The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions
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Audio CD (23 November, 1999)
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Features

• Box set

Reviews (29)

Early Mac sessions,not a substitute for the early albums.
Personally I fall into the catagory of the completeist that would really enjoy a set like this, although I would not recommend it for those not familiar with early Mac. All the takes of the same song gets a bit overwhelming and the Eddie Boyd tracks have been left off to the "Pious Bird" disc which was a bit of a disappointment. Also, while I respect the fact that they bring you the original album artwork, I find it a little confusing since it really does not reflect the material on the discs themselves. If you want to familiarize yourself with early Mac, get the first one and maybe "Pious Bird of Good Omen," "English Rose" (if you can find it)or "Then Play On." If you enjoy those, then maybe this boxset is for you. It is really hard to argue with the value factor here, though. Six discs for under $40 is a good deal anyway you slice it.

THE MAGIC BENEATH THE SURFACE
When John Lennon recorded "Yer Blues" for the WHITE ALBUM, few remember now that he meant it as a satire.Both McCartney and Harrison asked him not to do it; but Lennon was pointedly aiming his acid tongue at the British blues revival epitomized by bands such as Fleetwood Mac.Such was the love for American blues that young Stones like Bill Wyman and Keith Richards tell stories of leaving their hotel rooms during their first American tour not to meet up with girls in the bars but to scoop up arm loads of R&B records from obscure little music shops to take home to listen and study.

This Fleetwood Mac was certainly a band of true believers.They wanted to play blues and be blues down to the last detail.Such was their love for the blues they deliberately imitated the primitive recording sound on their records to duplicate the feel of those old Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters discs.While young English blues lovers treasured this approach in the late 1960's, this comes across as nothing more than an annoying affectation to us today.As Eric Clapton's recent forays into the raw blues of Robert Johnson proves, you don't have to employ crude recording techniques to present authentic blues.But given their own premise, Fleetwood Mac did it well.Their first three albums worked the blues mines of Chicago blues for young English ears.Over the years, these three albums have been packaged and repackaged with particular interest for American buyers for the original version of "Black Magic Woman".Truth be told, no matter how these albums were presented, they never sold well in America.

Far more interesting are the two discs recorded live at the Chess studios with many of the heroes Fleetwood Mac had celebrated over the years-particularly Otis Spann and Buddy Guy.While I personally value these two discs above all the others in this box set, it is only fair to say that when sold as an album these sessions comprised the lowest selling Fleetwood Mac album of all time.

The sixth disc is THE ORIGINAL FLEETWOOD MAC album many other reviewers feel is the bright spot of the set.It is really a collection of leftovers from the first three albums that didn't fit just thrown together.In spite of the fact this was never intended as a working whole, THE ORIGINAL FLEETWOOD MAC has a playful and almost joyful air that the first three studio albums do not.While I personally prefer the live sessions recorded at Chess, it is easy to see why many love THE ORIGINAL FLEETWOOD MAC above the over discs in this set.

As far as British blues goes, Ten Years After had it all over Fleetwood Mac.If you want a particularly powerful Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer record, there is no excuse not to have THEN PLAY ON.THEN PLAY ON is the last Fleetwood Mac record in this band's incarnation.It is a work of genius and the sound of two men before they went completely insane.

If your record collection is fairly small (less than 500 albums), I would advise you to seek out more the more classic rock albums everyone should have to enjoy.If, however, your record library is fairly expansive (1000-2000) and you have an interest in small sub-currents in rock history, then this chapter in British rock history may well be for you.Was Fleetwood Mac at this time important?Yes, but it was well below the surface as far as us Yanks were concerned.

If you are ready, by all means get this box set.Just be forewarned that not all your friends will be ready to enjoy the beauty that is there.

I had no idea this was Fleetwood Mac
I thought I liked Fleetwood Mac until I discovered who they really were. This has been one of my greatest musical discoveries. For a first time listener I'd recommend "The Original Fleetwood Mac" album. My favorite. ... Read more

Asin: B000021XPU
Sales Rank: 32461
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. British Blues    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

This 1966 landmark album, along with the debut Butterfield Blues Band record that shipped the previous year, launched the blues-rock revolution of the mid-'60s. Eric Clapton, who'd skipped out on the Yardbirds to explore his deep-blues muse, was given every opportunity to shine on flash-guitar numbers like Otis Rush's "All Your Love" and Freddy King's "Hideaway." And Clapton's easy-rolling cover of Robert Johnson's "Ramblin' on My Mind" marked his debut as a lead vocalist. John Mayall may have been overshadowed by his blazing attaché, but he and the Hughie Flint/John McVie rhythm section hold their own throughout. There are better '60s blues albums, but few had greater impact.--Steve Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Remastered Stereo and Mono Mixes
Clapton's Les Paul/Marshall combo was revolutionary when this album was released. Some people may prefer the thinner sounding Strat on his solo recordings, but this is the ultimate tone for me, including the SG he played in Cream. Not only is the stereo version on this remastered CD, but original mono mix also appears with some very noticeable differences.

Clapton's got the blues...
John Mayall's Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton (1966.)

In 1965, Eric Clapton bid farewell to the Yardbirds. The band's sound, in Clapton's eyes, was becoming too poppy and commercial - certainly not the kind of music that he had a desire to play. Following his departure of that group, he joined forces with an up and coming blues rocker named John Mayall. Mayall was an excellent performer of blues rock, but he really hadn't had any popularity or success yet. With Eric Clapton in his band, which he now dubbed the Bluesbreakers, would he create an excellent album that was well-received? Read on for my review.

To put it simply, if you're going to listen to this album expecting it to sound like the Eric Clapton that you know and love, you may as well not listen to it at all. This is blues rock, plain and simple - NOT the mainstream rock that Clapton fans tend to know and love him for. But, if you're a Clapton fan and you've got an open mind, or if you're just looking for some of the best blues rock out there, this release is for you. After disbanding from the Yardbirds, Eric Clapton must have felt that he needed to find his roots to be able to continue rocking. And on this album, he finds them. For many classic rock artists, the blues were very important, and that couldn't be more true of Eric Clapton. On this album, he and John Mayall serve up an onslaught of classic blues covers, as well as their own unique compositions. Through and through, Mayall and Clapton managed to create one of the finest blues-rock hybrid albums out there.

THIS TEXT REFERS EXCLUSIVELY TO THE "BLUES CLASSICS" REISSUE - NOT the import version. This album was recently remastered and rereleased as a part of the Blues Classics series of album reissues. In addition to the remastering process, this release of the album also includes expanded liner notes, as well as two bonus tracks. The bonus tracks were originally single-only cuts, so it's good to finally have them on an album and on CD. There are several different reissues of this album available, and this Blues Classics reissue is one of the best ones.

When John Mayall and Eric Clapton joined forces, they proved that they were one hell of a blues-rock combo. It's just a shame that their partnership was so short lived - Eric Clapton wanted to start his own band, which he did later that year (I'm referring to Cream, for those of you who don't know.) But, the legacy of their short-lived partnership lived on in the form of this album. No fan of blues-based rock should be without this release.

Definitive Version
This remastered release features both mono and stereo versions of each cut, and the differences are astounding.Eric Clapton did some his most inspired playing with John Mayall. ... Read more

Asin: B000001F2H
Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde Jazz    2. Blues    3. Modern Creative    4. Pop   

A Hard Road
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (17)

Awsome CD
This is one of the best blues albums ever made and it came from accross the pond. Peter Green is awsome (SRV is better though by a lot soory to one of the past reviewers its just true) in fact Green is better or as good as Clapton. This album and the one with Clapton is a must for classic rock and blues fans!

The 60's were so amazing:
It seemed as though everyone was trying to outdo themselves back then. We knew the next Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, or Yardbirds record whould at least try,(and often succeed), to be different and better than their previous release. But who would have thought that Mayall could do that without Clapton? Enter Peter Green, after 37 years, still the greatest white electric blues lead guitarist -ever-, (apologies to Bloomfield, EC, and SRV fans).

Roots
Want to hear the best blues guitarist ever at a seminal point in his development? Get this CD and listen to "The Supernatural", Peter Green's Scorpionic mid-sixties instrumental. Deep and expansive, this track is head and shoulders above the rest of the album. "Black Magic Woman" and many of Carlos Santana's guitar excursions are firmly based on this first-ever Green tune.
Peter Green has been mentioned alongside many guitarists. But, he truly stands alone. He had Hendrix's expansiveness and a depth that no other guitarist approached, white OR black. Yes, that sounds outrageous and the tracks on this LP won't substantiate that claim. But, that one track will show where this 19 year-old was about to go. By the time he quit at 24, he was somewhere very special. If you are into Clapton, Beck or Page, you probably won't understand what all the fuss is about this Peter Green guy. But, if you want to FEEL...there is no better guitarist to experience.

The rest of the album is very good to poor. Mayall can sound excellent, as on "Someday After Awhile" or terrible "A Hard Road". The rythm section is solid and Aynsley Dunbar was one of the most interesting drummers around. He sounded like a "lead" instrument at the kit. But, Green hated it. He thought it was too busy! The man was such an incredible stickler for FEELING.

Buy this if you're willing to separate the wheat from the chaff. ... Read more

Asin: B000001F6N
Sales Rank: 23646
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Revival    3. Blues-Rock    4. British Blues    5. Electric Harmonica Blues    6. England    7. Leader    8. Pop   

Five Live Yardbirds [Rhino]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Featuring Eric "Slowhand" Clapton on lead guitar, this concert recordingpresents the Yardbirds at their most blues-wailing. Of the band's four actual albums, it's definitely aged the poorest; Clapton's playing is unquestionably sweet, and the extended rave-ups on "Smokestack Lightning" and "Here 'Tis" are genuinely exciting, but mostly the band just sounds like British art students earnestly negotiating their way through their favorite blues tunes--which is, in fact, what they were. As excellent a guitarist as Clapton was, the band didn't really come into its own until Jeff Beck signed on as his replacement, bringing with him an arsenal of fuzz tones, raga scales, and rockabilly licks; the blues-influenced pop mutations that followed are, in retrospect, far more interesting than the rote covers included here. --Dan Epstein ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (13)

Do you know where your version is?
The makers of 'Five Live Yardbirds' must be pro-choice.There are at least 5 or 6 versions of this CD listed on Amazon, and the particular one I possess, which contains only ten tracks from the March 1964 Marquee show, isn't even here.The disc I'm reviewing is a French import, on the 'Decal' label.There is a comparable 10 track Rhino version, 16 track versions by Prism and JVC Japan, an 18 track Repertoire version, 19 track Verese version, and a 20 track Phantom version.Most of these alternates package the Marquee show with a variety of other Yardbird demos, studio releases, and various live tracks.The Marquee show, however, is always at the core as the 'main attraction'.

While some reviewers disparage the quality of the recording, I find it remarkably good considering the year and the locale... the London Marquee club.In contrast to live recordings by The Beatles of the same era, these tapes are clean and crisp.Comparing these recordings to bootlegs is really a disservice.I once owned a fairly extensive bootleg collection, and this recording puts most of them to shame.

The Yardbirds were clearly at the forefront, along with The Rolling Stones, of the emerging rhythm and blues genre in the UK in the early 1960's.It's rather fascinating to listen to the superb quality of Eric Clapton's lead guitar, although if there is to be disparaging of the recording quality, it would have to be the squelching of Eric's leads in favor of Keith Relf's mouth harp.Never again in his career would another instrument render Clapton to second fiddle.

At times the Yardbirds leaned toward pure rock and roll rather than rhythm and blues, as in their opening cover of Chuck Berry's 'Too Much Monkey Business', and at other times submerged themselves in pure blues, as in Ellas McDaniel's 'Pretty Girl'.Three of the last four songs on the disc, in fact, are McDaniel compositions, including one of his best, 'I'm a Man' ("...spelled M... A... N... man....", what a great lyric!), which I would pick as the best song of the evening.As other reviewers have noted, however, this is bare bones RnB from a band working hard to establish themselves (this recording even pre-dates the release of their first single, 'I Wish You Would').Every song is infused with maximum voltage, and the crowd is clearly a hard-core bunch eating it up.For a band without a hit to their name, they already possessed a rabid following.

While none of the songs on this disc proved to be hits for the Yardbirds, the recording provides a unique, high-caliber snapshot of early British pub-rock.Beyond Clapton, Relf's vocals and mouth harp are exquisite, and Paul Samwell-Smith's bass meanders in delightful ways not often experienced.While the Yardbirds lacked the 'innocence' of the early Beatles, they were above the decadence the Stones excreted even in their genesis, opting for a sound not unlike the early, blues-oriented Animals.Despite Beatlemania, it may have been the most excitingly musical place to be as rock and roll evolved full throttle into the mid-1960's.You can sense the band is on the cusp of something special.We're lucky to have this recording, and you should hear it.

The Best of British Blues
Despite being only the start of his long and illustrious career, Eric Clapton never played more convincing (or
more enjoyable) blues than with the Yardbirds. The youthful energy and enthusiasm, the absence of guitar-god
posturing, and the tightness of the band combine to produce a magical recording. The sound quality is sub-par,
but that only adds to its charm. If you like John Mayall or the early Stones, don't miss this album - it's even
better.

The Best of British Blues
Despite being only the start of his long and illustrious career, Eric Clapton never played more convincing (or more enjoyable) blues than with the Yardbirds.The youthful energy and enthusiasm, the absence of guitar-god posturing, and the tightness of the band combine to produce a magical recording.The sound quality is sub-par, but that only adds to its charm.If you like John Mayall or the early Stones, don't miss this album - it's even better. ... Read more

Asin: B0000032C3
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. British Blues    3. British Invasion    4. England    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll   

Cricklewood Green
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 October, 1999)
list price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Ten Years After guitarist Alvin Lee's hyperactive guitar solos (fretboard attacks a speed-metal guitarist would be proud to unleash) caught the ear of British rock fans and built a bridge to the blues. The well-produced Cricklewood Green, consisting of all-original material by Lee, is the group's best studio effort. For a band that made its reputation with live performances, most conspicuously at the Woodstock festival, that's probably minor praise, but it's praise nevertheless. The extended workout of the hit single "Love Like a Man" is the centerpiece of the album, one that opens with the frantic buzz of the back-to-back road songs "Sugar the Road" and "Working on the Road." But Lee, ably assisted by keyboardist Chick Churchill, fleshes out the trademark Ten Years After blues frenzy with an assortment of atypical approaches and styles. "Me and My Baby" delivers Lee and the band in a relaxed, almost swinging, mode, while "Circles" is a rare ballad offering. The sci-fi blues of "Year 3000 Blues" and semi-psychedelia of "50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain" and "As the Sun Still Burns Away" further extend the album's reach without sacrificing any of Lee's guitar excursions. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (12)

a great place to start and end
if you take all of the best songs from the the albums before and after cricklewood they would not come close to being as good as this album.

Alvin Lee at his best
Contains three classic TYA tunes- Love Like a Man, Working on the Road and my favorite- 50000 Miles Beneath My Brain. Buy this CD, along with Live at the Fillmore East and hear even better versions of these songs live.

Definitely their best
Every track is a gem (even now that I'm older)!--Why don't "they" ever play great classics like this on the radio? ... Read more

Asin: B000007W8F
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Savoy Brown Collection (Chronicles Series)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 July, 1993)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.99
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Reviews (10)

The Savoy Brown Collection sans Vicksburg Blues?
This collection is good! Before the group degenerated into Foghat,they pretty much answered the question: "Can white men sing(and play) the blues ?" I believe Chris Youlden's version of "Vicksburg Blues" is the best evidence of this . I consider it a gross oversight to have excluded this song from this collection.Also the live version of their boogie tribute in which the name of the city of Detroit is mentioned is also missing. Yes, I am aware it is hard to please everyone . Perhaps the record company should have polled the listeners and fans of one of the greatest blues groups to come out of the United Kingdom. Now with the current technology it is possible for myself and others to correct this by burning a cd or downloading an ipod. Only for personal use of course. I amhappy that "Hellbound Train,Tell Mama,Louisana,Needle and Spoon,Stay While the Night is Young,and Train to Nowhere" are on the collection. I hope one of the instrumental song's whose title I can't recall is on this collection . What i remember about this song are the great guitar solo and a surprise violin string section which added quite a dramatic flair to this song. I strongly suggest that people purchase this collection to see what music was like B.C.C. (before corporate control) and for the pure enjoyment of listening to Savoy Brown.

Start Your Collection With This Collection!!!
So, a sibling, lover, or real good friend has got you all hot and bothered about Savoy Brown, that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, etc., and you want to run out and buy some of their unforgettable music! What a great idea! But, just one question: which album to get? Well, how about all of them! And since you don't have a couple hundred extra dollars just lying around to spend on music, get this fabulous compilation instead. Starting at the very beginning with the British-only (and hard to find) CD, Shake Down, and concluding with the Mutt-Lang produced hard rock epic Savage Return from 1978, there is plenty of music to suit your every mood and whim. Whoever put this collection together (wonder if Kim himself had a hand in it) knew what they were doing: Of the 29 tracks in the album, no fewer than a dozen are taken from SB's three greatest albums: Raw Sienna, Looking In, and Street Corner Talking. Also, only one cut apiece was drawn from such "lesser" works as Boogie Brothers, Jack the Toad, Wire Fire, Skin 'N Bone, and Savage Return, and this was probably a wise decision as well. Personally, it's regrettable that only two tracks should be drawn from such an excellent set as Getting to the Point; how about including "Walking By Myself", "Big City Lights", or "Taste and Try Before You Buy?" (Now that we're on the subject: What about a second collection chronicling the years 1981 to the present? True, SB's glory days were in the sixities and early seventies, but there is enough good material on their later releases to warrant a new compilation.) In any case, the listener will be blown away by the range and depth of this material, from traditional blues covers ("I Ain't Superstitious", "Louisiana Blues") to startling new originals ("Mr. Downchild", "Money Cant Save Your Soul"); from rabble-rousing party anthems ("Tell Mama", "I'm Tired") to lengthy but never tedious jams ("Leaving Again", "Hellbound Train"), this band could do it all. Thanks for such a long history of great music must go to the fantastic musicians that helped make it over the years: Lonesome Dave, Chris Youlden, Roger Earl, Tone Stephens, Dave Walker, Paul Raymond, Bob Hall, Andy Pyle, Dave Bidwell, Jackie Lynton, Stan Webb, and Miller Anderson are some of the many talented players that made it happen for SB album after album, concert after concert. Last but not least, the listener should thank Kim Simmonds, SB's founder, leader, and guiding force, for having the courage to reinvent himself and to insist on only the highest standards for himself and his music. Welcome to the World of Savoy Brown! This collection, large as it seems, holds only a small sample of the hours and hours of musical enjoyment you can experience with Kim and Co. on your stereo. GET IT NOW!!!

Savoy Brown
Nothing will ever replaced seeing these guys live in some small club - but this is close.One of the all time great and unique blues groups and I can still see them nailing the drums to the stage before they went on. For those of us lucky enough to see these guys perform - a must album that will be played over and over and over... ... Read more

Asin: B000001FXB
Sales Rank: 6587
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Sound of 65/There's a Bond Between Us
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 December, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Features

• Import

Reviews (8)

good but no john mayall
i just wanted to say this is some pretty cool music if you let it grow on you.for the review that says people dont like the singing,i can understand at first listen you might quistion but bond does have his own cool sound.now for the record dont listen to everything people say sometimes you must be the judge.now to slip john mayall in as an example of singing that isnt that good is just wrong.first of i think he is a great vocalist.he can rock,sound like a soulman,get psychedelic,hit smooth notes that sound like the yound dude he is{like on the "barewires":suite intro for example}and dont forget he is white.overall there is no comparison in vocals and or tunes,especially when we start in on Barewires.i mean the first track alone is worth buying the record.its one of those trk1.-pts-a,b,c,d,e,f type tune and it is completly amazing without the 6 other killer tunes including one of my favorites SANDY".im not saying dont buy this record but unless you own it allready get BARewIRES' so you wont be going around thinking youve got the oldschool music thing figured out when youve yet to start your journey.

A Lost Classic of British Blues
Few people - other than obsessive Cream fans - have heard of the Graham Bond Organisation, and that's a shame.The group is historically significant because it represents the earliest recordings of Cream's rhythm section - bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker.However, the leaders of this group were singer/organist Bond and sax-man Dick Heckstall-Smith.Quite simply, the Organisation cut some of the grooviest blues- and jazz-rock of the early 1960s.The absence of guitar makes for an unusually "cool" British blues sound.And (hold onto your hats!) Ginger Baker's drum work is understated and tasteful, providing a swinging foundation for the other members' improvisation.Some have mentioned that Bond is not much of a singer and, while that may be true, he's certainly no worse than John Mayall.In short, this is an underrated and underappreciated classic that is a must-have for the fan of early British R&B.

The Organization Live
This was another band that never got their true impact down on record.I have this collection on reissue vinyl.There are some excellent tracks (Walking In The Park, Wade In The Water, Night Time Is The Right Time, even if he ain't Ray Charles) but I saw this band live and close up many times in places like the Flamingo, Klooks Kleek, Friars etc.They were always good and on a really good night, they were awesome!The well documented differences in the band seemed to produce something that on paper looked as if it should never have happened.Definitely one for afficionados of British RnB. ... Read more

Asin: B00002MP7R
Sales Rank: 29995
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. British Blues    3. British Invasion    4. Jazz    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Best of the Spencer Davis Group [EMI] [10 Track]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 October, 1998)
list price: $6.98 -- our price: $5.99
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Reviews (7)

Eh...that was it?
I've occasionally heard about the Spencer Davis Group in passing. I generally like Steve Winwood in Traffic (some favorite songs there). I saw "I'm a Man" on the track list (a favorite from Chicago's first album), as well as the hit "Gimme Some Lovin'. So I plunked down 6 bucks on a whim to satisfy my curiosity (same with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap).

I can and do listen to a wide range of music, but I don't plan on listening to this again. I found Stevie's singing to be strident and the songs unremarkable. After 2 listenings, I can remember only the two songs noted above. Not a good ratio.

It's difficult to keep this in mind:
The Spencer Davis Group'sfirst lp was released in May 1965, which means the tracks,(some of which are here), were sung by a -sixteen- year-old Steve Winwood, (whose entire output with the band ended by the age of eighteen!). Keep that in mind when you're about to excuse some kid on 'American Idol' for sucking due to youth.

Excellent CD
Great music for a ridiculously low price. The sound quality is excellent,
the song selection is just right and I like the retro cover designs. Now
the bad news: They could've printed some photos inside the fold-out
insert instead leaving it white, but the biggest mistake they made was
that they listed only TEN (10) songs on the back-cover, instead of the
FIFTEEN (15) that the CD actually contains.The 10 song they listed
on the back is not even in the correct selection-order, but random. The
correct songlist is (it only appears printed on the disc itself):
1.Gimme Some Lovin' (in the best known "lush" US mix),2. Searchin',
3.Keep on Running,4.I can't Stand It,5.Strong Love, 6. Every Little Bit Hurts,
7.I'm a Man, 8.Back Into My Life Again, 9.Trampoline,10.Somebody Help Me,
11.When I come Home, 12.Stevie's Blues, 13.This Hammer (The Hammer Song),
14.Waltz for Lumumba, 15.Goodbye Stevie.
Unfortunately its rather misleading for the folks at the CD-store, seeing
only 10 songs (through the cellophane wrapper) listed on the back sleeve.
Amazon listed only 10 songs (see above) as well, probably because of
this... ... Read more

Asin: B00000DGL7
Sales Rank: 32520
Subjects:  1. Blue-Eyed Soul    2. British Invasion    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Testament
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 June, 2000)
list price: $15.98
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Reviews (2)

Amazing...
An excellent CD with classics like: One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer, 32-20 Blues and more.. The man who became legend makes an excellent performance, live in France. Alexis Korner - vocals, guitar, Colin Hodkskinson - Bass Vocals. If you are interested in Blues, and love Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson and John Lee Hooker, this would make an excellent addition to your Blues collection.

The governor of the blues at his best
I only saw Alexis live a few times, but all my best memories of his live set is wrapped up in this cd.The arrangements are simple; the vocals pure gravel; the feeling is the blues.One of Alexis's best recordings. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SD3I
Sales Rank: 172939
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop   

The Pretty Things [UK]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 May, 1998)
list price: $12.98
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Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (9)

early punk at its best
Along with The Who's "My Generation" Lp from 1965 this must rank as one of the first punk albums ever. Listen to the snarling vocals of Phil May and the over amped guitars of Dick Taylor, and Brian Pendleton, the crashing drums of Viv Prince and the bass of John Stax. These guys truly made the Rolling Stones look like angels. The album is rife with hard edged takes on blues numbers as well as bonus tracks of the first couple of singles. Its raw and powerful. In my opinion the only thing that set the Pretty's apart from The Who ( who were also on the rise when this album was released) was The Who added violence to their act, something the Pretty's could have done with ease. This album should be played extremely, dangerously loud. In addition any band that dares calls themsleves punk or grunge should listen to this album, because many of them could use the lessons the Pretty's laid down.

The baddest of the bad!!!
I first saw The Pretty Things on one of the "Shindig" TV shows originating from Los Angeles in 1965.The other acts looked hip and mod; The Pretty Things looked like trouble. They went on to be virtually unnoticed in the U.S. and so they remained until the recent rebirth of interest in the band.

I acquired this album on vinyl because a friend of mine was going away to school and he wanted some extra cash so he sold this along with several other albums (including the one and only album by the now classic-and-revered proto-garage band, The Syndicate of Sound) for 50 cents each!The album had a 1/2" crack in it, but in those days you could set the edges together and the disk would still play reasonably well.

I have gotten many hours of enjoyment from this and later the follow-up second album.Their sound was as raw and raucus as their lives, The Pretty Things being everything the Stones pretended to be.I heard a rumor that they were banned from an entire continent--probably not true, but it reflects their well-earned reputation at the time.Small example: one of their songs contains the line "...if you're underage, I just don't care..."I rest my case.

I would definitely recommend this album to anyone who wants blistering, smoking blues and R&B as it was done by one of the seminal British blues bands of 1964 and to see the groundwork that was laid for those to follow.

Don't forget to turn up the volume.

A Classic!
I have the original on vinyl and it is great although it is in "electronically created stereo". If you are a lover of early Brit Invasion, early Stones then this is right up your alley. You can also find a couple of their tracks on Rhino's Nuggets 2. Good solid British Blues- Love it! ... Read more

Asin: B000006CCJ
Sales Rank: 52787
Subjects:  1. British Blues    2. British Invasion    3. Freakbeat    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll   

The Best of the Animals [MGM]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

While they're best remembered for "House of the Rising Sun," the Animals had more than one track. What about "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "We've Gotta Get Out of this Place," to name but two, as well as a later incarnation's "San Franciscan Nights," Eric Burdon's ode to the flower power of 1967? Always rough and ready, the Animals were a blues band from Newcastle who never looked completely comfortable in their suits, but who nonetheless produced some great pieces of music--although whether there was ever quite enough to fill an entire album you have to judge for yourself. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (40)

British Invasion
The Animals were one of the better British Invasion groups of the 60's. I loved their music. I owned the original album which had only 11 songs and I wore it out. All the big hits are here except for Don't Bring Me Down. I really enjoy their version of Bring It On Home To Me.
So why you ask did I give it only 2 stars. Because Eric Burdon was an arrogant man who thought he was as good as Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Paul McCartney etc. The man never wrote any music of his own like these superstars did. He also made fun of other people's music and was in my opionion vulgar.

I'm just a soul who's intentions are good
The Animals were one of the best groups of the British Invasion.So why aren't they as highly thought of as, say, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who or The Kinks?Because unlike those other groups, The Animals didn't have a great songwriter within their group.In fact, only one song on this "Best of" was actually written by the group.But regardless of who wrote them, these are great songs.This album (originally released in 1973), features all The Animals chart hits through 1965, plus some well selected album tracks.This is terrific stuff.One thing I need to mention is that, despite the writing credits, "I'm in Love Again" is not the old Fats Domino hit, but is a different song entirely.Also, for those of you who care about such things, this CD is in mono.I highly recommend this CD, especially to fans of the British Invasion.

"Why" you ask?
Because most everybody wanted to stick a dirty sock down Eric Burdon's mouth, that's why.The Animals were great (a later incarnation included Andy Summers), but Burdon just absolutely alienated anyone with an IQ of greater than "10" by his flat vocals and his embarrassingly poor Jagger imitation. ... Read more

Asin: B000003BDD
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. British Blues    3. British Invasion    4. England    5. Pop    6. Psychedelic    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll   

Singles Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 August, 1989)
list price: $59.98
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Editorial Review

The most comprehensive anthology of the Rolling Stones' prime early work collects every single from the beginning up through 1971, A- and B-sides. All the obvious hits are here ("Satisfaction," "Jumping Jack Flash," "Honky Tonk Women," "Brown Sugar") as well as several B-sides ("Stoned," "I Want to Be Loved," "I Don't Know Why AKA I Don't Know Why I Love You") not previously released on CD. But it's the unrelenting succession of great cuts that make this a landmark collection. No band in the history of rock and roll has a catalog as substantial and hard-hitting. Quite simply, one the most essential rock collections ever released. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (32)

Stoned To My seat listening to this
A comprehensive collection of single releases from 1963-71 which is far more than it proclaims in it's title. This is the most complete collection of Rolling Stones singles and b-sides available on CD format. From their first in June of 1963 (Come On b/w I Want to Be Loved), you will find almost every aspect of the Stones singles material represented, including British flip-sides and Decca/London singles released after 1971. This 3CD (4LP) set overlaps thirty-five (35) songs from the Hot Rocks collections (4CDs), but offers an additional twenty-three (23) selections. Remaining true to the singles, songs such as Sympathy For the Devil, You Can't Always Get What You Want, and Dandelion are heard as they were in their original edited (or extended) "single" form for this album. note-though it would have been a great highlight, this collection does not contain Street Fighting Man as it is heard in it's initial 7" form, that version remains otherwise unavailable on any official CD or LP. When the song Wild Horses was released as a single, it's b-side Sway was found in alternate form as well; that recording was not owned by Decca/London, and thus was not included in this collection.

A Box of Stones that Rocks!!!
What a great idea! While their most noteworthy contemporaries, the Beatles, were one of the first bands to explore the possibilities of creating great albums, by and large the Stones remained a band that created listenable, danceable, rockable hit singles. (There were some exceptional albums, however, such as Aftermath and Beggars Banquet.) So, their original record company has a great idea: Why not gather together ALL the Stones singles (the ones released on the London label from the years 1963-1976) with their flip sides (both US and UK) and release them in one great big beautiful box! Brilliant, huh??? Actually, it is an excellent concept and, for the most part, well executed. It is true that many of the Stones great singles are here: "Satisfaction," "Get Off of My Cloud," "Brown Sugar," "Let's Spend the Night Together," etc. It is also true that many of their lesser known singles and fabulous flips (B-sides) are here as well. Many other bands would feel very lucky to have just one song as good as "The Spider and the Fly," "The Under-assistant West Cost Promotion Man," "Play With Fire," "Little Red Rooster," and "Ruby Tuesday". So, that means it's a perfect compilation, right? Well, not quite. For one thing, both hits and flips include a lot of clunkers, such as "Sad Day", "Memo from Turner," "The Singer Not the Song" and "Surprise, Surprise." Also included are some of the mid-sixties demos later gathered on the album Metamorphosis, such as "I Don't Know Why" and "Jiving Sister Fanny." They are interesting ideas, but obviously unfinished. Finally, since this is a singles collection, that means we get the cut version of "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Most listeners will no doubt want the full version that contains the choral section at the beginning, found on the Let It Bleed album. Still, over 3/4 of the cuts are worthwhile, and many are classics not easy to find in one place. So, grab your boxers, put on this box, and rock this town!!!

The best!
This three-disc set is by far the best overview of the Rolling Stones' first twelve years as recording artists.
Spanning 1963-1975, "The London Years" chronicles every single the band ever released during those years, including B-sides.

"Hot Rocks 1964-71" is an excellent compilation for those who just want a brief overview, but if you want to dig a little deeper, this is the way to go. "The London Years" only includes the singles (well, almost), and the Stones made many excellent albums for sure. Even their earliest R&B records were impeccably paced. But their singles always had a special punch, and here you get all of them.

The album opens with a Chuck Berry cover, "Come On", before moving through various blues and R&B covers ("I Want To Be Loved", "The Little Red Rooster", "Time Is On My Side"), and literally dozens of Jagger/Richards-originals, including "Satisfaction", "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Street Fighting Man", "Honky Tonk Women", "Brown Sugar", "Wild Horses" and many, many more.

Scoop up this magnificent collection of music, and "Jump Back: The Best of the Rolling Stones 1971-1993", and you'll have a much better overview of the Stones' career than those who just opt for "Forty Licks". ... Read more

Asin: B000003BD0
Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Kinks
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 April, 1998)
list price: $15.49 -- our price: $15.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Import

Reviews (4)

forget the who, this is the first punk album
What else can I say? The kinks came bursting throught the door and completely redefined garage rock with blazing singleslike "You Really Got Me" (a proto-punk anthem covered by practically every late 70's punk band)and Stop Your Sobbing (which gained real success in the 80's as a Pretender's cover.Plus we can't forget the stripped down R&B covers such as, "Beautiful Delilah" and "I've been driving on a bald headed mountain.

This album probably isn't worth 5-stars, but when you look back and compare it to other albums being released, you know that the Kinks were the best of their of their. The band would continue to grow and grow leaving us with legacy unlike no other.

Best deal on this album--most complete
There are at least 3 versions of this album on Amazon.This is the one to get, because it has 12 bonus tracks.This is, in fact, the "UK Import".The one listed as the "UK Import" seems to be the US release which has only 2 bonus tracks.There's also a version available with no bonus tracks.

It is certainly not as essential as the later Kinks records ("Kontroversy", "Face to Face", "Something Else", "Village Green", and probably "Arthur" are musts)--but there's a lot of good stuff here.The 2 hits, plus "Louie Louie", "So Mystifying", "Revenge", "Stop Your Sobbing", and the unreleased version of "Monkey Business" come particularly to mind.

Why bother marketing a monophonic CD of the Kinks?
Lose the stereo mix, lose the reason for being! ... Read more

Asin: B000006B8B
Sales Rank: 14255
Subjects:  1. Rock/Pop   

20 Beat Classics
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 July, 2001)
list price: $20.99 -- our price: $20.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Import

Reviews (4)

Good-Time Rockin' Blues
To most Americans who have heard of him, the name Georgie Fame brings to mind his cheesy novelty hit Bonnie and Clyde. Others, who are more musically advanced, know of him as a sideman for and a producer of some memorable Van Morrison albums in the 1990s. But few of us ever knew him as a star in his own right. I bought 20 Beat Classics on the strength of an amazon recommendation and my curiosity about a musician who added much to the continuing success of the legendary Morrison. On the first listen I was less than impressed, but on subsequent listens the CD began to grow on me. Sure its primitive, at times it is even lame, but at other times it is excellent. Fame covers a lot of ground here, touching on compositions by artists as varied as James Brown and Willie Nelson. My favorites are the rocking Yeh Yeh, the jazzy Moody's Mood For Love, a very soulful rendition of Nelson's Funny How Time Slips Away, In The Meantime, Blue Monday, and I Love the Life I Live. The lowlight is My Girl and the switching of some lyrics in an otherwise decent rendition of Papa's Got A Brand New Bag. These should be listened to in the spirit of the times in which they were recorded. When heard from that perspective, Fame comes across as a hip musician whose play was very much on the edge in its day. If you liked the sounds of Them, the Kinks, and the Yardbirds you are almost sure to like this fine assortment of good-time rockin' blues.

An awesome addition to my CD collection.
Great original music as well as classic 60's R & B covers.His smooth style holds up to multiple listenings.

The King Of The 1960s London R&B Scene
If you weren't there, you wouldn't know. But Fame was the undisputed king of the R&B club scene, with a fanatical following. Why wasn't he a bigger star? Too sophisticated, too musical for an era that was gravitatingto loud guitars and crass 'blooze' jamming. In contrast, there was nothingcrass or gormless about Fame and the Blue Flames. Listening to this CDbrings it all back. Until he popped up as Van Morrison's music director,I'd honestly thought he'd died. [And you should check out the 1990s CDs heappears on with Morrison, they're great]. Now what we need is for somerecord company to have the intelligence to re-release the whole catalog --'Live At The Flamingo', his early ska sides, 'Fame At Last,' 'Sweet Thing'.High spots of this record include an amazing 'Ride Your Pony,' and 'FunnyHow Times Slips Away.' One thing that made me smile: it's amazing how muchthis resembles some of Elvis Costello's output. I'm thinking of 'Punch TheClock,' but also some of his recent 'soulful' work. That, BTW, is acompliment, to both. ... Read more

Asin: B000006V5Z
Sales Rank: 62947
Subjects:  1. Blue-Eyed Soul    2. British Invasion    3. Jazz    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Vocal Jazz   

Live In Boston, Vol. 1
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 September, 1998)
list price: $12.98
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Features

• Live

Reviews (10)

Superb
Superb live album.I could do without the Jeremy Spencer slide guitar and 50's imitations, but Peter Green is top notch.The Green Manalishi solo is some of the best blues guitar soloing I've heard.If you like blues guitar, you must give it a listen.

The Mac at it's improv. best...
If you get this, get all the volumes.This will make you forget that little band from the '70s that sang Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon, and Don't Stop.

This is the original Mac, at its very best live.

Turn it up, and listen to the Mac blown your minds.

It is definately a Mac Attack!!!

Need To Get All Three....
If you are even reading this, you need to get all 3 volumes of the "Live In Boston" Series.Peter Green's guitar alone is worth a 10 star rating.Personally, I find Jeremy Spencer's slide guitar becomes a bit grating after awhile.Thank you very much for the skip track button on the cd player.Spencer's obvious Elmore James "schtick", however, it is not enough to drag these 3 great live recordings below 5 stars.
A must have for any blues fan. ... Read more

Asin: B000007P3N
Sales Rank: 117344
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. British Blues    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock