Tommy (1969 Original Concept Album)
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Audio CD (12 March, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Tommy had the dubious distinction of being the first-ever rock opera; however, it's none the worse for that, Ken Russell's adaptation notwithstanding. Due largely to Pete Townshend's skill as a songwriter and composer, Tommy tells a coherent story and includes quality rock and roll at the same time, an impressive feat by itself. While surprisingly more linear than the later Quadrophenia, Tommy boasts several songs that stand up well on their own, including the classic "Pinball Wizard," "The Acid Queen," "I'm Free," and "Sally Simpson." Much of the rest doesn't make much sense lyrically unless you listen to the entire album, but you'll probably want to do that anyway, preferably with the lights low and the stereo cranked. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (174)

Many good songs...

...but only OK as an album.

This one is interesting in that it ranks high in all other categories except listenability.I like many of the songs, but listening to them all straight through is exhausting.Most are very catchy and singable, which is both a blessing and a curse.After I heard them a few times, I got tired of them, yet they stayed in my head for weeks.

If you're new to The Who, or to classic rock, it's required listening.It's a big part of history and the evolution of rock.It was ahead of its time, not just in terms of the music, but also the format and the subject matter.Townshend, at his peak, was one of the most creative songwriters and best rhythm guitarists.This album showcases his talents.

Many of the songs have been played to death on the radio.But imagine hearing this album when it first came out in '69.It's important to keep this in mind when listening.

Songwriting: 10/10
Musicianship: 10/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Listenability: 7/10

an "amazing journey"
this album changed my life. it raised my standards for music. this was the first album that completely blew me away. everyone who is a fan of music needs to own this album. its absolutley perfect. pete townshend is genious. this ablum will change you forever.

if you don't give it five stars.. something is completely wrong with you.

a superb who masterpiece
Tommy was one of the best hard rock albums along with quadrophenia,who are you and live at leeds from the legendary who.no self respecting rock fans should be without them.hugely recommended ... Read more

Asin: B000002OZY
Subjects:  1. Opera    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Abbey Road
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

The Beatles' last days as a band were as productive as any major pop phenomenon that was about to split. After recording the ragged-but-right Let It Be, the group held on for this ambitious effort, an album that was to become their best-selling. Though all four contribute to the first side's writing, John Lennon's hard-rocking, "Come Together" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" make the strongest impression. A series of song fragments edited together in suite form dominates side two; its portentous, touching, official close ("Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight"/"The End") is nicely undercut, in typical Beatles fashion, by Paul McCartney's cheeky "Her Majesty," which follows. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (846)

how old am I????
Reading some of the revues for this album make me think just how many people are there out there that have never heard the beatles ???? the first time I heard that I remember hearing the beatles I was in short pants at the tender age of 5 and was instantly hooked and have been ever since and yes this was their finest hour albeit there last hour. god what a band they where and how sorely I miss them they laid the foundations for all the rock bands to come and I still judge all others against them long live the beatles they last and last thank god for the memories I have of listening to their music as it came out. I feel so fortunate to have been there when it occured.

One of the greastest rock bands....
Without Buddy Holly and other legends in the 50s, we wouldnt have rock music, without The beatles we wouldnt have bristish invanison, without Led Zeppelin and AC/DC we wouldnt have metal. What I am trying to say is The Beatles are one of the greastest bands, there's really nothing to hate about them. John Lennon is one of the best vocalist,Paul and John could write very intersting lyrics. The Beatles changed rock n roll, and without them you wouldnt have most of the music you have these days.

Beautiful Album
I wont bore you with things that have been said before about this masterpiece. These guys knew it was the end, and boy did they deliver.

Best Beatles Album, hands-down. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UB3
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. British Psychedelia    3. England    4. Hard Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    8. Psychedelic    9. Rock    10. Rock & Roll    11. Sunshine Pop   

Let It Bleed
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 2002)
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Editorial Review

One of the Stones' most beloved albums, 1969's Let It Bleed was a benchmark for several reasons. First, founding guitarist Brian Jones died during the recording process. Second, the Stones take their last significant look at pure blues (Robert Johnson's spooky "Love in Vain") and country ("Country Honk," the two-stepping alter ego of "Honky-Tonk Women") before folding both styles into a cohesive rock & roll vision. Third, it contains some of the band's most eerie hits, such as the flame-enveloped "Gimme Shelter," the drug-reality anthem "Monkey Man," the epic "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and Mick Jagger's menacing "Midnight Rambler." --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (129)

The Finnland Guy is Nuts
Yeah, click on Mr. Finnland's reviews and you will find that he apparently dislikes pretty much everything, and has spent a great deal of time putting bad reviews on things he hates.(He is apparently incredibly stupid and just goes around buying every album of every band he hates, so he can review them like he knows what he's talking about.)Who knows what he actually likes, but if he doesn't like the Rolling Stones, he must not be from earth.Please get a life, Mr. Finnland, you are a soulless idiot.Ignore him, as another review states, he is full of bull, this is a great album, one of the classic Stones.Of course, you can't really go wrong with the Stones or the Beatles in their prime, I recommend any you can get your hands on.About Led Zepplin, I am not too into it myself, but I haven't really listened to much, it just doesn't turn me on as much from what I have heard, but that is just my taste, I'm sure they're music is fine.The Finn a--hole is giving them a bad name, if he actually likes them.

(Note: Who knows what planet the Finn guy is from, he's probably just jerking everyone's chain or something, so I hate to even rise to it, but whatever, ignore him.)

a stones classic
let it bleed was the greatest stones album along with beggars banquet.ignore the retard from finland and get both albums.

I have heard this album...
...and I can tell it is just piece of sc***! The Rolling Stones is possible the worst band in the history of rock...The Beatles and Led Zeppelin were better! ... Read more

Asin: B00006AW2G
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Led Zeppelin 1st
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 June, 1994)
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Editorial Review

As it turned out, Led Zeppelin's infamous 1969 debut album was indicative of the decade to come--one that, fittingly, this band helped define with its decadently exaggerated, bowdlerized blues-rock. In shrieker Robert Plant, ex-Yardbird Jimmy Page found a vocalist who could match his guitar pyrotechnics, and the band pounded out its music with swaggering ferocity and Richter-scale-worthy volume. Pumping up blues classics such as Otis Rush's "I Can't Quit You Baby" and Howlin' Wolf's "How Many More Times" into near-cartoon parodies, the band also hinted at things to come with the manic "Communication Breakdown" and the lumbering set stopper "Dazed and Confused." --Billy Altman ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (279)

It's coming back home to you!
Led Zeppelin's first album was a hell of an impressive debut.I think it's safe to say that the world had never heard anything like it before.It's complex, subtle, idiosyncratic and visionary.Just listen to the acoustic grace of "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", the heaving inevitability of "Communication Breakdown", the enveloping roar of Robert Plant's vocals on "Dazed and Confused" and the pop flavoring of "Your Time is Gonna Come".This is a great album that presaged a lot of the hard rock music of the '70s, and I highly recommend it.

geniuses
Led Zeppelin is one of my all time fav. bands ever...There all geniuses. If you dont know who Led Zeppelin is or havent heard many songs you should, there a true legend. With a great songwriter and a great guitar player and drummer. This band showed to many people how bands should have talent. Not many bands quit after their drummers die neiter which made them even better to most people, cause most bands go out and find new ones but they proved that John was their best friend and would never replace him.

The Zeppelin
I absoutly love and admire Led Zeppelin. Musical geniuses. I just want to point out to the people that who don't like legends like zeppelin and the who that some of your fav. bands..have covered their material. To respect the present and future of music...you have to learn to respect the past. ... Read more

Asin: B000002J01
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Led Zeppelin II
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 June, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Riff rock had been what Jimmy Page's former band, the Yardbirds, were all about, and on Led Zeppelin's second album, released, like its predecessor, in 1969, the inventive guitarist demonstrated that he'd indeed learned his lessons well. Witness "Whole Lotta Love," a woozy epic based on one simple, head-banging-friendly guitar riff. Or the mock-dramatic "Heartbreaker," propelled by far more intricate but similarly effective note squashing. Between Page's sonic wizardry, John Bonham beating his drums into submission ("Moby Dick"), and the juice running down Robert Plant's leg ("The Lemon Song"), Led Zeppelin here just about succeeded in raising rock & roll excess to an art form. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (308)

Stolen material!
Whole lotta love is a direct ripoff of an old Muddy Waters tune. The only difference in the song is Led Zep added the three words whole lotta love. The rest of the song is identical! I was told they had to pay off after the fact!

Sad to say, but after studying the blues for a few years, I have found almost all my favorite tunes from "back in the day" were ripped from old blues guys!

it's almost a greatest hits cd
ok lets be honest here led zeppelin is one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. the reason for that is because you have an awsome combo, you have jimmy page's amazing guitar work involving very catchy riff's and insaine solo's to top it all off. but this cd is one of their best, i mean if you have the songs "whole lotta love", "heartbreaker", "living loving maid", and the rest of the songs on that cd it's probably a greatest hits, but this one isn't. you should go out and buy it if you don't already have it. you'll love it.

undeniable
No one with an inkling of taste and knowledge can deny this is an essential part of any music lover's collection . This album covers so many basses. Heavy rock. Blues. Acoustic love songs. It is just perfect in every way, and is so far removedfrom all the really dumb heavy metal it evidently inspired. Strip these songs to their basics and they would still blow me away. But as they are, theyadd up to something that is genuinly more than the sum of its parts. The soulful singing of Robert Plant. The thunderous drumming of John Bonham. The deft bass playingcourtesy of John Paul Jones ( as underated a musician as there ever was) and the unbelievable guitar playing of Jimmy Page. Even though a few lyrical and musical motifs are borrowed from old blues records ( but doesn't every writer do that?) the Plant/Page songwriting team really hits its stride here.Rarely will you find a collection of songs like this on one album, something that can truly be called magical. A once in a lifetime thing. If you have yet to take the Zeppelin plunge, this is the place to start. ... Read more

Asin: B000002J03
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Ummagumma
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Released in 1969, Ummagumma represents where the influence of departed founding songwriter Syd Barrett began to fade in favor of the rather less whimsical and pastoral visions of Roger Waters. Ummagumma is a double album, divided into live and studio halves. The live cuts--"Astronomy Domine," "Careful with That Axe, Eugene," "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun," and "A Saucerful of Secrets"--established the Floyd's predilection for gloomily atmospheric and faintly preposterous sci-fi bombast that would turn them into such a successful stage act. The kindest that may be said of the studio compositions--by and large interminable avant-prog rambles in search of the lost chord--is that they haven't dated terribly well. --Andrew Mueller ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (136)

Celestial Voices.
Forget everything else and turn to 7:00 minutes into "A Saucerful of Secrets". From then until the end, you will listen to one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. In a classic Pink Floyd fashion, somewhat reminiscent of the buildup of Echoes, Part I, the piece builds up from a slow, melodic organ to David Gilmore's melodious, mellifluous chants, somewhat reminiscent of "The Great Gig in the Sky", and aptly named "Celestial Voices".

Gilmore's performance in this CD surpasses his fantastic performance of the same song in "Pink Floyd at Pompeii", and is far better then the original in "A Saucerful of Secrets" the album. Add to that that Mason's drums sound better than ever (with the possible exception of Echoes in Pompeii), and that Wright does an awesome job on the organ, and you have a masterpiece for the ages. The album is worth having for this piece alone.

The other three pieces in the album are also great. "Astronomy Domine" sounds as good as in the original album, psychedelic and mysterious.

"Careful with that Axe, Eugene" is better than the original and the performance at Pompeii. Gilmore's shrieks are particularly great.

"Set the Controls for the Heart" is also awesome, especially the instrumental part in the middle.

On the other CD, you will find the original Ummagumma, an experimental, weird collection of songs, sounds, and voices. Notable among those are Granchester Meadows and The Narrow Way, Part Three.

PF's most underrated...
This is sadly Pink Floyd's most underrated albums, which I think in many ways, is their best. Of course it's a transition record, but it's too bad they never got this exprimental on later albums. You reviewers that write this off as trash can take your place back on the farm with the other sheep. Your brain doesn't have the capacity for this kind of genius. If you still don't get it, then try a bit of "psychedelic" tea to help convince you...

A Disappointment
Now I want to start off by saying that Pink FLoyd is easily one of my favorite bands, if not my favorite band.That is why when I bought Ummagumma, I was rather disappointed. I don't know, maybe I'm just not intellectually capable of understanding this stuff, but it doesn't seem like this is music worth listening to. I'm not even sure if some of it counts as music. After Syd Barret lost his mind and left the band, they were basically faced with the big question: "what do we do now?" To record this album, each band member wrote his own part and then recorded it. I did like David Gilmour's part, "the Narrow Way," but i thought the rest of the album was a little too far out to enjoy listening to.In fact, even the band didn't like this album. As for the live album, I liked it alright. I wasnt too impressed by the fact that there was only four songs on it. I though they were pretty good but the sound quality could have been better and the screeching on "Careful with that axe, eugene," I thought was unnecessary and rather painful to listen to. Overall, this album could have been a lot better and i believe it was an honest mistake in Pink Floyd's growth to greatness. I would recommend for someone who actually wants to listen to music, Atom Heart Mother, Animals, Obscured By Clouds, and Meddle, as well was the obvious choices, Dark Side of the Moon and the Wall. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UA5
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Band
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 August, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Popularly known as the "Brown Album," this is the collection people first think of when this august outfit's name is mentioned. The four-parts Canadian, one-part Arkansan quintet's sophomore effort boasts more soon-to-be-staples than any other Band studio recording, what with the likes of the Joan Baez hit "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Across the Great Divide," and "Up on Cripple Creek" standing out among the dozen uniformly memorable tracks. Lesser-known group originals such as the achingly lovely "Whispering Pines" and the cryptic "Unfaithful Servant," however, play crucial roles in giving this 1969 classic its unique flavor. Given the high standard established by The Band and its better-still 1968 predecessor, Music from Big Pink, it's not surprising the Band peaked early as a recording group. As with all the 2000 Band reissues, this remastered reissue boasts a number of bonus tracks, though all but "Get Up Jake" are alternate takes of album selections. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (67)

Outstanding
Having just "gotten into" The Band, two things stand out:

1) Robbie Robertson was absolutely right in breaking the group up when they did. Drug addiction was tearing them apart physically, ultimately leading to the deaths of Richard Manuel and Rick Danko. Levon Helm was, and still is bitter about it, but he was wrong.
2) Robertson did not solely compose these songs. While the original chord progressions and perhaps even the lyrics were his, the intrumentation and varied sounds were absolutely not. These songs should have been credited to the entire group. Robbie was an opportunist and took advantage of the situation. Still, it's very obvious that these songs were a group effort.

Buy this record.

a fantastic band cd
though i may not agree with mr john on a lot of reviews, he is bang on target on this one.this is a great album from robbie robertson and his talented canadian rock band.this superb album contains classics like the night they drove old dixie down,rag mama rag and up on cripple creek.i would ask you to get TO KINGDOM COMEa double cd album of greatest hits from this same great band which i own,which gives a more thorough overview of this great canadian band.highly recommended.five stars.

Real
When the sixties were bogging themselves down musically, with feedback,and acid-imagery, this record by this band reminded us all of what it is really about. ... Read more

Asin: B00004W510
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Bayou Country (20 Bit Mastering)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 July, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Bayou Country is the CCR record that slips under the radar. The group's 1969 sophomore release birthed two classic-rock staples--"Born on the Bayou" and "Proud Mary." Then there's the characteristically savvy cover ("Good Golly Miss Molly"), the stretch-out jams ("Graveyard Train" and "Keep on Chooglin'"), and a couple of seldom remarked-upon album tracks ("Bootleg" and "Penthouse Pauper"). And that's it--a little more than a half-hour of the Revival gaining speed but still not firing on all cylinders. For a lesser band, it'd be an impressive achievement; for Creedence, Bayou Country is a mere steppingstone to greater heights. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

a great 60's record
I think this is a masterpiece. Here are only 7 songs. But it's great. I think John Fogerty is a great guitarist. Proud Mary is a classic. Lots of bands or singers play that CCR's cover. I also like Good Goly Miss Moly. That's a good rock 'n' roll song. But I think their best album is Cosmo's Factory. Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of my all-time favorite bands.

Bayou Country, the Definition of CCR
Creedence Clearwater Revival's second album, 1969's "Bayou Country" is by far the group's defining set. CCR's folklore world of bayous, hoodoos, and down home rock n' roll is brought to life with an amazing and inspiring power. The opening classic, 'Born on the Bayou' may be the band's defining track, narrating the view of a bayou-man, with Fogerty's vocals expressing senses of anger and scorn ("...son, don't let the man get ya, do what he done to me..."), but also adding the joys of the world Creedence created. At least three more songs here, 'Graveyard Train,' 'Bootleg,' and 'Penthouse Pauper' (the latter an unsung gem in CCR's repetoire) add to the tales and moods of "Bayou Country" with perfection. 'Keep on Chooglin' is a fast paced heart pumper, while 'Proud Mary' is the ultimate staple of rock, and let the critics know that CCR were destined to be rock and roll heroes. And of course, the standard cover song 'Good Golly Miss Molly' is well served. This re-issue comes with clear remastering. "Bayou Country" is indeed the definition of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

'My papa said "Son, don't let the man getcha,"...
Nobody paid much attention to Bayou Country when it first came out in 1968...everyone was too enthralled with CCR's single release, Proud Mary.Somehow, one way or another, the album filtered into the top 40 dances and parties.If you have heard Proud Mary, and like it, and think you know the lyrics, you will never, ever, forget the opening chord to Born on the Bayou the first time you hear it.Dust, humidity, jungling forests, one- room shanties, coon dogs.Creedence doesn't invade this world- Creedence owns it, don't you know.Leon Russell did an album about ten years later called "Can a White Man Sing the Blues?', while this album, more to the point, says, "Can a white band STOMP the Blues?"If you have never heard Creedence before, which I guess is possible, though most of my generation (60's) wouldn't believe it, you will notice an edge to most of John Fogarty, the lead guitarist's, work, which takes the blues right to the edge of felonious mayhem.After "Born on the Bayou", the album eases back a little with the catchy "Bootleg", only to then rip the pistons and brakes off of "Graveyard Train".This is followed by "Good Golly Miss Molly", which had been popularized a few years before by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, but Creedence plays it with not quite the screaming intensity Ryder bought to it...Fogarty, you might say keeps the guts of it while still bringing acceptable respect to what by now can only be called rhythm and blues turf."Penthouse Pauper" is the only disappointing cut, but when you place it with the rest of the album, even "Penthouse Pauper" shows a downbeat, yet stillaudible expectant potential for the last two classics, "Proud Mary" and "Keep on Chooglin'".
Since "Proud Mary" has probably been reviewed thousands of (white) times, I'll skip directly to "Keep on Chooglin'"The lyrics are what I would call just short of a budweiser challenge.It's about people's need to socialize, and to drink, and to further socialize about having to drink to socialize.In these days of Ozzy Osbourne that probably sounds pretty tame, but I have yet to hear anyone come up with a line to beat, "Here come Louie, works in a sewer Lord, he goin' chooglin' tonight."
And Fogarty's solos and riffs are sooo clean, sooo crisp, you forget that this is basically a three-bar boogie, played over and over again, like a demonstration of some professional hypnotist.
The music's grittiness is practically always due to Fogarty playing against the rest of the band, so let me finally mention the rest of the personnel, for any solo record hounds that still may be out there.
Tom Fogarty (John's brother), rhythm guitar;
Stu Cook, bass
Doug Clifford, drums. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TBWO
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Green River (20 Bit Mastering)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 July, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Remarkably, this is the third studio album Creedence Clearwater Revival released in 1969! During that stunning burst, John Fogerty could do no wrong. Green River isn't as chock-full of CCR standards as the record that followed it in 1970 (Cosmo's Factory), and, at 30 minutes, it's briefer than its rather brief predecessor (Willy & the Poorboys). Still, this is economy at its best. The title track, "Lodi," and "Bad Moon Rising" are all indelibly etched into the memory banks of classic-rock fans, while "Commotion" and "Cross-Tie Walker" are perfect swamp-rock complements. "The Night Time Is the Right Time" is one more in a series of spot-on Fogerty covers. And "Wrote a Song for Everyone" manages to be both rarefied and down to earth in the same breath--which is really CCR in a nutshell. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (15)

Rock 'n' Roll.For real.
I'm still buzzing after having seen Mr. Fogerty's performance at the Beacon Theater in NYC just a day or so ago.He still has the chops, still has the fire.He performed a number or three from this album and all was well with the world.

If you want a genuine rock 'n' roll album then look not further. Guitars, bass, drums.That's it. That's all you need. The roots.Think you can handle it?

I've owned Green River in one form or another since it came out back in '69 and I'll carry it around till that tombstone casts its shadow on me.

Ya'll ought to check it out.

CCR's Third best
Creeedence Clearwater Revival produced 4 outstanding albums.Their best, from my personal perspective, was 'Bayou Country', released early in 1969.'Green River' is their third best, released in the midst of the Woodstock Festival in August of 1969.Amazingly, before the curtain set on 1969, the band produced 'Willy and the Poor Boys', their fourth best effort.In 1970 'Cosmo's Factory', the album many would claim to be their greatest, but which I would place number two, hit the shelves.

There are two classics offered on 'Green River', the nostalgic title track which hit number two on the national charts, and the ominous yet vibrant 'Bad Moon Rising', which also ascended to number two several months before the 'Green River' disc was released.Two other songs from 'Green River' were promoted as singles, the frentic 'Commotion' (with lyrics even more applicable to today than the late 1960's) which hit number 30, and 'Lodi', a curious laid-back favorite among many of CCR's loyalists, which rose to number 52.'Green River' and 'Commotion' open the disc in what might be one of the best "one-two punches" ever to open a side of an album, and on the original vinyl, side two opened with 'Bad Moon Rising' and 'Lodi', a sterling complement to side one's intro.

The remaining 5 songs, while not Top-40 material, round out what had become a typical mix for Creedence albums.Creedence is a great cover band, and their rendition of Ray Charles' 'The Night Time Is the Right Time', while not their best cover, is intense and inspired as the album's closer.'Tombstone Shadow' and 'Sinister Purpose' are the purest blues-rock numbers offered, while 'Wrote a Song For Everyone', lamenting the failure of the wordsmith to communicate with the woman he loves, sounds more like a traditonal country ballad.'Cross-Tie Walker' effectively plays up the swamp-rock sound parlayed on Creedence hits such as 'Green River' and 'Bad Moon Rising', but with a less catchy melody, yet interesting lyrics.

John Fogerty and his bandmates had the capacity to sing songs that dealt with difficult and desperate themes, yet still maintain a postive, inviting, "down-home" atmosphere.As with 'Bayou Country', 'Green River' is brief in length, but lacking Fogarty's extended guitar solo's that appeal to many CCR fans, and alienate others.While 'Bayou Country' felt underground and radical, 'Greeen River' feels commercial.

My version of this disc is "mastered in analog utilizing the 20-bit K2 Super Coding System" developed by JVC.I don't know what all that means, but I can tell you this: the sound is exceptional, and I personally will make every effort to obtain recordings using this technology in the future.The jewel case is enveloped in a decorative cardboard sleeve, and the superfluous liner notes make the consumer's desire for a lyrics sheet even more compelling.

Track by track the best work ofCCC
It remains on my mind that rainy evening when I listenes for first time that album. Those days on the vinyl sound and the experience was worthy. I had that feeling that I was in presence of one of the honest and expressive album in that momet and believe me. 1969 was a huge year. Cream, The doors, Steppenwolf, Traffic, Jimmy Hendrix, The who were bands beyond the standard. Something inside me told me that Green river, Conmotion, Bad moon , Lodi Write a song for everyone were songs made with the inspired touch of the genius. It's not a mere casuality that Win Weneders used this album in one of his trilogy road movie "Wrong movement". Because the whole work sounds so fresh like a summer breeze and a meeting among great friends. May be you find Born on the payou the most genial song of CCR ,or the amazing version of Suzie Q or even his eternal Proud Mary . All of them evenestablish one step ahead in the long trip of this quartet. I have them all (in LP and CD) , but there is something you'll never find in the other two. And I think it's the deep unity, the cohesion expresiveness that seems exist in all the songs as a set. In fact , you listen the music and constitutes a delightful trip. This album contains like no one else the essential nervous that always surrounded that band in the last sixties.
Forever Credence. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TBWP
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Willy & The Poor Boys (20 Bit Mastering)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 July, 2000)
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Editorial Review

The Band that Fogerty Built was truly an American phenomenon during their relatively short recording career. Each of their albums, beginning with 1969's Bayou Country, was a Top 40 hit-making machine. Willy & the Poor Boys produced two smashes--"Down on the Corner" (which is about the fictional street group that gave the album its title) and "Fortunate Son," Fogerty's most ferocious political rant. Each CCR LP was a concept collection of sorts, and this one was a tribute to the South, featuring two traditional standards popularized by Leadbelly as well as two instrumentals that made you swear CCR were from New Orleans rather than Oakland, California. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

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Reviews (13)

CCR's Last Album Of The 60's
Willy And The Poor Boys(1969). Creedence Clearwater Revival's Fourth Album.

Much like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival was capable of shelling out an album every few months and enjoying immense commercial and critical success. With three multi-platinum albums behind them, Creedence Clearwater Revival released 'Willy And The Poor Boys'. In late 1969, 'Willy And The Poor Boys' hit #1 on the Albums Chart and the resulting singles, "Fortunate Son" and "Down On The Corner" became huge hits for the band. As always, CCR's careful blend of Blues, Folk, Country, 50's Rock, and Classic Rock helped the band became sensations in all kinds of music, and led by Fogerty's gravelly anti-pop vocals and wailing guitar, it's no surprise the band has gone down as legends. So, is 'Willy And The Poor Boys' another solid release from Creedence Clearwater Revival, or a career misstep? Read on to find out!

Track Ratings-

Down On The Corner- A big hit, "Down On The Corner" is a fun rocker that blends a catchy bassline with a Country/Rock beat. It's unlikely you won't be humming this to yourself!

It Came Out Of The Sky- You'd think this is Elvis or Buddy Holly, but you'd be wrong. CCR takes a stab at 50's rock, and with Fogerty's energetic guitar riff and humorous lyrics, you can't help but like it!

Cotton Fields- It's hard to believe these guys were from California! CCR blends an interesting mix of Country, Folk, and down-home Southern Rock to create a catchy little number.

Poorboy Shuffle- A harmonica instrumental. While it may just be filler, at least it's interesting.

Feelin' Blue- Much like a song you'd come to expect from B.B. King or Eric Clapton, CCR dishes out a bluesy rocker, and with Fogerty's addictive guitar melody and vocals, it's no surprise this is another winner. "Feelin' Blu-who-who-blue"!

Fortuneate Son- A direct protest against the Vietnam War, "Fortunate Son" spoke to millions after it became a huge hit. CCR adds a shaper edge to the song, and Fogerty's angry vocals remind me of heavier acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd or pre-Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac. It's no wonder this song became a huge hit....it rules!

Don't Look Now-Much like Bob Dylan, CCR blends Folk and Rock on "Don't Look Now", although it seems a little generic along with the other tracks. Not bad, just average.

The Midnight Special- Much slower and considerably quiter than most of CCR's music, "The Midnight Special" is still an energetic Blues-Rock song fulled to the brim with catchy vocals and guitarwork. A good song, just a little slower than most of CCR's stuff, although I wouldn't call this a "ballad".

Side O' The Road- A guitar driven, Fogerty produced instrumental. Need I say more? Fogerty shows why he's one of the 60's best guitarist, ranking right up there with Clapton and Hendrix. In case you didn't know, Creedence Clearwater Revival does have a few Progressive Rock songs on each album, and these last two songs fit the bill.

Effigy- 'Willy And The Poor Boy's longest track, "Effigy" is almost twice as long as every track. Much like the Doors or Iron Butterfly, "Effigy" is a casual mix of Psychadelic Folk Rock, mixed with Progressive elements and excellent musicianship. Fogerty + guitar = bliss!

Overall, 'Willy And The Poor Boys' is another winner from Creedence Clearwater Revival, one of the few bands from the Late 60's-Early 70's that I actually enjoy! Blending the catchy pop hooks of the Beatles and the instrumental talent of Cream, not to mention various influences from 50's Rock and Progressive Rock, CCR never fails to deliver! If you won't good, clean, fun, addictive, and enjoyable classic rock, look no further!

Killer Kuts- "Down On The Corner", "Fortunate Son", "Side O' The Road", and "Effigy".

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO FANS OF CLASSIC ROCK, BLUES, FOLK, AND CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL! THESE GUYS RULE, YOU HAVE TO CHECK THEM OUT!

Also Recommended-

Cosmo's Factory- Creedence Clearwater Revival
Rubber Soul- The Beatles
Elvis Presley- Elvis Presley

Thanks For Reading!

One of CCR's Most Musically, Lyrically Varied Albums
By the time they released "Willy and the Poor Boys" in November 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival were one of America's top attractions, and one of the most unlikely. By soldiering against the grain of late-60s psychedelia and drug-induced poetry sung by drugged out hippies, CCR (along with The Band) possessed a sound that was original and in stark contrast to the psychedelic revolution, but somehow fate gave them success and made them one of the most popular voices of that generation. This, CCR's fourth album, embodies the magic that made them both popular and artistically dignified at the same time, but it is also an easy contender for the group's most varied release (competing with "Pendulum" for that title).
John Fogerty's songs were as good as ever, and here they advanced forward just a bit in a mix of Southern creoles that seemed to come straight from a laid-back bayou somewhere in Louisiana (though Creedence actually hailed from California), but now CCR appeared to be addressing a generation. The group keeps their down home roots in tact with the undisputed classic `Down on the Corner' which pays homage to music and good times, with Fogerty's references to the individual members of CCR, using the nicknames "Rooster," "Poorboy" and "Blinky." Two left-center (for 1969) selections `Poorboy Shuffle' and `Side O' the Road' add to this feeling, not to mention flawless blues covers `Cotton Fields' and `The Midnight Special,' but Fogerty had deeper things in mind; the group rips through `It Came Out of the Sky,' a rollicking fictional spoof on the mayhem of politics, with references to a mindless Hollywood, a story-hungry media, and Ronald Reagan (or "Ronnie the Popular" as he is called here). But `Don't Look Now (It Ain't You Or Me)' is much more serious, a poetic and frank series of questions posed to a generation, with Fogerty asking "Who'll make the promise that you don't have to keep?" and sadly concluding "It ain't you or me." The album's most famous song, `Fortunate Son' is a testament to the band's unlikely rise to acclaim; it's ironic that one of the best attacks on the draft did not come from a group of hippies, but from a band that embraced an image of blue-collar bayou boys. The album's closer, the unjustly overlooked `Effigy' rings doom and despair, a portrait of the turmoil in America in the 60s, but can apply even to today's dire outlook.
When their previous album "Green River" established them as a successful singles act, critics probably thought there was no way Creedence could top it; but to their pleasant surprise, "Willy and the Poor Boys" took care of that job, but it would surely not be the end; the next year's "Cosmo's Factory" would be even more successful, proving a band could go against the grain and keep themselves creative and original.

ONE OF THE BIG 4
THIS CD IS A CLASSIC.CCR MADE 4 GREAT CD,BAYOU COUNTRY,COSMOS FACTORY GREEN RIVER AND THIS CLASSIC WILLIE AND THE POORBOYS.JUST CHECK OUT THE POORBOY SHUFFLE AND IT GOES RIGHT INTO FEELIN BLUE.WHAT A GREAT COMBO,BUT THE WHOLE CD IS GREAT.THE 20BIT REMASTERING IS REALLY WORTH THE MONEY,BECAUSE THE SOUND IS EXCELLENT. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TBWR
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Brave New World
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 August, 1994)
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Reviews (7)

Celebration!!Everybody Trip Out!!!
Brave New World, the third offering by the still-new Steve Miller Band, was released in 1969. Can't you tell? References to celebrations and tripping abound, making this one of the sunniest, trippiest album of the psychedelic era. (Even the album cover is sunny yellow!) The opening of the title track (and the album) is a blast - literally, a bomb blast which hearalds the start of both a fresh, enjoyable tune and a bright new beginning for the world at large. Then, great drumming by Tim Davis kickstarts "Celebration Song," another wonderful vision of a world at play. "Got Love 'Cause You Need It" sounds like it's sung by Miller's infamous Gangster of Love character, full of danger and seduction, while "Seasons" is a gorgeous acoustic ballad, as heartfelt a track as Stevie Guitar has ever recorded. Nice! "Space Cowboy," of course, is the albums BIG HIT, complete with Moog synthesizer space sounds, and a rare, excellent guitar solo from Steve M! (The primary focus of Brave New World is on the material, not solos.)Literally too, too far out! "LT's Midnight Dream" is a fantasy feast, with lyrics like "got a bulldog in my learjet, gonna teach him how to fly"! Too much! Paul McCartney of the Beatles contributes drums, bass, and vocals to the blues-rock "My Dark Hour," (he is billed as Paul Ramon; yes, that is where the band The Ramones got their name!), while "Can't You Hear Your Daddy's Heartbeat?" is a love song in double-quick time and "Kow Kow" (also known as "Kow Kow Calqulator" on the anthologies) combines more fantasy lyrics with quotes from Bobby Blue Bland's "Turn on your Love Light". Outasite!! So, if your looking for something of Steve Miller's beyond the usual, well-crafted 70's material, give Brave New World a listen or two. You may want to start your own celebration!!!

Perhaps Steve's Best!
This was not my first album as a teenager, by far, but it was my first Steve Miller album.Steve Miller's third album, Brave New World, is among the best rock and roll ever.This album, which I first got when it was originally released, has fueled a 34 year love for his music. In all that time, it still remains my favorite rock and roll album ever.

Though the original vinyl has long since been lost, every time I have rebuilt my music collection as I raised a family, Brave New World was always the first album or CD I purchased.

There are only 9 songs on the album, but there are no fillers - this is all great stuff. I am not sure why it is, but the title track, Brave New World, has never made it into any of Steve's many, many "greatest hits" compilations even though it is one of his best works ever.Of course, 6 songs out of 9 on this album regularly show up in the compiliations:Celebration Song, Kow Kow, Seasons, Space Cowboy, LT`s Midnight Dream, and My Dark Hour.

So with 6 out of 9 songs considered to be among his greatest hits - and the other three songs are great music as well - this album belongs in every Steve Miller Band or other classic rock and roll collection, no matter how many versions of The Joker and Fly Like An Eagle you have in the compilations.

A Must-Have!!!
I have not heard this album on CD. My dad gave me all of his records earlier this year when my parents split up and this album just happened to be in the box of records with artists ranging from 10cc to the Alan Parsons Project. Elvis Costello's "Truth" album was my favorite until I pulled this one out. "Brave New World" turned out to be one of my favorites as I listened to the songs go by. I never finished listening to it until a while later when I pulled out my "Flaming Pie" CD booklet and read that Paul McCartney and Steve Miller had been real good friends. I showed that to Dad and the book mentioned that Paul had played on "My Dark Hour" which turned out to be the last track on this album so I had to listen to it. By then I was convinced this was the best of my records and had to listen to it from start to finish. "Brave New World" became my favorite song of all time next to "Let It Be" and "Mr. Bojangles" and the rest of the album was incredibly strong with songs like "Space Cowboy" and "Kow Kow". All I can really say is buy the CD or if possible the album on vinyl. This album will not disappoint anyone who likes the Steve Miller Band! ... Read more

Asin: B000002UU1
Sales Rank: 42947
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Psychedelic    6. Rock   

Happy Trails
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 August, 1994)
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• Live

Reviews (41)

Fresh Air?
Well I will go against the current here. I listened and owned the original LP and this CD is missing the all important "...take another hit of fresh air" which I miss and should have been included in this CD! Who wants to buy a "Best of" CD, those are just not the same. Too bad as this was one of the best LPs in my former collection.

By Far, Their Best
I remember sitting in an old Volkswagen Beetle, the smell of gas from the leaky tank, the fog out the window. A perfect night to trip though there were no drugs involved. It was 1968 I think and the setting was just off Sierra Highway in Saugus, California. It was about ten at night on a Friday and I was spending the night with my band mates. Our bass player found this AOR FM station and turned it on to see what was there. That is where we heard Maiden of the Cancer Moon segueing into Cavalry. Wow! What a trip! An unforgettable experience that still gives me flashbacks. The next week I rushed out to find that album. It is their best, hands down. I bought more of their albums but they just could not stand up to this one. It was especially freaky when they ended the album with a Roy Rogers tune! They just don't make em' like they used to.

acid rock essential
it's too bad the QSM dont get the attention they deserve, this is one killer album, definitely worth buying. the guitar work on this album is incredible. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UTY
Sales Rank: 6057
Subjects:  1. Acid Rock    2. Pop    3. Psychedelic    4. Rock   

Shady Grove
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 July, 1992)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (2)

Shady Grove-great album but...
Quicksilver Messenger Service, in the sixties, was my favorite band so when they came out with Shady Grove I was very interested. Here was a familiar band but without someone very necessary, Gary Duncan, although now with my all time favorite piano player, Nicky Hopkins. Certainly, this was going to be a different sounding band and the lack of that second guitar would be a missing, intrinsic flavor but this addition was very intriguing.
I saw them live at the Filmore East when they released the album, and to me it was a great; great concert and I felt at the time it promised great things to come from the band. I did realize then that this was a transitional album at best, but with the addition of Nicky it was good enough. Certainly, the material was not as good as it had been nor were the performances as fiery BUT this was such a different sound I was prepared to give it more than a chance.
Quicksilver was never the writing machine that The Dead or The Airplane was, but there had always been something in their performances that more than made up for the lack of writing talent and now that they had Hopkins all that remained for them to blast off was the return of Duncan, which would happen soon enough. (Unfortunately with the eventual return of Duncan came the return/addition of Dino Valenti, let's just say not my favorite singer and leave it at that.)
So I was happy enough with Shady Grove and knowing what might be in the future I was even happier.
Unfortunately, those things never did come to pass and the band sort of faded into obscurity while releasing several mediocre albums.

This album is great!!
The piano work on this album is absolutely phenomenal. This album is a musician's dream. The intense instrumental lines, especially in Edward, the Mad Shirt Grinder and Shady Grove, really make this collection into amust have. ... Read more

Asin: B000002R9Y
Sales Rank: 155789
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The Family That Plays Together
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 October, 1996)
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Editorial Review

One of the most adventurous bands of the late 1960s, Spirit never really found as wide an audience as they deserved for their eclectic blend of rock, jazz, blues, and pop. The closest the group came to mainstream acceptance was this, their 1968-released second album. Propelled by guitarist Randy California's catchy riffing, his stepfather-drummer Ed Cassidy's rock-solid beat, and Jay Ferguson's bluesy vocal, "I Got a Line on You" became a Top 40 hit single, and listeners who were interested enough to buy the LP were rewarded with such broad-horizoned fare as keyboardist John Locke's jazz-flecked "Space Chile," Ferguson's string-aided "Silky Sam," and California and Cassidy's frisky "It's All the Same." --Billy Altman ... Read more

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• Original recording remastered

Reviews (20)

I should've tried Spirit much earlier
OK, so I've been aware of this band for ages. After all, turn on the classic FM rock dial and you're bound to hear "I Got a Line On You" or "Nature's Way". It's only now that I bought any of their albums. I have acquire The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, and this one, The Family That Plays Together.

The Family That Plays Together was their second album and gave Spirit their first wide exposure, because the album's opening song was none other than "I Got a Line On You", which became a hit for them. This band is odd for one having one member a generation older than the rest. The band featured guitarist Randy California, who was at that point 17 years old, and drummer Ed Cassidy, who was his stepdad (married to his mother), and around 20 years or so older than the rest of the band. Most other people Ed Cassidy's age were more likely to yell at their kids to "Turn off that noise" (like when they're listening to the Beatles), but in Randy California's case, that was different, Ed Cassidy encouraged his music habit and both helped form a band. Of course, lets not forget the rest of the band: Jay Ferguson, John Locke, and Mark Christopher-Andes.

There is so much more to this album than just "I Got a Line On You". "It Shall Be" is a wonderful, atmospheric number with John Locke giving us some electric piano, and nice use of orcestrations. There are some more rocking passages as well with horns. "Silky Sam" is another one of those mellow orchestrated pieces, with the unexpectedly dissonant passage in the middle (much like what many prog rock bands a few years later would be doing). "The Drunkard" has a rather baroque feel, with an even stronger classical-feel, as it's very dominated by strings. "All the Same" is a rather fun number, with lots of nice electric piano and catchy melodies, one of my favorites on this album and for some reason often overlooked. "Jewish", penned by Randy California, is a real odd number. It's sung in Hebrew (how often do you come across a rock song sung in that language?). We should also know that California himself was Jewish (his real name was Randy Wolfe), so I guess he was exploring his Jewish roots in that song. The final song, "Aren't You Glad", ends in a rather dramatic fashion, more or less the album's epic. When I hear the more mellow, orchestral numbers like "It Shall Be" and "Silky Sam", I keep imagining that John Locke should be using a Mellotron, Spirit would have sounded great using one, but they used real strings (which still sounds great), after all America was a bit slow to take on the Mellotron (it was still in the confines of British acts, most specifically The Moody Blues).

Spirit is one of those few West Coast psych bands that would appeal to people who otherwise are generally not fans of that genre. They avoided the most of those psychedelic cliches (ie. "flowers and beads" and "canyons of your mind"), probably because they realize in even just a couple years time, people would laugh at that stuff if they wrote "canyons of your mind" type of music. So their music ended up not being so dated as so many of their West Coast contemporaries of the time.

The Family That Plays Together is a wonderful album, if you never heard this album, get it, you'll find out there's much more to Spirit than just "I Got a Line On You" as this album proves!

4.5 stars - Spirit's classic sophomore release
The Family That Plays Together (1968.) Spirit's second album.

One of the most underlooked classic rock bands of the late sixties and early seventies was Spirit. The group was an interesting one, and one of the first truly "progressive" rock acts out there - it's just a shame their material never immortalized them the way many other bands of the day are revered. The California-based group consisted of guitarist Randy California, Randy's stepfather drummer Ed Cassidy, keyboardist John Locke, and vocalist Jay Ferguson. The group created a sound unlike anything else, fusing pop, rock, jazz, blues, and everything in between, and the result was nothing short of excellent. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1968, and before that year reached an end, the group released its second album, The Family That Plays Together, which is arguably their most popular. Read on for my review of it.

This is Spirit's most popular album for one major reason - it conains the group's biggest hit, I Got A Line On You. This is the song that got me (and most people) into Spirit, and before I started getting the band's albums, it was the only thing by them I had ever heard. Quite honestly, while the straight-up sixties rock of that hit made for a great song, its stylings could not prepare listeners for what awaited on the band's albums. Those who decided to buy the band's albums would be in for quite a surprise - one that would reveal just how diverse the band was. Beyond their lone hit, listeners would discover a progressive rock act that fused many different genres of music. On The Family That Plays Together, that point is demonstrated beautifully. You've got semi-gloomy, half-ballads (It Shall Be), guitar and bass-heavy classic rockers (Poor Richard), melodic ballads with orchestral backing (Drunkard), blues rock (It's All The Same), and plenty of tracks with other stylings. One of the strangest tracks the album serves up is Jewish, a mid-paced organ-heavy rocker in which the lyrics are served up in, well, Jewish. How many other rock bands do you know that would try something this bizzare, let alone make it appealing? Another excellent track the album serves up is the Who-esque classic rock of Dream Within A Dream. This album contains so many tracks that should have been big hits but weren't. Ultimately, I'm very much satisfied with this album, and I'd definitely recommend that any fan of rock and roll from the sixties add this one to their collection.

Spirit's album got remastered and rereleased. These remasters are great because not only do you get expanded liner notes and remastered sound, you also get long lost bonus tracks, not released up until these remasters! These make the reissues all the more appealing. Needless to say, if you don't have the albums yet, the remasters are the best way to go.

In the end, Spirit's second album is certainly one of their finest. However, I don't recommend running right out and starting to buy Spirit's albums instantly, even if you're a sixties rock fan. Although the group is excellent, they are certainly a bit of an aquired taste, and I strongly recommend you listen before you buy. And while this is certainly the band's most popular album, it isn't necessarily their best - I personally think the band's debut, from earlier in 1968, captures them in better form and shows more diversity than this album. Accordingly, I recommend starting THERE. If you like this sort of music, and you're willing to give new things a chance, there's a strong chance you'll grow to love Spirit - these guys were SO underrated.

A Fine Place To Start
The first four albums are so unbelievably great that for me it's almost impossible to say one is better that the others. Taken together, they are almost like one long album. The Family That Plays Together shows the band turning a slightly more commercial corner without sacraficing any of their artistic integrity. Their blending of styles is a bit mote intergrated than on the first. Randy California's influence on the music was becoming stronger as well. One thing that differd Spirit from most of their comtempories was the strength with whch they were able to convey their songs in concert. I saw the original version 11 times and they never failed to astound me. It's a shame that the only legitimate live recordings of the band are of the later Ed Cassidy/Randy California version. Not that the later versions of the band weren't great - they just weren't quite as good as the original band. If your'e just being introduced to Spirit, The Family That Plays Together is a fine place to start. ... Read more

Asin: B000002AF0
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    3. Psychedelic    4. Rock   

Clear
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 October, 1996)
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• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

This one really grew on me
Although I've been aware of Spirit for ages, thanks to FM radio playing "I Got a Line On You" and "Nature's Way", it's only been now since I acquired any of their albums, and of course, I had to get their first four albums, with the original lineup of Randy California, Ed Cassidy, Jay Ferguson, Mark Andes, and John Locke. Clear was their last album produced by Lou Adler and on the Ode label (which was owned by Adler), before switching to David Briggs and Epic Records for Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus.

Of the first four Spirit albums, I thought Clear was the most difficult to get in to. The first half of the album consists of rock songs, not too far from what you already heard on The Family That Plays Together and their self-entitled debut. Examples are "Dark Eyed Woman", "Apple Orchard", "Ground Hog", and "Policeman's Ball". There's also the more psychedelic "Cold Wind". Many of these songs tend to have a bluesy bent to it. The second half consists of mellower material, many of them instrumental cuts intended for a film soundtrack (I don't recall name of the film). Some of the songs you can't even call rock. "Ice" is a really pleasant orchestral number, with John Locke giving us some nice use of electric piano, and Randy California giving us some nice guitar work. "Give a Life, Take a Life" find the band exploring more of a soft rock style, I am reminded a bit of the Association here. "I'm Truckin'" is a rocking piece that fits fine on the first half of the album. The title track is another orchestral number, while "Caught" is the most straight-up jazz piece. "New Dope in Town" is another rocking piece, but there's some really interesting jazzy passages to go with it.

Of the first four Spirit albums, this is probably the one to get last, after you get their self-entitled debut, The Family That Plays Together, and Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, but still this album is full of great stuff, just require a few listens to get it.

Clear Headed
Over thirty years later after listening to this album for the first time, I finally cleared the cobwebs out of my head and relistened to this masterpiece.What a great, piece of work.I'm only sorry it took me so long to finally hear this recording for what it is.

THE BLACK ALBUM
THE BLACK ALBUM. they start to ROCK out dark HAIRED[EYED] WOMEN, HAS THE EYES OF hint of carnes eighties, techno rocko, fast furious HARD ROCK SONG if ever was meant to be and its driven delivered with jazz precise base line TO LOOSE YOUR mind too HUMMING, spirts all over the backyard ON THIS ONE,rootsy authentic before it became authentic gound hog day, new dope in town,theres a hell of a groove with this SPACE TO DREAM YOUR LIDstoo DREAMAWAY,LITTLE BEACH BOY SMILE LIKE, SONIC synopsises,WIND on fire, the add ons are trully unecessary and LEED TO confusion TO ALBUM AS STATEMENT OF ART fact, although nineteen EIGHTY FOUR IS a must have ... Read more

Asin: B000002AF1
Sales Rank: 22625
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    3. Psychedelic    4. Rock   

The Book of Taliesyn
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 March, 2000)
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Reviews (12)

Second book
Purple's second album release, about three months after the debut, is much like the first, a combination of originals and psychedelic cover verisons of famous songs with an exceptionally talented musicianship. Blackmore and Lord lead their charges on a spirited version of Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman" which rivals "Hush" from the debut as a solid hit single. The Beatles are also revisted on "We Can Work it Out" which is the 2nd part of a longer song called "Exposition". For the bands own compositons, 'Taliesyn' brings two of the Mach 1 lineup's best songs in the powerful instumental slamfest "Wring That Neck" and the hauntingly beautiful "Anthem" which is unquestionably Rod Evans' greatest triumph in Purple. This album is better than "Shades" but only slightly. It really comes down to one's preference since both are very close in quality. This formula with a slight variation (only one cover) would continue for one more lp release six months later and then Purple would radically reform as Blackmore starts to flex his muscles.

Psychedelic, But Still Very Much Deep Purple!
I picked up the LP of "Book of Taliesyn" ages ago in a used record store, and loved it! With CDs, mp3s and no more turntable at home, I have not heard it in nearly twenty years. I finally picked up this CD, and realized upon playing the first track, how much I missed the early Deep Purple sound!

Granted, Rod Evans is no Ian Gillan, but his voice is perfect for this way-out Arthurian Legend/Mystical State O' Mind theme. The title track has got to be one of the most underrated tunes out there, from the alternating instrumental pace (upbeat guitar and pronounced drums, shifting to the moody reflection with Jon Lord's lulling keyboards) to the lyrics about Taliesyn and learning about rebirth through meditation... the song marches right up to the line of silly and melodramatic, but stops short just in time to keep this an awesome song.

The song that still blows my mind to this day is their version of Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman." They took one of Diamond's better songs ---both musically and lyrically--- and made it into one of the best covers of a pop hit I have ever heard. The tune is recognizably Neil Diamond's, yet the flavor is 100% Deep Purple, peaking with one of the most awe-inspiring keyboard pieces Jon Lord has ever kicked out! Believe it or not, this song is worth the CD alone.

I enjoyed the Beethoven portion of "Exposition," but when it followed into "We Can Work It Out," this was the only moment in the entire CD where I found myself feeling like something seemed seemed out of place. Another Amazon.com reviewer who wrote about this album joked that there must have been a law that all 1960s British bands must do an obligatory cover of a Beatles' song! Man, he's not far off the mark! It seems like even the most creative bands from that era threw The Beatles into the mix (but hey, let's be thankful they picked Beatles instead of Rod McKuen).

There are two other great standout tracks on this album. One is "The Shield," another astral-plane tune with mellow instrumentals, and the one song where Rod Evans' vocals really does steal the show. The other is "Anthem," a rare romantic departure for Deep Purple, and quite a wistful one at that!

The bonus tracks are all very good quality picks, not just promotional filler. The entire album is worth the dough, even if you prefer the later Deep Purple line-up that carried the band into infamy. I highly recommend this CD, it's fantastic!

not a fan of early deep purple
I think their first three albums were all fair. They were too mellow, and not too rocking. The songwriting was kinda weak. They started being good when roger glover, and ian gillan joined in. And this album is just like shades of deep purple, and deep purple. ... Read more

Asin: B00004KD0Z
Sales Rank: 35607
Subjects:  1. Arena Rock    2. British Invasion    3. British Metal    4. England    5. Hard Rock    6. Heavy Metal    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll    10. Rock/Pop   

At Your Birthday Party
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 January, 1995)
list price: $6.98 -- our price: $6.98
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Reviews (8)

unfairly underated
this is a great cd and with the big hits such as...it's never too late ....jupiter child and rock me along with the great but unheard songs such as...dont cry...chicken wolf and happy birthday (not that one! )this cd has always been my favorite and i like all of steppenwolfs original albums but this one stands out from the rest for me!

A good buy for sure
This is one of the weaker albums in the Steppenwolf catalog. There are some songs that are quite good such as the opening cut, "It's Never Too Late" and "Rock Me." There are two obscure and pleasing ballads in "Lovely Meter" and "She'll Be Better." There are some other good cuts as well, however filler like "Cat Killer" and "Sleeping Dreaming" are not even developed songs, and detract from the overall punch of the disc. This album is at a very low price, so it is worth buying.

Steppenwolf's Members Showcase Individual Talents
On the third album "At Your Birthday Party",released in March 1969, Steppenwolf was now signed to a two albums a year contract, while some cite this as the reason this album is 'weak', it is weak none in the least. To kick it off "Don't Cry" - which sounds like it could have been a single off this album, it pretty much sets the mood for most of the album. Nick St. Nicholas takes vocals on "Lovely Meter", which sounds Davy Jones-like to some extent. Mike Monarch's "Round and Round" is a little simple, but the next track "It's Never Too Late" made the album a little more memorable. Jerry Edmonton's "She'll Be Better" features excellent piano work by Goldy McJohn, and it fits perfectly with Edmonton's souful vocals. McJohn's "Cat Killer" and "Rock Me" - another hit for this album. It ends off with "Mango Juice" and "Happy Birthday" - the latter sounds very,well, 'tired'. This album was originally released in a die-cut cover with a picture of the group celebrating a birthday in a burned house. ... Read more

Asin: B000002Q7A
Sales Rank: 21640
Subjects:  1. Acid Rock    2. Garage Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Heavy Metal    5. Pop    6. Pop-Metal    7. Psychedelic    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll   

Monster
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (19)

Don't forget the draft resister !
The sublime difference between and the rest of the other conventional bands is the special interest of the vocal and composer leader: John Kay who was a real champion composer with this outlaw songs and whom it could be considered as serious rival to Jim Morrison in those ages.

Monster as you know is the most perfect and eloquent theme eever recorded by this group.

Nevertheless Power play is scorching song bar after bar . Ther was not only a real tour de force rhythmic action but the whole sound had always a special and original touch which always distinguished them.

Move over was their commercial card. The instrumnental theme Fag is a real collector item and Draft Resister plays hard about the offered resistance to go to Vietnam.

This is an album which not only shines by its own musical virtues but also it reflects as an intimate dairy, the conflicts, ethics and disturbed times of a generation.

anonymous is wrong
I love this album but the other review from Anonymous is wrong. this cd is not remastered. I baught this cd because of that review and got burned. The cd even says right on it AAD. in other words analog recording/analog master/digital playback. I will say this much though, the transfer is better than MCA's version which I own. However, If you want a remastered version of the song Monster look to the "All Time Greatest Hits/Original Recording Remasterd" cd From MCA. It also Has Move Over from this cd, I Love this cd and want it remastered. If you gotta have this album (I Do) than this version sounds better than the MCA version

One of the great overlooked protest songs of the Sixties
From my perspective the only real problem with Steppenwolf's 1969 album "Monster" is that I never got around to listening to it until several years after I had worn out by copy of their 1970 "Steppenwolf Live" album.Compared to the energy and drive of that (apparently faux) live album, the studio recordings of the title track, "Draft Resister," "Power Play" and "From Here to There Eventually" seem rather sedate.Especially on "Monster/Suicide/America" the tempo is clearly a bit slower.On the other hand, there is ample reason to believe that these were songs that were written because of how good they would be in live performance (ironically, that was the whole point behind the songs that R.E.M. would write for their own "Monster" album decades later).

None of those four songs that appear on both "Monster" and "Steppenwolf Live" were ever hits."Monster" is 9:16 and 9:56 on those two versions, which meant radio airplay was out of the question (even in the post "In-a-gadda-da-vida" period) except in a horribly cut down version that made it to #39 on the Billboard pop chart.But I think the other three, on balance, better than the group's three Top 10 hits: "Born to Be Wild" (#2), "Magic Carpet Ride" (#3), and "Rock Me" (#10).Certainly they are much more political.Steppenwolf might even be better known for its songs commenting on drugs, "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" and "The Pusher," but that is only another reminder that their political songs were largely overlooked.

"Monster" is one of the most powerful songs that I remember from my youth.""Monster" is actually the first part of the song and provides a history of the United States from the perspective of Sixties enlightenment: good Christians killing witches, slaughtering the red man, the insanity of the Civil War.Ultimately, the song is about America remember its true face:

And though the past has its share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But its protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it's a monster and will not obey

The "Suicide" section in the middle indicts the policies and practices of the American government at the time.If Billy Crystal thought at the Oscars last month that not much had changed from one Bush administration to the next, look at how much this verse relates to today:

The cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin' the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can't understand
We don't know how to mind our own business
'Cause the whole world's got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who's the winner we can't pay the cost

The song ends with "America," in which John Kay repeatedly asks "America, where are you now/ Don't you care about your sons and daughters/ Don't you know we need you now/ We can't fight alone against the monster."The net result is a powerful and largely forgotten protest song.

What "Monster" proves is that there was more to Steppenwolf than their place in music history as the group that recorded the ultimate "gas'n'go" anthem with "Born to Be Wild."But then the fact that this was a rock ground named after a Herman Hesse novel might have been a clue all by itself."Draft Resister" obviously speaks to the Vietnam War, and I might be reading too much into the lyric but I think "Power Play" works better on a political level than it does as an interpersonal commentary.If I make the same mistake with the lyrics to "From Here To There Eventually" then that only goes to show how much "Monster" raised my political consciousness.Certainly in retrospect I can look back and see how it was Steppenwolf's "Monster" that shaped by sense of political outrage more than Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, or Phil Ochs.They came later.For me "Monster" was there first. ... Read more

Asin: B000002PE3
Sales Rank: 21103
Subjects:  1. Acid Rock    2. Garage Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Heavy Metal    5. Pop    6. Pop-Metal    7. Psychedelic    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll