somewhat drab and samey, or limited in scope. I don't hear much joy in this music. Well, not all music has to be joyful; but much of this material seems odd and vaguely depressing.
The strongest tracks imo would be 'Freedom', 'Angel', 'Room Full Of Mirrors', 'Ezy Rider', 'Stepping Stone', 'My Friend', and the unusual & intriguing 'Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)'. 'Belly Button Window' is just a mellow & silly little Blues tune, not too impressive at all, but I like it and it's cute/funky/intense little wah-wah guitar flourishes.
I must say that Jimi really COOKS and WAILS on 'Stepping Stone' !
Incredible.
'FIRST RAYS' is easily worth it's cost, but if you're unfamiliar with Jimi's music, don't start here- start at the beginning, and that means 'ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?' or possibly 'BBC SESSIONS'.