Heart - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 August, 1998)
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Editorial Review

If you're pondering the purchase of Greatest Hits for its one new track--an ordinary power ballad penned by Diane Warren and produced by Peter Asher--move on. If, however, you're in the market for a summary of the stalwart Northwestern band's fertile 1976 through 1983 period, this will do. Selections from Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen, Dog & Butterfly, and Bebe Le Strange dominate this 17-song collection, which is fleshed out by "Heartless" (from 1978's Magazine) and tracks from four '80s Epic LPs. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (36)

A real set of greatest hits
Heart is so awesome.the wilson sisters are just great.

Every tune on this set is great.

wow.
Fabulous. Simply put, this cd makes me happy, it has great beats, great lyrics, magic man might be the best song ever, and I've completely fallen in love with it. I think anyone who wants a good array of music should add this to their collection. You can't go wrong with it, and you won't be sorry. I am a new Heart fan myself and was wary about whether I should buy this cd or not, I'm not sorry and you won't be either.

An "okay" Heart compilation...
Good collection of their earlier hits from the 70's and early 80's comprising of their own songwriting and music. Before the commercially-driven 80's where they were fed other songwriters' tunes (i.e. Diane Warren, Holly Knight, etc.). I give this compilation 3/5 stars for two reasons: 1.) they didn't need to include the A/C "Strong Strong Wind" and 2.) they didn't include the original hit version of "Dreamboat Annie". Instead they include the reprise version, which isn't bad but it's slower and sounds a little depressing. Otherwise, if you're a fan of Heart's earlier music, get this compilation or spend the extra $$$ and purchase "The Essential Heart", which has all of their hits from 70's, 80's and early 90's. ... Read more

Asin: B00000ADGH
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock   

Big Ones
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 November, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Few comebacks in rock and roll history have been as amazing as that of Aerosmith. Their triumphant return to the charts in the '80s not only rekindled the band's earlier success, but also significantly surpassed it. With their top 20 hits "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," "Ragdoll," and the top 10 power ballad, "Angel," the group proved they had even more fire left in their fight than anyone could have imagined. Leaving behind its reckless lifestyle, the band sacrificed none of their rowdy rock and roll."Ragdoll" and "Love in an Elevator" built upon Aerosmith's raunchy blues approach to hard rock, complete with singer Steven Tyler's howl in the best form of his career. Big Ones includes these rockers along with the spooky Grammy-winner "Jamie's Got a Gun," and the slower but still hard-edged "Crazy." Other high points of the new and improved band are reflected in "The Other Side" and the anthem "Eat the Rich." --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (138)

junk
did the singer marry his daughter, yet. anyways, aerosmith are one of the worst bands ever. the lyrics are dumb, the music is simple and boring. they're just another overrated rock band that needed to quit right after the release of their first album. you want talented music where bands actually show off their skills? try power, death, and viking metal.

CorprateSmith
Let's face the facts; the last REAL Aerosmith album was 78's Night in the Ruts, after that the band basically disolved, as Perry left for his solo career, and later Brad as well. All you had left was Tyler, who wasn't even focused on making good music anymore because of his addictions. They made a somewhat unsucseful comeback in 85 with DONE WITH MIRRORS, but that failed horribly. Aerosmith was and essentially is dead, i don't care how big they are now or how rich, the fact is they became a corprate rock act along the lines of Jorney and Kansas. Big Ones is a great CD full of CorpateSmith's best tunes, don't expect the real Aerosmith to appear on this ofcorse, you will get the record executive reconstucted hit machine know as CorprateSmith. -DUDE, LOOKS LIKE A LADY-,-RAGDOLL-,LOVE IN AN ELEVATOR-,CRYING-,JANIES GOT A GUN-, ect were all big hits in the late 80's and early 90's, CorpateSmith had stumbled upon that commercial cash cow and would grow to an even bigger entity afterwards.

This isn't a bad CD at all, if you are looking for some great pop, here it is, just don't expect any real Aerosmith here. Sad that they would become more of a empire then an actual band. People bitch about Metallica selling out,what they did was nothing! they should look at the actrocities Aerosmith has commited: Dodge Ram commercials, a concert with Britney,Nsync and other pop stars, thier own Aerosmith themed rollercoaster, the horredus song I DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING which is the single biggest insult to the greatness of their legendary 70's output,ect.At least Metallica had the balls to go commecial and sound good at it, while Aerosmith has become a charicture of it self.

Just get TOYS IN THE ATTIC or ROCKS or maybe even the underrated DRAW THE LINE instead of a CorpateSmith album, you will thank me.

true
these guys did some of the best work on love in an god damn elevatoer and dude look like a lady, and janie got a gun. those
are all really good song thoush the other suck! get this tody. ... Read more

Asin: B000000OTU
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Fleetwood Mac
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

With the "classic" Fleetwood Mac and departed guitarists Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer a fading memory, namesakes and rhythm section Mick Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass), along with second generation survivor Christine McVie (vocals, keyboards), let go of their British blues heritage and linked with a failed Californian pop-rock duo, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. That move, born of desperation, yields this 1975 classic: unveiling a taut, well-oiled pop rock band boasting three distinctive singers and songwriters in Buckingham, Nicks, and Christine McVie; Buckingham's extraordinary arrangements and versatile acoustic and electric guitars; and the undeniable horsepower of the founding fathers' rock-solid rhythm work. Buckingham's rave-ups, Nicks's sultry rock ballads, and Christine McVie's soulful, sunny pop form the template for Rumours, which would follow two years later. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (64)

The Buckingham-Nicks Team Debuts With A Bang
With their self-titled 1975 album, Fleetwood Mac added what would become the two most crucial elements of their classic 70s AOR sound: singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks and guitarist/singer/songwriter Lindsey Buckingham. Their entrance did what Bob Welch only did on occasion: it added an anguished fire to the music, as both added to keyboardist/singer/songwriter Christine McVie's soulful sound to give the group three talented singer/songwriters who each added their own stamp to the band sound. The result was their best album yet. Get this one and RUMOURS first, preferably both at once.

Wonderful
I am twenty-five years old, and not alive when this album was released.However, I have found it to be just as powerful to me today as my mother says it was to her nearly 30 years ago.Although I have nearly all the songs on this CD in other Fleetwood Mac compilation discs, Crystal is one of the hardest and most beautiful songs one could try and find. It is high above the musical programme of anything recorded today. I have searched for Crystal for awhile since losing my original recording of this album.Anyone wishing to purchase this should listen to the sample of Crystal, and they should know instantly that this is one of the greatest albums in rock, well music history in general.

Stevie and Lindsey Join the Mac
Fleetwood Mac (possibly taken from the names of two of it's founding members, drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie) started out as a psychedelic/blues band in the late-'60s. Things began to change for the band, as co-founding members Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer slowly began to lose ground to drug abuse and mental illness. Come some years later, Lindsey Buckingham was asked to join the band on guitar, but Lindsey said he would join the band only under the condition that they would accept Stevie Nicks in as well, since Lindsey and Stevie were a "duo" act (which never went anywhere) and something of a couple. With this, the new -- and more commercially successful -- Fleetwood Mac was born.

Fleetwood Mac's self-titled 1975 release is loaded wih tracks exhibiting the somewhat slick, but tasteful, emotive pop rock that the Mac would eventually become famous with. Lindsey's tasteful, country-tinged guitar licks, Christine McVie's sensual, husky vocals, and Stevie Nicks' mystical, introspective leanings are all noticeable here. These three are the dominating songwriters and personalities of the band, but that's not to say that Mick Fleetwood and John McVie aren't worth mentioning: Fleetwood's drumming is simple for the most part, but just as tasteful and enjoyable, and McVie provides impressive and tasteful backing basslines, which are readily noticeable.

"Monday Morning" is catchy, melodic and infectious, regardless of the slick production. Lindsey's vocals and guitar playing here are highly enjoyable. The vocal harmonies are great too. "Warm Ways" is a sensual, seductive, silky-smooth romantic ballad written and sung by keyboardist Christine McVie. Romantic souls (like myself) will eat this sweet thing up. "Blue Letter" is a short, fast-paced country-tinged rocker sung by Lindsey. Catchy, hummable verses give way to the infectious "I ain't waitin'" close-out. Next up is Stevie's "Rhiannon," which became a hit for the band. Christine McVie dazzles and seduces again with "Over My Head," a subtly wispy number with McVie's emotive lyrical and vocal delivery. In regards to the ladies of the band, I find Christine McVie's songs -- and vocals -- to be more seductive and enjoyable than Stevie Nicks' on the whole, if anyone reading this review hasn't figured that out by now. This isn't to shortchange Stevie Nicks' contributions at all, as I enjoy those too. Speaking of Stevie, she writes the next song "Crystal," which is a slow-groover with an airy atmosphere.

Next, it's Christine McVie again, with the charming, romantic, and hummable "Say You Love Me." This one can be heard on radio stations, even today. Stevie Nicks' shining moment on this disc is "Landslide," an introspective number featuring arpeggios from Lindsey Buckingham, which paint something of a somber, reflective atmosphere to match that of the song's nature. The Christine McVie/Buckingham-written "World Turning" bears a slight resemblance to disco, but not too much as to ruin your appetite (assuming the majority of reviewers/Mac fans who read this review are as put off by most disco as I am.) Christine McVie charms once again with "Sugar Daddy," but this one isn't as charming as the other McVie numbers that appeared earlier on the disc. The closing track, "I'm So Afraid" (written and sung by Buckingham) is a minor-key, melancholic number with a haunting, semi-chilling atmosphere brought on by the minor chords that dominate the track. The lyrics are quite melancholic and pained as well. The solo near the end of the track can be described as devastating.

Things would get a bit heavier in atmosphere next time around on 1977's _Rumours_, due to the drama surrounding the band, but this drama helped to inspire what would become Fleetwood Mac's biggest album. While things weren't too heavy during this release, the album still came out excellent. Make sure you pick up both for some tasteful, moving, sensuous (and sometimes fun) pop music. ... Read more

Asin: B000002KD5
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Soft Rock   

Cheap Trick - The Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 October, 1991)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

It took a screaming group of Japanese fans to make Cheap Trick into bona fide stars in their own country. The live version of "I Want You to Want Me" propelled the band on its way to a number of hits through the late '70s and then again in the '80s. Characterized by melodies so strong they were achingly familiar, the band's Beatles-esque harmonies and breaks made memorable moments out of "Surrender," "Dream Police," and later hits like the rocking ballad, "The Flame." Their outstanding cover of "Don't Be Cruel" became one of the only Presley covers to crack the top 10. Equally impressive is their cover of "Ain't That a Shame." Greatest Hits would play better as a well thought out "Best of" collection. While the songs included on the CD did show some chart action, some of their best work ("He's a Whore," "Heaven Tonight") is nowhere to be found in this compilation. It's almost worth it to spend the money on Cheap Trick's first three CDs--it's worth the investment and song for song, a better listen than Greatest Hits. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A Good Introduction to a Good Band
If you are not familiar with Cheap Trick, this "greatest hits" cd is a good introduction to the band.If you are a fan, you might be slightly disappointed with the song selection.The covers of "Don't Be Cruel" and "Magical Mystery Tour" could have been replaced with numerous different tracks from their catalog.Saying that, I still feel that this cd should be checked out by the curious music fan and the fans of the band as well.

Cheap Trick at Their Best
Beginning the mix with a remake of the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" this Cheap Trick album begins with a bang and explodes 'til the last song is over.

Here is a perfect example of why Cheap Trick was such a great band. Every song on this album is fantastic, containing all their major hits like 'The Dream Police,' 'I Want You To Want Me,' 'Tonight It's You,' 'The Flame,' and of course their remake of Elvis' tune 'Don't Be Cruel,' and many more.

Cheap Trick has such a great studio sound, a good mix to their music, and have created solid rock tunes in an era of New Wave and Pop sounds in the 80's.They have an original sound, especially with Zander's vocals.

If you would like to get acquainted with Cheap Trick then this is a good album to begin with. However, if you have enjoyed listening to Cheap Trick on the radio and would like to get all their hits that have played, then this album is for you. I highly recommend it.

Excellent compilation, excellent band
Cheap Trick is one of the greatest pop-rock bands to grace the late seventies and early eighties. Though they tend to go unappreciated in the modern age, that select few of us knows that these guys made REAL rock and roll, and did a damn good job of it. Read on for my review of this, one of Cheap Trick's many hits compilations.

PROS:
-More than likely, you just want to get this for the big hit, I Want You To Want Me, or the equally notable Dream Police. These are both excellent songs, and both of which can be found on this compilation.
-Many underrated masterpieces made the cit as well. Among these are Surrender, and a surprisingly good cover of the Beatles classic, Magical Mystery Tour.

CONS:
-Surrender is the studio version, not the more popular live one that gets radio play.
-The band's contribution to the Top Gun soundtrack, Mighty Wings, can't be found here. Why doesn't that song get the credit it deserves!?

OVERALL:
Despite its flaws, this is a hits compilation well worth purchasing. If you're a casual Cheap Trick fan, it's highly unlikely that you'll be disappointed with this item. ... Read more

Asin: B00000284D
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

This second collection of hits features a hardening of sorts for these laid back southern California rockers. The emphasis shifts away from the lazy, rolling rhythms of the first collection to the tighter and harder-edged material contained herein. Part of the blame may be the inclusion of James Gang veteran Joe Walsh who adds noticeable lead guitar work and galvanizes Don Henley and Glenn Frey into taking greater chances. "Hotel California" is the obvious potboiler, but "Heartache Tonight," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "The Long Run" are close runners-up. Timothy B.Schmit's vocals on "I Can't Tell You Why" return the band full circle to their mellow, country-rock roots. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (57)

rocking music from country perspective
harder than their previous stuff, but not as awesome is how I would characterize this.Still a terrific collection, with great songs that are always fun to listen to and dig on a sunny drive.The Eagles music is evocative, powerful, and well arranged.Despite their mellowness, its easy to see that they were very disciplined about the music they made, and that it was good.I would actually recommend getting Very Best Of instead of this, because it has better track selection.But if you already have the first Greatest Hits collection, you should get this cd to supplement it.

Thanks to "Roger Waters"
I know he's not the 'real' Roger Waters, but thanks, Roger, for straightening out the previous reviewer who got all his facts wrong about this being the greatest selling album when even my six year old knows it's the 1975 Greatest Hits album.Look, I like this music a lot, but this particular 'album' was and still is sort of a rip off.All you have to do is get Hotel California and The Long Run, and you've got yourself Volume 2 (Except for "7 Bridges Road").Most of us Eagles fans didn't buy it because we already had it.Plus, their breakup was pretty bogus.I mean, what was up with that anyway?

This is okay, but it's missing a lot...
It's nice to see some of their best from 1976-79 here. But, really, where's the rest? "Wasted Time", "Those Shoes", and "In The City" are all missing here. And why is "After The Thrill Is Gone" here? It belongs in the first collection! I guess it's here because it's trying to make it clear to us that the Eagles broke up at one point. Well, they ARE back, right? Grab "Eagles: The Very Best Of" instead of this and it's prequel. That has everything here, and so much more. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H1C
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Soft Rock   

The Game (+ Bonus Track)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 June, 1991)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (59)

a brilliant game
the game is one of best albums from queen after live at the bowl and i highly recommend this brilliant album.five stars.

a great game,
the game is one of the best albums from the legendary queen after news of the world.hugely recommended.five stars.

average
When I heard this album I enjoyed it, but i have to say that I don't understand why almost everybody gives this album 5 stars. It isn't that good. Three stars! Not lower, not higher! But ofcours, everybody has a different taste. Well, the album starts with 'Play the game', and it's a very good song. 'Dragon Attack' is also very good, I like Dragon attack even better then 'Play the game'. Next one is Ánother one Bites the dust' and that is a great song!! After those three great songs you get to here 6 average songs. These 6 songs are a real let down, you think this cd is great if you have heard the first three, but after that? Average songs, some of them are even boring or bad. But after those 6 tracks, you get to here my favorite song on the album: 'Save Me'. The bonus track is okay, but I never listen to it, cause the real 'Dragon Attack' is way better!

So, I recommend this album, cause I think you will like it(almost everybody around here loves it, so why won't you?). It's definetely not my favorite album by Queen, but it's not to bad. ... Read more

Asin: B000000OAJ
Sales Rank: 8716
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 November, 1993)
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Editorial Review

He's sold millions of albums, filled arenas, and hobnobbed with George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison, but Tom Petty's driving heartland rock has often been taken for granted by the same critics who hail John Mellencamp as a genius. Greatest Hits is an airtight argument for Petty's own greatness.Starting with "American Girl," the rollicking, Byrds-inspired single from Petty's first album in 1976, this compilation presents a chronological overview of the guitarist-vocalist's career with and without the Heartbreakers, also chronically underrated as one of today's best bands. Every one of the 16 older tracks is a well-crafted gem, full of solid guitar hooks ("Here Comes My Girl"), arresting images ("Don't Come Around Here No More") and simple but poetic lyrics ("The Waiting").

Petty isn't an innovator; he's a talented craftsman with impeccable taste and a strong sense of rock history, internalizing influences ranging from the Beatles' psychedelic masterpiece, Revolver, to the best of '70s punk. (It's interesting to remember that early efforts such as "Refugee" and "Don't Do Me Like That" first won Petty attention as a New Wave artist). With his Dylanesque vocals and chiming 12-string guitars, Petty is more often linked these days with the sounds of the '60s. But recent tunes such as "Learning to Fly" and "Into the Great Wide Open" are as smart, relevant and (dare I say) alternative as anything in MTV's Buzz Bin. --Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (105)

Not Bad
Tom Petty's wroth listening to many people, some lyrics can be sad, yet alot are very happy. Although most of his songs are about weed and he was a stoner doesnt mean much, he was still a great vocalist and a great songwriter. If you like rock music from the older days Tom Petty's the type you would like to listen to. "Last Dance With Mary Jane","Breakdown","Running Down A Dream" are some of his greastest works.

Missing A Few Songs, but Still Great
Unfortunately, this CD came out before Tom's release of Wildflowers, as well as the Concert for George CD, so a lot of great material such as "Wildflowers," "You Don't Know How It Feels," and his cover of the Beatles' "Taxman" are absent. Still, this collection does a good job anthologizing Tom's career up to 1993. This album shows the progression of Tom's career in chronological order from his self-titled debut album through 1991's Into the Great Wide Open, and including two bonus tracks, "Mary Jane's Last Dance" and "Something in the Air." The standout tracks on this compilation are "American Girl," "Refugee," "Runnin Down A Dream," "Free Fallin," and "Mary Jane's Last Dance." Each of these tracks are among my favorite songs of all time. I was particularly surprised to see that "Mary Jane's Last Dance hadn't been released until the Greatest Hits album came out. It is an incredible song, possibly the overall best on the CD. Tom's sound is noticeably different on the tracks from Full Moon Fever, the first album he worked on without his fellow Heartbreakers. His collaboration with Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame) really makes the tracks from that album stand out. I would have given this compilation 5 stars, but it is lacking in material from Tom's more recent career (which has been encompassed in the latest anthology), as well as his work as a member of the Traveling Wilburys. If songs like "Handle With Care" and "Heading For The Light" had been included, this easily would have qualified as a five star compilation. Another missing track is "Stop Draggin My Heart Around," Petty's collaboration with Stevie Nicks. Fortunately, this song is present on the Anthology.

BEST SONGS: "Refugee," "Mary Jane's Last Dance," "American Girl," and "Runnin Down A Dream."

SONGS TO SKIP: N/A

Overall, this is a great CD for casual fans of Petty's, and a great starting point for getting into his music, but there are quite a few songs that should have been included in this compilation that are mysteriously absent. You'd be better off purchasing the Anthology that recently came out if you are willing to spend a few more dollars.

Jammin' Me
Tom Petty is truly an American Classic. It was once said that as a young boy growing up in Florida, Tom made it close to the set of an Elvis movie being shot in the Sunshine state.He peeked through a fence and saw the King himself; from that point on, he was so inspired that he vowed never to do anything else for a career other than make music.If that story alone doesn't get you off, then you have no business cueing up this CD.For the rock 'n roll enthusiast, this collection conjures up the best of rollicking romantic visions.When I listen to "American Girl," I see the sweetie herself standing on that balcony, beckoning for me to come hither.When I crank up "Here Comes My Girl," I know that T.P. is talking about my lovely little lady and the "way she walks." On "Free Fallin," I feel the warm California sun basking over me and my honey on the beach. Tom is one of the few artists that has stayed true to the rock 'n roll basics of such groups as the Byrds and Beatles, and maintained consistent albums sales and a loyal concert attendance base.I believe that it's because he writes and sings from his heart. I've been listening to Tom Petty since 1979, and I think this collection showcases everything positive about this American Original.Keep it real, T.P., and keep on rockin' in the free fallin' world. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OO0
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Bar Band    3. Hard Rock    4. Heartland Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll    8. United States of America   

Styx - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 August, 1995)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $11.99
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Editorial Review

If it's your belief that one of the reasons today's rock is so bereft of personality is that all sense of show business has been drained from the music, then a look back at the career of Styx offers proof positive that it wasn't always thus. Greatest Hits offers a comprehensive overview of the band, from its art-rock days--which produced a top 10 hit in "Lady," a new version of which is included in this package--to its years as a perennial album-rock favorite--with offerings ranging from flights of fancy ("Come Sail Away," "Renegade") to proto-power ballads ("Babe," "Crystal Ball") to songs reflecting the working-class roots of its audience ("Too Much Time on My Hands," "Blue Collar Man"). The band eventually succumbed to a shift in musical tides and just plain silliness ("Mr. Roboto"), but for a time, this disc suggests, a satin-suited pomp-rocker was something to be. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (173)

This is a great CD!!!!
This is an excellent CD by the band Styx. They were a very popular band a while back for those of you who aren't still caught in the 70's. They had a great sound that just reminds you of Fanatasy Island and The Love Boat. One of the best things about Styx is their name. They could have called their band Sticks, but instead they opted for a very mythical, world-type name, Styx. The way it's spelled is great, you know the river Styx and all that, named after a river from Greek mythology that ran through the 'land of the dead' in the underworld, but just the fact that some bogus musicians from Chicago even knew about the river Styx is actually amazing.
Now, as you don't know, some of the members of Styx were in a band called the Tradewinds in the 1960's. The Tradewinds were great. They had wonderful harmonies and a great organic, authentic sound. All of the ingredients that are the complete opposite of the toilet-rock of the 70's.
Don't get me wrong, Styx is great, are great, whatever, because they made millions of dollars, and anyone who makes that much money is great, unless they are criminals, but Styx are not criminals except for the fact that they put out the song, Mr. Robutto.Now, holy cow, that is one big piece of pie laying in the middle of the cow pasture filled with little pies. Regardless, Styx remains one of the all time fabricators of plunger-rock, no draino required here folks. Actually, I'm just kidding, it's all good. Let's look on the bright side, it's over with now. It's just the fallout of the waste that we are left to deal with.Never again will we hear the slick sounds of such great fabricators, not fornicators, but with a u instead of an i. The wonderful sounds of a fantasy music filled with gold cubicles and polished stones, green fairies and butterfly wings, large fantasy-type insects and scary big-nosed creatures. Large man-horses and fish-ladies popping out of water with a fresh smile on their face andmakeup and after-shave for the smell of perfection. That's the band Styx, the mythical, mystical, wonderous, pompous pomposity of a horrendous time in the history of music, a time now almost completely foregone and forgotton, a time of wigs and moustaches, watermelons and sausages, gerbals and buttocks, Mr. Rourke and Captain Stubing, with the "Styx" smile on their face, all good things must be flushed down the toilet once and for all, thank you, Bunster M. Gorbin

"LoveAtFirstSite"is Missing From this GREATcollection
All the hits are fantastic,but one of my favorite cuts,"Love At first Site," is missing.I just love that song,but this record is one of my favorite greatest hits collection from any group.GET BACK TOGETHER AGAIN GUYS,with you LEADER.

I've had enough of Styx
They seem to be the only band I see on VH1 classic now. I love me some classic, but it's time for Styx to go the route of Toni Basil and just go into choreography. I liked the behind the music because they really had some good, solid conflict. I keep hearing their songs everywhere and they are kind of wimpy. I love Mr. Roboto because I too, have dealt with the inner workings of a japanese robot society. It's not something you share with the group and I'm someone who works and plays well with others. I don't have a problem personally with styx because I admire the guts it took to wear some of the satin outfits they did. If I programmed VH1 classic, it would be Toto, toto and a side of more toto. Can you get enough of "Africa" or "Roseanna"? It's like a dang chinese buffet to me in that I know I don't "need" more General Tsao, but darned if I don't pile another load on my plate. Styx is more like greek food, it's not bad, but you certainly can't eat it everyday without pooping. ... Read more

Asin: B000002G3Y
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Women and Children First
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 September, 2000)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (64)

Roth's coming out party...EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!!!
VH's third album is one of those that did not have a ton of commercial success, but Van Halen was by no means really, a "commercial" band.I mean if you want something poppy that everyone and their dog buys, you buy Hootie and the.....or Matchbox twe...see I already forgot who those were!!!

What I'm saying is, this music was written as streamlined garage rock and roll that featured brooding themes, slow catchy tunes and hard, fast rockers.It sold what it did because people loved the music, not because MTV and radio crammed it down our throat for 9 straight months!!

ON WACF, We have a catchy Album title that sounds somewhat dooming like a ship is going down...well this ship is not going down, not with songs that open up like "..and the cradle, will rock!" and the stomping rocker with the congo-drum intro "EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!"What is great about this album as well as the last THREE, especially VHII and Fair Warning, is that with every 3 rockers we get a bass-laden or guitar virtuoso solo thrown in, or a sad sounding slow song that is not a ballad but a crooning, edgy rocker like "In a simple rhyme"...below are some lyrics from my favorite songs..I hope you out there who have not experienced Van Halen's old music go and check some of this out, this and Fair Warning are both great to start with, not to mention the debut album (entitled: Van Halen) and VH II.


"..have you seen juniors grades??!!"--and the cradle will rock

"I seen a lotta people lookin' for a moonbeam
Yeah, ya spent a lot/ Ya got lost in the jet-streammm" --Everybody Wants Some!

"She made her mountains sing
Birds against an icy sky
And I heard bells ringin'
I think I heard an angel sigh" --In a simple Rhyme

1. And the Cradle Will Rock...
2. Everybody Wants Some!!
3. Fools
4. Romeo Delight
5. Tora! Tora!
6. Loss of Control
7. Take Your Whiskey Home
8. Could This Be Magic?
9. In a Simple Rhyme

An underrated masterpiece
1980 saw the release of Van Halen's "Women and Children First," their third album in a chain of classic releases spanning the late 70s into the early 80s. "Women and Children First" is probably the bands' most under-appreciated album. This is due to the fact that it's in the middle of a chain of classic releases like "Van Halen," "Van Halen II" and "1984." Yet it hasn't quite received the cult status of "Fair Warning" or the sales of "Diver Down."

Although "Van Halen II" (1979) is a classic album, it's slightly underwhelming when compared to the magnificent self-titled debut (1978). It's the classic case of the "sophomore slump," when a band that has been playing clubs for years uses up all its best material on the debut, and then has to use what's left over for the follow-up (although what was "left over" was still pretty good!). For "Woman and Children First," the band recorded a whole new batch of songs that sounded fresh, and less like leftovers.

It goes without saying that Van Halen was at their prime during the Roth years (1978-1985). The debut album and the follow-up see Van Halen young, fast and furious. This was also the case by the time Van Halen released "Women and Children First," but the band also sounds a little more loose, more relaxed, but without losing any of the fire or passion that made them so great. Eddie's playing, which goes without saying, sounds terrific. Every song on "Women and Children First" has one, or two killer, killer solos. Bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Alex Van Halen provide a stellar rhythm section and David Lee Roth shines as only he can. There has never been, nor will there ever be, in the history of rock n' roll, a singer that has the charisma, charm, showmanship and ironic wit of David Lee Roth.

"Women and Children First," starts out surprisingly mid-paced (although never tepid) with its first couple of songs. The classic rock staples "And the Cradle Will Rock..." and "Everybody Want's Some!" get the album off to a great start. The former a dedication to the endurance of the rock n' roll sprit and the latter a tribute to, well, what everybody wants. Both songs feature Eddie Van Halen at his best. His solos never sounded more soulful or melodic. And Dave just shines. "Everybody Wants Some" really shows classic David Lee Roth at his best, especially with his "I like way the line runs up the back of the stocking," and "no no no no no, don't take `em off", and "yeah, that's it, a little more to the right" lines. These two tracks really show classic Van Halen at there finest. The pace slows down even more for the bluesy "Fools" an ode to the powers that be that would obstruct the prowling of the Diamond one.

The pace goes into hyperdrive with the classic "Romeo Delight" which is probably one of Van Halen's most underrated songs. The main riff is absolutely killer and Eddie's playing is fast and furious. One of the best moments of this song comes towards the end, when the rush of the song comes to a sudden halt, and then you hear the sound of a tapping, softly at first, and then getting louder and louder. Dave's quite melodic "oh baby, feel my heartbeat, feel my heartbeat, feel my heartbeat" over the tapping which gets increasingly louder adds the perfect effect as only Diamond Dave could. The Sabbath-like "Tora! Tora!" which leads into the anarchic "Loss of Control" are two non-song tracks that add a bit of spice to the album and are essential to its overall flow.

The band goes semi-acoustic towards the end of "Women and Children First." "Take Your Whisky Home" sounds like an old blues song from the South. The lines "Well my baby, she don't want me around, she says she's tired of watching me fall down, she wants the good life, whhah, and all the rest, but I like that bottle better than the rest" show the true spirit of classic Van Halen. The acoustic "Could this be Magic" is pure magic. In it, Dave sings of the inevitable doom of what will become in his current romance, but in pure Dave kitsch. The background vocals and harmonies from Eddie, Michael and Nicolette Larson add the perfect touch. The album closes with the beautifully written ballad "In a Simple Rhyme." This is simply one of rock's greatest, most highly underrated love songs. It actually rocks pretty hard, but is elegant and soulful. I would go as far as to say that it's like a "Sweet Child `O Mine" of the early 80s. Eddie and Michael's background vocals over Dave's soulful blues delivery is pure magic. Eddie's thunderous solo over Michael Anthony's melodic bass line sounds terrific. And Diamond Dave never shined so bright. Some of his best lyrics are right here:

Then she made the mountains sing
Birds against an icy sky
And I heard bells ringin'
I think I heard an angel sigh

"Woman and Children First" closes with an untitled 15 second Sabbath-like instrumental titled "Growth." Supposedly, the follow-up album, (which turned out to be "Fair Warning" 1981) would begin with the same riff, although this turned out not to be the case. "Growth" sort of comes out of left field, but is none-the-less an interesting piece of music and a cool way to end the album.

The first six Van Halen albums are absolutely essential cornerstones to any great rock collection. Although "Women and Children First" is not the band's most well known album, it is still a classic and a must have for any Van Halen fan, or fan of hard rock or classic rock in general.

4.5 STARS,A straight up Hard Rock Album
The Riffing in this album is more bleak than there previous album's but it makes up for it in heavyness. Heres what I think of the songs.

1.And The Cradle Will Rock (9.5/10)- The main riff in this song is actually done on keyboards.
2.Everybody Wants Some- (9.5/10)- Hard as hell, the whammy bar effects are awesome
3.Fools (9/10)- Awesome intro, starts of bluesy and then bursts in too a sweet tapping solo
4.Romeo Delight (9/10)- sweet lyrics, "Wanna see my I.D.? Try to clip my wings!Don't have to show you proof of anything.
I know the law friend."
5.Tora! Tora! (9/10)- sweet intro track to loss of control
6.Loss Of Control (9/10)- A total Thrash Metal Song
7.Take your whiskey home (8/10)- Its alright
8.Could This Be Magic (6/10)- Experimental acoustic pop song, not very good but hey at least they tried
9.In A Simple Rhyme (8.5/10)- I didnt like it at first but it grew on me

If you liked this album you might also like:
The Scorpions-Animal Magnetism

... Read more

Asin: B00004Y6OA
Sales Rank: 3894
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Heavy Metal    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock   

ZZ Top - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 April, 1992)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

One of ZZ Top's great gifts is its concision; even in the side-long-jam era of the '70s, the Texans almost always fit 10 cuts on their albums. Surveying two decades of their output, Greatest Hits isn't the perfect overview you might expect, but it's still a pretty darn good driving album. The disc goes easy on the pre-Deguello stuff surveyed on their earlier best-of, and seems to digitally boost the drums on tracks like the 1975 "Tush." Still, later cuts like "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" and "My Head's in Mississippi" are full-on triumphs of this trio's very weird, very blues-drenched sensibility. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Pop Go The Texas Blues
If you are a committed ZZ Top fan you will either love or hate this album, which is largely a compilation of their later "Eliminator"-era synthesized weird blues.

I happen to love it, though the digitally enhanced hammering of Frank Beard's drums tends to become assaultive on a fourth listening in the car (my favorite place to listen to the Top). See? There is a place for "Rough Boy" on this album.

Besides the ZZ Top trademark double-entendre-laden anatomy rock of (the remix of) "Legs," there's "Tush," "Tube Snake Boogie," and "Pearl Necklace." This collection also features their MTV anthems "Sharp-Dressed Man" and "Gimme All Your Lovin'."

ZZ Top is at their best when exploring the growly bordello blues of "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide," "La Grange" their first real hit, and "My Head's In Mississippi." If you're a bluesman (or woman) and unfamiliar with the less commercial side of ZZ Top, this album gives you a taste.

The blues tunes are also a counterpoint to the pop-fueled graphic novelettes of "Doubleback," "Give It Up," "Cheap Sunglasses," "Sleeping Bag," "Got Me Under Pressure," and "Planet of Women," all of which are paeans to pure nasty fun.

The disc is rounded out by a jackhammer rhythm cover of Elvis' "Viva Las Vegas."Not to mince words, it demands cranking to the tenth notch. "Gun Love" is an entirely new song. At 18 tracks this disc is a bargain.

I think Messrs. Gibbons, Hill and Beard have found the secret to life. Live like ZZ Top...sport your Ray-Bans, grow a beard of biblical proportions, drive a chopped car, wail on fuzzy guitars whenever possible, surround yourself with astoundingly beautiful women, and accept it all as your due. Why not? It's worked for them for 36 years with no change of lineup.

ZZ Top. A musical rendition of SIN CITY.

a great compilation from the kings of boogie rock
zz top was a great rock band from texas and among my favourites.this is a great compilation from their later years and contains classics like sharp dressed man,my head's in mississipi and viva las vegas.hugely recommended.get this with the best of zz top.

You got the beards, the shades, and of course, the hits
ZZ Top became one of the most recognizable and popular rock bands in the 80's. They became one of the first bands to use the power of MTV to their advantage. By using the new (at that time) music channel, they created an image of "cool". With their long beards, dark shades, and hats, the boys from Texas were cool as cucumbers. They also created some really good songs, which "Greatest Hits" is packed with.

ZZ Top evolved from a blues-based boogie rock band to a commercial band that could sell albums and place many singles in the top 20, along with creative and unique music videos. "Greatest Hits" hand picks the most successful songs from this trio and places them on one disc. From their early days there is "La Grange", the popular boogie blues rock song that still is in many action movies to this day. Another song from their early days, "Tush", is also included. Also included are the hits: the popular "Gimmie All Your Lovin'", the ode to beautiful women "Legs", the 80's anthem to yuppies "Sharp Dressed Man", the double meaning sexual song "pearl necklace", "Sleeping Bag", "Planet of Women" and many others. Also included are some new songs, including a cover of Elvis Presleys "Viva Las Vegas" and "Gun Love", a brand new song by the trio.

If you are a casual fan, "Greatest Hits" will give you the dose of ZZ Top that you need. If you are a more serious fan, you might be more interested in the albums to check out some of their popular album tracks as well as singles. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LSV
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. Boogie Rock    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. Southern Rock