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	The Beatles - Beatles for Sale
	"Their best record of the early '60s -- an underrated masterpiece from the Fab Four"	2009-11-02
The Beatles' 1964 album 'Beatles for Sale' often is thrown into the dust and often overlooked. And unfairly so, in my opinion. To me, 'BFS' is a better record than both 'Please Please Me' and 'With the Beatles' (although both are great records, don't get me wrong). Released in 1964 on the Parlophone label, the record spawned a #1 hit for the group, 'Eight Days a Week,' considered a classic in their catalogue. But, there is FAR more to this album than 'Eight Days A Week.' FAR more. 'No Reply' is a great song to listen to if you are down, and 'Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey' just gets you feeling good. These are just examples of the mood changes throughout on 'Beatles for Sale.' At some moments, it's happy and cheerful, much like the prior two records were and 'A Hard Days Night.' Other times, it's gloomy and depressed, and signals the direction (and musical maturity) the boys were heading in. 'Mr. Moonlight' is one of the more underrated songs in the Beatles' catalogue. People often call it one of the worst in their catalogue. They don't know what they're missing. This is a perfectly great song, and it shows Lennon at his gloomiest (by his songwriting). Another example of Lennon at his gloomiest is 'I'm a Loser.' Perhaps the first genuinely sad song in the Beatles' catalogue (and certainly not the last), The Beatles prove here they weren't just another happy beat group from England. And the cover photo is just phenomenal. It captures The Beatles at their early best; one look and one can tell it is a genuine photo. The cover is one of the many highlights on 1964's 'Beatles for Sale.' Overall, don't pass by 'Beatles for Sale.' Sure, it's no 'Rubber Soul' or 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' for that matter, but it's not a terrible album by any means. In fact, it's a classic Beatles album and one of the best albums of 1964 by a long shot. I highly, highly recommend 'Beatles for Sale' to any Beatles fan, casual or die-hard. Don't pass this one by. The music here is truly exceptional. Five stars is certainly earned. ENJOY!!!
	Genesis - A Trick of the Tail
	"One of my all-time favorite albums PERIOD"	2009-09-21
It was 1976. Genesis was at a standstill. Peter Gabriel had just left the group, and they had released their critical masterpiece 'The Lamb Dies Down On Broadway' just two years earlier. Gabriel, the group's frontman, left Genesis in 1975 after the 'Lamb' tour to start his own solo career. The group interviewed many different lead vocalists, and eventually settled on their own: Phil Collins, the group's drummer since 1971 (the year 'Nursery Cryme,' another great record was released), took over the role as the lead vocalist. The result of all of this transitioning was this, 1976's 'A Trick of the Tail.' At this time, Genesis were at a creative peak. One listen to 'Dance on a Volcano' and you'll understand my reasoning. Great vocals by a young (25 at the time) Phil and a great keyboard riff by Tony. Steve's guitar is great throughout, especially at the jam session near the end of the track. Truly one of the greatest Genesis tracks to appear on one of their records. 'Entangled' is a great, madrigal-like acoustic number. Mike and Steve play mellow acoustic guitar, and Tony's keyboards at the end are just haunting. Truly one of the most bone chilling moments they ever did. Moving right along, 'Squonk' provided Genesis a great, rhythmic jam session, with some of Phil's best vocals. But, take my word, the song sounds much better on 'Seconds Out,' and I strongly recommend you buy that album along with this one. It's one of the all-time great live albums. 'Mad Man Moon' is perhaps Genesis' most underrated song. A nice, piano-driven ballad featuring mellow vocals by Phil and a driving acoustic piano as only Tony can play. And Tony's solo here is outstanding, proving the point of how great a keyboardist Tony is. Just an outstanding song, probably one of my favorite Genesis songs period. 'Robbery, Assault & Battery' is a nice little mini-rock opera that just sounds great here. Another great keyboard driven song, Tony sounds awesome here and really shines. I have often wondered how this song would have sounded with Peter Gabriel at the helm. One has to wonder... 'Ripples' is another great acoustic ballad, and like 'Entangled,' features a madrigal-like sound to it. It starts of with Mike and Steve playing acoustic guitars, and Tony playing a harpsichord, with Phil singing quietly and mellowly. The song kicks into a jam session halfway into the song, with Tony and Steve just dominating. This is a highlight of 'A Trick of the Tail.' The title track is a nice little ditty, and is the shortest song on the album. It's actually one of my favorites on the album; it's a simple, catchy little song and one of the first where Phil really comes into his own as a vocalist. An excellent song indeed. And what a better way to close a record than 'Los Endos'? Clocking in at 5:49, 'Los Endos' is instrumental, and Mike, Tony, Phil and Steve just jam here. This has become a concert staple for the group, and one of the few songs from their '70s days that Genesis continued to play live after the 'Abacab' tour. This is one of the best songs they ever did by a long shot, because it's so complex. I recommend listening to the version on 'Seconds Out' as well, which features a great drum duet between Phil and their longtime touring drummer Chester Thompson prior to the start of the song. Overall, 'A Trick of the Tail' is one of their best albums period and is one of my personal favorite albums. It's such a great album to listen to because there are so many different moods on it. It's a very sophisticated album, and it's hard to believe that this is the same band (sans Steve Hackett) that released 'Invisible Touch' exactly ten years later. Something else to note is this album was remastered and remixed (by Nick Davis) in 2007. I don't recommend that reissue; notice the word REMIX. I much prefer the original 1994 remaster, because everything just sounds right. Although the 2007 remaster is good (and it's the only one that's readily available nowadays), if you plan on buying the remastered 2007 version of this, hang on to your 1994 copy and compare the two. That way you can make your own decision about which mix is better. But I prefer the '94 version personally. I can't recommend this album enough. It's one of the greatest albums they ever did and is to this day a personal favorite of mine; it's something everybody should listen to at least once. It's just that great of an album. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended. ENJOY!!!
	The Beach Boys - Sounds Of Summer - The Very Best Of The Beach Boys
	"About as concise a single disc greatest-hits album as one can get for the Beach Boys"	2009-08-26
The Beach Boys' 2003 compilation 'Sounds of Summer - The Very Best of The Beach Boys' is an accurate title, yet at the same time, is somewhat of an inaccurate title. From 1962 to present day, The Beach Boys have been one of America's best bands, making artistic masterpieces ('Pet Sounds') and even writing songs about surfing, girls, and cars (1962-1965). That's what made the Beach Boys great. 'The Sounds of Summer - The Very Best of The Beach Boys' tries to summarize these on one CD. Spanning the years 1962 to 1989 and including 30 songs, this album is about as comprehensive as one can get for a single disc. Read on. Starting in 1962 with 'Surfin' Safari' (but oddly omitting the other hit single from this year, '409'), 'The Sounds of Summer' kicks off in high gear. Containing most of the great other songs from 1962-1965, including 'Surfin' USA,' 'Shut Down,' 'Fun Fun Fun,' 'Help Me Rhonda,' among many others. Then we hit 'Pet Sounds,' from 1966. That groundbreaking album that changed pop music forever thanks to the genius that was (and still is) Brian Wilson. Represented from that album here are 'Sloop John B,' 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' and perhaps my favorite Beach Boys song 'God Only Knows.' 1968-1989 is represented modestly, with 'Heroes and Villains,' 'Darlin',' 'Do It Again,' 'I Can Hear Music,' 'Getcha Back,' 'Kokomo,' among others. It's got most of the hits from that period, but there was far more to the Beach Boys during this period then what's offered here. This disc stops at 1989, which is great, because most of what The Beach Boys did in the 1990s was an embarrassment. Oh, who am I kidding, ALL of it was an embarrassment. 'Stars and Stripes Vol. 1' was absolutely dreadful and fortunately for us, none of that album is represented here. To get a full picture of the Beach Boys, you need to buy 'The Warmth of the Sun,' the 2007 sequel to this album, along with this to get an accurate portrait of this legendary California group. That disc has much of their 1970s triumphs, something that's missing here (other than 'Come Go With Me,' from 1978), including 'Til I Die,' 'It's OK,' 'Surf's Up,' and many more. Buy them both if you truly want 'The Very Best of the Beach Boys.' Something else to note is 'Caroline No,' one of the best songs from 'Pet Sounds' and Brian Wilson's first single as a solo artist in 1966, is omitted from both collections. That's so irritating. One has to wonder why they call it 'The VERY BEST of The Beach Boys' when arguably one of their finest moments is omitted from both of their albums. Overall, 'Sounds of Summer' is not truly the very best of the Beach Boys because if it were, it'd be two, maybe three discs. But for a single disc collection, this certainly isn't bad at all. It's about as good as it gets actually. I recommend this for the casual fan or the new Beach Boys. I advise the new Beach Boys fan to buy this, 'The Warmth of the Sun,' and eventually, 'Pet Sounds,' one of the greatest albums ever made, from 1966. Recommended for the new or casual Beach Boys fan.
	John Lennon - Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon
	"Great, but there are better options"	2009-08-06
John Lennon is a musical legend, but one doesn't need me to say that. Spanning a career with the Beatles and one of the finest solo careers one can imagine, not to mention one of the finest songwriters to ever grace the earth, John Lennon could truly do it all. 1997's 'Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon,' released on Parlaphone/EMI, is a great overview of Lennon's solo career. With 20 songs and a total time of 77:30, some of Lennon's best is collected here. The thing is, this actually is somewhat unnecessary now. And unfortunately, it was unnecessary in 1997. Why, you may ask? Read on. I'll start with the positives of this disc. If you want 20 of John Lennon's best solo songs in one sitting, 'Lennon Legend' is a great option. 'Mother,' 'Jealous Guy,' 'Power to the People,' 'Cold Turkey,' his legendary song about his heroin addiction, and his signature song, 'Imagine' can all be found here. And, the sound quality on this disc is outstanding! But there are still plenty of negatives. 1989's soundtrack to the documentary based on Lennon's life, 'Imagine' is the best Lennon overview on the market, because it spans some of his material with The Beatles and it also includes several rarities. That's a great disc to own if you want just one disc of Lennon's. Another soundtrack to another Lennon documentary film, 'The US Vs. John Lennon,' released in 2007, is also a great disc, but it too spans only his solo career, 1969-1980. However, that collection has 21 songs and it too contains rarities, making that a better option for a casual fan. Overall, there are plenty of better options than 'Lennon Legend' in 2009. For a fan that wants a career spanner, go check out the soundtrack to 'Imagine.' For a fan that wants a compilation spanning Lennon's solo years only, go for 'The US Vs. John Lennon.' Both contain some rarities and the bottom line is, both are better options. But this gets four stars just because it's John Lennon, and everything here is EASILY ten star material.
	The Moody Blues - Greatest Hits
	"Not the Moody Blues collection you want to own"	2009-07-18
In 1989, The Moody Blues released 'Greatest Hits,' the first "comprehensive" collection of their music. Spanning the years 1967 to 1988, the Justin Hayward era (he was not the original lead singer -- Denny Laine of Paul McCartney & Wings fame was), this collection was the only single disc collection available of the Moodies for years. It's got plenty of gems here, don't get me wrong. The full length 'Nights in White Satin,' 'Tuesday Afternoon,' 'The Voice,' 'Your Wildest Dreams,' and even 'Ride My See Saw.' But there are many more negatives here than positives. Why did the band decide to re-record 'Question' and 'Isn't Life Strange'? It makes no sense to me. The originals are far inferior to the remakes used here, in my opinion. And there's plenty missing that could fit. 'Steppin' in a Slide Zone,' 'Blue World,' 'Late Lament,' or why not a Laine-era (1964-1966) gem like 'Go Now' or perhaps 'People Gotta Go'? Those would sound great on here. The sound quality is also inferior to compilations released later on, which is understandable, considering this was released in 1989. Technology and remastering techniques have changed considerably since twenty years ago. Overall, if you want a single-disc Moody Blues collection, go for 1997's 'The Best of the Moody Blues.' There you get a track from the Denny Laine era ('Go Now') plus almost everything here, including 'Question' and 'Isn't Life Strange' in their original album versions. Or, if you want a two disc set, go for 'Gold.' But unless you are a die-hard fan wanting the 1988 versions of 'Isn't Life Strange' and 'Question,' this collection really isn't necessary.
	The Who - Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy
	"THE Definitive Early Years Who Collection"	2009-07-14
Let me start the review by saying this: If you are looking for a career spanning retrospective for The Who, look elsewhere, because this isn't it. If you want 'Won't Get Fooled Again,' 'Baba O'Riley,' 'Squeeze Box,' 'Eminence Front,' etc., you certainly won't find it here. In fact, many of these weren't even released or recorded yet when this was released in 1971. Now that I have said that, I move on to my review. This collection spans 1965 to 1969, in essence, the early years of The Who. This is a must have for every Who fan, whether you are a casual fan, new fan, or longtime/die-hard fan, this is one record every single Who fan needs to own. 'Bouncy' was released in 1971. 38 years later, it still holds up and is the most comprehensive early years collection of The Who to date. Mostly every single early Who classic is here. 'My Generation,' a rare extended version of 'I'm A Boy,' 'Magic Bus,' 'I Can't Explain,' 'Pinball Wizard,' and one of my personal favorite Who classics which never got the respect it deserved, 'A Legal Matter,' from 'The Who Sings My Generation' (1965). The only complaint I have is the omission of 'The Ox,' also from '65. In my opinion, that is the early Who at their best. It is a shame to see that song omitted, and at 43 minutes, it could easily fit here, too. And why not include an underrated Who classic, like John Entwistle's 'Whiskey Man,' from 'A Quick One' (1966)? All of these would fit. But despite those omissions, this is a must own for any Who fan. It is a thoroughly enjoyable collection that I can readily recommend to just about anybody that likes good rock and roll or music in general. Overall, I can't say it enough, this is easily one of the top Who collections on the market. No collection captures the early Who ('65-'69) quite like 'Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy.' It is an essential part to any Who fan's collection. Highly, highly recommended. A near flawless collection. ENJOY!!!
	Charlie Parker - Ken Burns JAZZ Collection
	"It has it's positives and negatives"	2009-07-04
Charlie Parker was a master at the saxophone, and more importantly, a master of improvisation. 'Ken Burns JAZZ: The Definitive Charlie Parker' collects 16 Parker sides from various labels, including Savoy, Dial and Verve. Alright look, in terms of years, this is about as comprehensive a Parker collection you can get on the market. We're talking about years, let's not forget. It spans 1941-1953, 12 years, practically his entire career. It includes a track from his days with the Jay McShann Big Band ('Sepian Bounce') and one of his early collaborations with Dizzy Gillespie ('Salt Peanuts'). But then we get into the real Bird sides. When I say real Bird sides, I mean the one where he was leader. There's 'Ornithology,' 'Anthropology,' 'Ko-Ko,' representing the early 1940s, of course, which are some of his most critically acclaimed sides. Then we move into the latter 1940s where we get the stunning 'Loverman.' Parker was so drunk he had to be physically supported by the producer of this session. But even though he was drunk, this is one of the finest jazz recordings you'll find anywhere. Parker's sax is full of emotion. Parker re-recorded it for Verve in 1953, and while I appreciate and like that version, this is the version that you should hear first. Parker was than sent to a mental hospital after many bizarre encounters and experiences, and he wrote 'Relaxin' At Camarillo' is about that experience. It may be instrumental, but it's great. The piano at the beginning is amazing, and Parker's playing is just superb as well. After a cover of the standard 'Embraceable You' we move on to the Verve years. The Verve years are probably my favorite years of his career. The Verve years open on this compilation with 'Just Friends,' featuring an orchestra and string accompaniment. 'Star Eyes' features a young Miles Davis, who really shines here. The last recording here is 'Confirmation,' recorded in 1953. Parker was almost two years away from death when this was recorded. But despite that, this is one of my favorite Parker recordings. It's good, and Parker proves why he's the master of improvisation here. The thing that limits me from giving this disc five stars are two things. One, it's too short. 16 songs may look like a lot on paper, but this disc could be filled to capacity. It's not even an hour long. Yes, that's right. More Parker would be good. The 13-minute 'I Got Rhythm' would fit perfectly on this recording, and yet, it's nowhere to be found. Another negative is the sound quality. Now I've heard all of these recordings from other sources, and it's safe to say I've heard them sound MUCH better than what's here. Overall, if you are a newcomer to Bird's legendary music, this would be a great entry point. Now, it's not the only good entry point out there, but it's a great place to begin, nonetheless. 1941-1953 is twelve years, more than a decade, and that's the time period spanned on this short, less-than-an-hour (but just barely less) disc. However, if you are a Bird purist, than chances are you already own all of this material. And for the newcomer that's picky about sound, I advise you skip over this one. Recommended to one who is just starting his/her Charlie "Bird" Parker collection and isn't terribly concerned about sound.
	The Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks, Vol. 9: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, 9/16/90
	"Perhaps my favorite Dead performance"	2009-06-27
'Dick's Picks, Vol. 9' is an absolutely amazing live album from the Grateful Dead. Recorded live at Madison Square Garden in New York on September 16, 1990, this show captures the band after the recent death of longtime keyboardist Brent Mydland, who had died of a drug overdose just months before. Bruce Hornsby (known for his hit 'The Way it Is' and his group, Bruce Hornsby & The Range) and former Tubes keyboardist Vince Welnick play keyboards together here. They absolutely sound great together. Jerry's guitar sounds mighty fine on this performance as well, too. Listen to 'No MSG Jam,' which is just amazing. Jerry shines there, and on the Bob Weir track 'Looks Like Rain,' revived from the 'Europe '72' live album released almost two decades earlier. In my opinion, I prefer this version of 'Rain' over the 'Europe' version, as this one of my favorite recordings period. 'Drums' are great, too, with Kreutzmann and Hart just going at it, and Phil Lesh sounds pretty great too. Just listen to 'Hell in a Bucket' for an example. I've read some pretty negative reviews regarding this performance at MSG. I honestly can't understand why. The band is in top shape here. It's a great performance with plenty of great material. Anybody who likes the Dead should own this performance. Overall, I can always readily recommend this show. It's a great performance, easily one of my favorites of theirs. An all around great show from an incredible band. Highly, highly recommended. ENJOY!!!
	Steve Miller Band - Young Hearts: Complete Greatest Hits
	"Title is misleading, but still a good listen"	2009-06-22
The Steve Miller Band. With a career spanning over three decades, the Steve Miller Band created some of the finest guitar pop/rock around. The group have always been classic rock radio staples, and it's not hard to see why. In 2003, the group's longtime label, Capitol, released 'Young Hearts: Complete Greatest Hits.' The album contains tracks from the SMB in their psychedelic blues days of the '60s, their radio hits in the '70s, and their mainstream hits of the '80s. So let's face the facts: As far as single disc compilations go, this one is pretty great. 'My Dark Hour,' 'Space Cowboy,' among others, are here from his early years in the late-1960s, and all of his radio hits are here from the '70s. 'Space Intro/Fly Like An Eagle,' 'Take the Money and Run,' the full length version of 'The Joker' all appear on this set for your listening pleasure. The sound quality is excellent, too! These tracks were digitally remastered and they sound just amazing!!! There are some flaws here, too. Ah sigh. It seems there will never be the perfect Steve Miller Band compilation. 'Abracadabra,' his big hit from 1982, is edited down from five+ minutes to 3:41. And 'My Dark Hour' is edited from three minutes to 2:36. And there are plenty of tracks missing. For a single disc, this is great. About as good as it gets, actually, for a single disc. But what about 'Heart Like A Wheel,' 'Going To Mexico,' 'Gangster of Love,' 'Mercury Blues,' or perhaps 'Sacrifice'? The point is, if you are going to have a 'Complete Greatest Hits' for the Steve Miller Band, it can't be a single disc. You need two discs. So in a way, this is a blown opportunity by Capitol. We could finally have a career retrospective of the SMB released on two CDs with all songs in their full length versions. Overall, for now, this is as good as it gets for a fan of the Steve Miller Band. Now all we can do is wait for a comprehensive two-disc collection with all songs in their full length album versions. Recommended, for now anyway.
	The Beatles - The Beatles 1
	"Use this as an entry point to The Beatles"	2009-05-25
In 2000, The Beatles released '1,' a single-disc, 27-track compilation spanning The Beatles' entire career, 1962 to 1970. Released on Apple in 2000, the record was digitally remastered, and before I begin my review, the sound quality on this disc is exceptional. It really is. Now, read on for my review for '1.' While each of these 27 songs are five stars easily, I don't really recommend this disc for anybody except for the new, casual or hardcore Beatles fan. Why, you may ask? First off, while everything here is superb, two of their finest albums go completely unrepresented. 'Rubber Soul' and 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' are easily two of the finest records EVER MADE, and yet, there is NOTHING on this album from those albums. No 'Michelle,' no 'In My Life,' no 'Drive My Car,' 'Norwegian Wood,' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' I could go on and on and on. Also, nothing from one of their early albums, 'With the Beatles.' That means, no 'All My Loving' or 'You Really Got A Hold On Me.' These are also disappointing omissions. The point is, it's virtually impossible to gather all of The Beatles' best songs on one disc. It has been attempted many times, including on '1.' Now this is a good disc, I own it, and I have listened to it many times. It's got many of the basics, on a positive note. Spanning 'Love Me Do,' from 1962, to 'Let It Be' and 'The Long and Winding Road,' from 1970, this disc does cover every phase of the group's career. But, the omission of songs from 'Rubber Soul' and 'Sgt. Pepper's' prevents this disc from getting five stars. Any Beatles compilation lacking tracks from those two albums is three stars at best. Overall, I strongly recommend '1' to the casual Beatles fan, the new Beatles fan, and for the hardcore fan just because of the slamming sound quality. But otherwise, I recommend '1962-1966' and '1967-1970,' both two disc sets, to get The Beatles best work. There, you will collect many of their great songs that are missing in action here. Get those instead. '1,' unfortunately, can be skipped.
	Ornette Coleman - Shape of Jazz to Come
	"Perhaps one of the greatest records ever made -- if not, definitely one of the greatest jazz records ever made"	2009-05-22
Ornette Coleman was 29 years of age in 1959. He had made his debut album in 1958, entitled 'Something Else!!!!,' released on the Contemporary label. Coleman released two other albums for the Contemporary label before leaving to sign with Atlantic Records. The result was 'The Shape of Jazz to Come,' his first album to be released on the label and to this day, his finest. Produced by Atlantic Records executive Nesuhi Ertegun, the record featured six songs including what many consider to be his standout piece, 'Lonely Woman.' But believe me when I tell you, 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' is FAR more than just 'Lonely Woman.' All six songs are jazz masterpieces with Coleman blowing away at his saxophone, and featuring Don Cherry on cornet, Charlie Haden on the double bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The record's six tracks are all masterpieces in their own right, but my favorite track would be the nine minute 'Peace.' Coleman is at his finest here, as is his backing group, in my opinion. So for people who haven't heard 'The Shape of Jazz to Come,' or have heard it but don't own it, BUY IT RIGHT NOW. This album is not only one of the finest jazz records ever to be made, but it is one of the finest records to be made PERIOD. This is an avant-garde jazz masterpiece. I can't say it enough, you don't have a jazz record collection until you have 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' in it. Overall, I recommend this album to anybody. It's an amazing record. If you like jazz even a little bit, than you'll love this album. Highly, highly recommended. This is a must-own for any jazz fan or any music fan in general. ENJOY!!!
	Sting - Dream of the Blue Turtles
	"By a long shot Sting's best album--a must-own album for anyone's collection"	2009-04-14
In many cases, the artist's debut album is often one of their weakest albums. Sure, it's good (most of the time), and it's good because you can hear how the artist started and how the artist progressed over time. There are several exceptions though. The two that come to my mind at the moment is U2's 'Boy,' from 1980 (their major label debut, but not their official debut) and this one, Sting's 1984 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles.' Everybody knew Sting in 1984. He had been the frontman for the legendary group The Police from 1976 to 1983, and again for a brief stretch in 1986 (also from 2007-2008, but that's irrelevant here). By the time The Police broke up in 1983, they were the biggest rock group in the world. Many loyal fans were simply devastated. But Sting came back and delivered with this one. Featuring my all time favorite Sting song, 'Fortress Around Your Heart,' and another classic, 'Russians.' Another thing to take note of is Sting's supporting cast. Branford Marsalis is on board playing saxophone here. Jazz fans know Branford as a part of the Marsalis family, which also includes fellow jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Branford's solo on 'Fortress' is easily the highlight of the album. Another classic here is the hit 'If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,' one of my favorite Sting songs. The album also includes the title track, 'Love Is The Seventh Wave,' 'Moon Over Bourbon Street,' and much more. Overall, I'd recommend this album to just about anybody. Whether you are a Sting fan, a Police fan, or a jazz-rock fan in general, Sting's 1984 debut 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles' is a masterpiece. Highly, highly recommended. ENJOY!!!
	The Rolling Stones - Jump Back: The Best of the Rolling Stones 1971-1993
	"Alright, but it misses the point"	2009-04-13
The Rolling Stones have plenty of collections out there, mostly focusing on their early (1964-1970) days. That is thanks to their old label ABCKO, who keep milking the Rolling Stones name with releases like 'Hot Rocks 1964-1971,' 'Singles Collection: The London Years,' and 'Big Hits!,' which was a compilation released back in the '60s, admittedly. 'Jump Back: The Best of The Rolling Stones 71-93' has it's moments, and it has the hits, but not much else. A more appropriate title would be 'Greatest Hits 1971-1993.' However, what is here is great. 'Brown Sugar,' 'Undercover of the Night' (you hate to say you love it, but you do), 'Wild Horses' and one of my personal favorites, the ballad 'Angie.' So there is some great material here, and it again, it has the hits. So therefore, it gets three stars. Why not five, you may ask? Well, here's the thing. What I would like to see is a Stones' Virgin era (1971-present) compilation that combines hits and perhaps some album tracks, which are recordings that deserved to be, but for some reason never were, hits. Where are 'Some Girls,' from the 1978 album by the same name, 'She Was Hot,' from 1983's 'Undercover of the Night,' 'Dancing with Mr. D,' one of my personal favorites, from 1973's 'Goats Head Soup,' and perhaps another album classic like 'Black Limousine' from 1981's 'Tattoo You'? Now granted, the chances are casual Stones fans that only have heard the hits have not heard those tracks before. That is actually quite a shame, as they are classic Stones tracks that all easily could have been and should have been hits. Overall, if you are a casual Stones fan who only wants the songs they hear on the radio every day, buy 'Jump Back.' You'll be satisfied and you'll get the radio hits. Otherwise, stick with 'Forty Licks' for now. That is the most comprehensive Stones collection on the market. If you are real Stones fan like myself, all we can do is hope that eventually the Stones will release a collection full of album tracks perhaps blended in with some hits. 'Sucking in the Seventies' is the closest thing to that type of compilation, which is a little scary. Recommended for the casual Stones fan, but otherwise, stick to 'Forty Licks' and 'Sucking in the Seventies.'
	Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Starship - Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship - Hits
	"Decent -- Serves it's purpose"	2009-03-05
In 1965, a young vocalist born in Cincinnati but brought up in the San Francisco area wanted to start a group. This young vocalist's name was Marty Balin. Balin started the Jefferson Airplane with the intentions of becoming a folk-rock group, but as this compilation proves, they became far more than that. OVERVIEW: This two CD collection spans 1966 to 1989, 23 years, to be exact. If you are new to the Airplane/Starship, and you want a two CD collection, check this album out. It serves it's purpose -- but despite being a two CD set, it has it's flaws and slip-ups. Read on for the album by album review. Tracks from 'Jefferson Airplane Takes Off' (1966) It's No Secret Review: A great song, an excellent folk rocker. Balin's vocals shine here. Listen in for a simple drum beat by original drummer Skip Spence, and some backing vocals by Signe Toly Anderson. A good song choice, a great song actually, but why stop there? Their version of 'Let's Get Together' (popularized by The Youngbloods) would fit nicely here, and it gives the listener a small taste of what Anderson really sounded like. A good choice, but RCA could have easily picked more here. Tracks from 'Surrealistic Pillow' (1967) Somebody to Love, White Rabbit, Embryonic Journey, Plastic Fantastic Lover, Comin' Back To Me Review: By 1967, Airplane had almost completely left it's folk rock roots behind. Drummer Skip Spence had left the group by this point as well, as did Anderson. Spence was replaced by Spencer Dryden, Anderson by Grace Slick. Of course everybody knows 'Somebody to Love' and 'White Rabbit,' perhaps two of Grace Slick's finest moments on record. The Jorma Kaukonen solo acoustic piece 'Embryonic Journey' has always been one of my favorites. Kaukonen's acoustic playing also shines on 'Plastic Fantastic Lover' and 'Comin' Back To Me,' one of Balin's best songs as well. However, one key omission here: Balin's superb ballad 'Today.' Other than that, no complaints. An excellent album. Tracks from 'After Bathing At Baxter's' (1967) The Ballad Of You And Me And Pooneil Review: Within months after the release of 'Pillow,' Airplane were back in the studio with 'Baxter's.' Perhaps one of their best records. Representing this album here is 'The Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil,' easily one of my favorite Airplane songs. BUT THAT'S NOT ENOUGH!!! We want 'reJoyce,' the Paul Kantner masterpiece 'Watch Her Ride,' or the classic 'Wild Tyme.' Very disappointing indeed. Tracks from 'Crown Of Creation' (1968) Greasy Heart, Lather, Crown of Creation Review: Another fine Airplane album. 'Greasy Heart' is an excellent Slick hard rock love song, with some mean guitar playing by Kaukonen. 'Lather' is a very strange love song from Slick to Dryden, based on Dryden celebrating his 30th birthday. An excellent track, very strange, but quite interesting and amusing. 'Crown Of Creation' is a great song, but another key omission: the David Crosby composition 'Triad' definitely deserves to be here. Tracks from 'Volunteers' (1969) Wooden Ships, Volunteers, The Good Shepherd Review: Three amazing songs. Of the three, 'Wooden Ships' is my favorite. Kantner's vocals, along with Balin's and Slick's are superb here. A true gem in the Airplane catalog. 'Volunteers' is an excellent two-minute protest song, and 'The Good Shepherd' is a very odd song, but a great one. But where is Slick's classic 'Eskimo Blue Day'? Tracks from 1970 Have You Seen The Saucers Review: 'Have You Seen The Saucers' is an odd Balin, Slick and Kantner showcase, but it fits here, no doubt. What's missing from these sessions is Slick's 'Mexico,' an excellent song. Tracks from 'Bark' (1971) Pretty As You Feel, Third Week In The Chelsea Review: Major changes occurred in 1970. Spencer Dryden and Marty Balin both left Jefferson Airplane. Dryden was replaced by drummer Joey Covington; Balin, however, was not replaced. 'Bark' is an interesting album. 'Pretty As You Feel' is a great song, very interesting indeed. Jorma Kaukonen sings lead vocals on his folk rock composition 'Third Week In The Chelsea,' which easily could have been a hit for Hot Tuna, the group he formed with Airplane bassist Jack Casady as a side project. Good picks, however I like 'Law Man' a lot as well. Tracks from 'Long John Silver' (1972) Long John Silver Review: By 1972, the Airplane was falling apart in a massive way. 'Long John Silver' has a very garage-rock sound to it. A good song, not great, but good. Slick and Kantner sing lead on that track. The song probably would have been better with Balin on board. 'Eat Starch Mom' is a great Slick song that actually I would say would fit under the genre of punk rock, but yet it's not here. Somewhat irritating, it definitely should be here. Tracks from 'Dragon Fly' (1974) Caroline, Ride The Tiger Review: In 1973, Jefferson Airplane disbanded. Casady and Kaukonen continued as Hot Tuna. However, Slick and Kantner, still determined to work together, formed Jefferson Starship, a followup group to the Airplane. Featuring Pete Sears on bass guitar, Quicksilver Messenger Service (another great San Francisco psychedelic rock group) veteran David Freiberg on keyboards, 19-year old Craig Chaquico on lead guitars, and Crosby Stills & Nash veteran John Barbata on drums. 'Dragon Fly' is a musically interesting debut album from JS, featuring the rocker 'Ride The Tiger.' But the real surprise here is the part-time return of Marty Balin, who sings lead on the love song 'Caroline.' The omission here is 'Devil's Den,' an interesting track featuring Slick on vocals and Papa John Creach on fiddle/violin. A good album indeed. Tracks from 'Red Octopus' (1975) Miracles Review: By early 1975, Balin was a full time member of Jefferson Starship. 'Red Octopus' was a classic, and we get the classic hit 'Miracles' representing the album. A great song indeed. However, THAT'S IT!?! Where is Slick's amazing 'Fast Buck Freddie' or her love song 'Play On Love'? Maddening. Those were key JS tracks, and yet, nowhere to be found here. Tracks from 'Spitfire' (1976) With Your Love Review: Another great album. Balin's mid-tempo ballad 'With Your Love' is here representing that album. An excellent ballad indeed. This compilation though again misses a major mark here. Where is the album classic 'Dance With The Dragon,' a great Kantner composition? Or what about Slick's album classic 'Hot Water'? More irritating omissions. Tracks from 'Earth' (1978) Count On Me, Runaway Review: 'Earth' was a great album. It was a great album, especially for Balin. 'Count On Me' is a love song, but not a ballad, and features some great vocals from Marty. 'Runaway' is another Balin classic, but also listen in for some classic guitar riffs by Chaquico. A great album indeed. Wouldn't mind seeing 'Skateboard' here, but that's nothing to cry about. Tracks from 'Freedom At Point Zero' (1979) Jane Review: 1979 brought big changes once again for Jefferson Starship. In 1978, after appearing drunk at a concert in Germany, Grace Slick was kicked out of the band. Balin left shortly afterwards. Also during this time, drummer John Barbata was seriously injured in a car accident, and was forced to leave the group due to injuries. Replacing Barbata was Journey and Frank Zappa veteran Aynsley Dunbar. Slick was not replaced, however, Balin was replaced with former Elvin Bishop Group singer Mickey Thomas. The group began shying away from the love song/ballad direction they were taking with Balin and began playing hard rock. The group released 'Freedom At Point Zero' in mid-1979. The album spawned a hit for the group, the incredible 'Jane.' A great guitar solo from Chaquico and Thomas' incredible voice make this track well worth listening to. However, 'Rock Music' would be nice as well. But that's a minor complaint. A great album and a great song indeed! Tracks from 'Modern Times' (1981) Find Your Way Back, Stranger Review: Yet another major change was made in 1981 for JS. The return of Grace Slick. She rejoined in 1981 after a three-year absence from the group. Her presence is certainly felt on 'Stranger,' a classic featuring an amazing bass line from Pete Sears. 'Find Your Way Back' is a great pop metal number featuring Thomas' soaring tenor vocals. The short 'Modern Times' (the song, that is) would fit nicely here, but it's no major complaint that's omitted. Tracks from 'Winds of Change' (1982) Be My Lady Review: A good album, indeed. Not a great album, in my opinion, but good, nonetheless. 'Be My Lady' was a great pop rock track, featuring Thomas' vocals and Slick singing background vocals. Something to take note of for this album was the major change in direction. Kantner practically contributed nothing here, with the exception of 'I Came Back from the Jaws of the Dragon.' The title track should be here, and perhaps 'Black Widow' would fit nicely here as well. Tracks from 'Nuclear Furniture' (1984) No Way Out, Layin' It On The Line Review: Another personnel change was made. In 1983, drummer Aynsley Dunbar left the group, being replaced by another former Elvin Bishop Group alum, Donny Baldwin. 'Nuclear Furniture' was a solid album, featuring some great moments, two of them represented here. 'No Way Out' is a great pop metal power ballad, and 'Layin' It On The Line' is a great track as well. The other great moment from this album is missing in action here. 'Connection' was a great Kantner composition, not a hit, but a great song, and yet, it's not here. Two great songs, but 'Connection' would have been a great song to see here as well. Tracks from 'Knee Deep In The Hoopla' (1985) We Built This City, Sara, Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight Review: In 1984, Paul Kantner left Jefferson Starship. The group planned to carry on as Jefferson Starship, but Kantner took legal action and filed a lawsuit, and the group was forced to change their name. Therefore, Starship is born. David Freiberg was also around for the early Starship sessions in early 1985, but left the group after session musician and Zappa alum Peter Wolf was handling all of the keyboard duties. 'We Built This City' revived Starship's career, reaching #1 on the charts. Written by Elton John collaborator/songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, Martin Page and Dennis Lambert, the song was a major hit. 'Sara' followed 'City,' also hitting #1. This song is a great power ballad, featuring richly textured synthesizers and great vocals from Thomas. 'Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight' was a minor chart hit, and it's nice to see it here. Great picks, wouldn't mind seeing 'Before I Go,' but that's minor. A good 1980s album indeed. Tracks from 'No Protection' (1987) Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, It's Not Over Review: Bassist Pete Sears left the group in early 1986, and the group carried on as a quartet. Slick and Thomas' duet on 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' also landed in the #1 spot in the charts, and 'It's Not Over' hit #12. However, where is 'Babylon' and 'Transatlantic,' two of the finest moments on the album? Slick's vocals are incredible on 'Babylon,' and Thomas' long-distance relationship love song 'Transatlantic' should all be here. Good tracks and a solid album, but why not add those? Tracks from 'Love Among the Cannibals' (1989) It's Not Enough Review: At the age of 49, in 1988, Grace Slick left Starship and actually joined a reformed Jefferson Airplane project with Kantner, Balin, Casady and Kaukonen. What was left of Starship (Thomas, Chaquico, Baldwin) carried on and released the album 'Cannibals.' This is a great album, and it's a hair metal album. At times on this album, the group sounds quite similar to Def Leppard. 'It's Not Enough' was the big hit here, however this album forgot all about 'Wild Again' and 'I Didn't Mean To Stay All Night.' This was Thomas' personal favorite Starship album, and it's a great album, one of their best as Starship, no doubt. However, those two omissions are key ones. Overall, if you are new to the Jefferson family of groups, the two disc set 'Hits' might be exactly what you are looking for to start with. If you don't feel like shelling out the cash to buy this, and you want the best of JA/JS/Starship all in one place, I recommend 'VH1 Behind The Music' or 'Love Songs.' This is highly recommended for the new Airplane/Starship fan that wants to get acquainted to the music of this legendary San Francisco band, or bands, for that matter. Despite those omissions, this compilation definitely deserves four stars. Recommended.
	Hot Tuna - Pair a Dice Found
	"It's Hot Tuna, but it's not Hot Tuna"	2009-02-21
When guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady founded Hot Tuna in 1970, it was an acoustic blues band playing blues standards. It was simply just Jorma's incredible acoustic guitar playing and Jack's distinct, yet awesome bass playing. Fast forward 20 years. Take yourself to 1990. Hot Tuna hadn't released even an album since 1978, with the live album 'Double Dose.' The 1989 Jefferson Airplane reunion brought Jorma and Jack back together, so they decided to reform Hot Tuna. They were signed to Epic Records. The result was 'Pair a Dice Found,' the 1990 Hot Tuna reunion album. This album blows in many ways. Hot Tuna was trying to find a more mainstream market here. The band is in top shape, as always, but it's just not what you would expect from a band that did so much better in so many ways in the 1970s. And what about the addition of another guitarist? Michael Falzarano was added to the lineup for this album as an additional guitarist. WHAT!? Jorma Kaukonen does not need an additional guitarist!! He's a master, one of the best, so why was the addition of Falzarano necessary? Now to the music. The only real cover here is Jesse Fuller's classic 'San Francisco Bay Blues.' A good cover, probably would have sounded great on one of their '70s efforts like 'America's Choice,' and it sounds pretty darn good here. This is a great song. The rest of the album, though, blows. Falzarano dominates the writing credits here, writing 'AK-47,' 'Brand New Toy,' 'To Be With You,' 'Bulletproof Vest' and many others. Now these compositions, for the most part, are decent, but I, personally feel that Falzarano should have put them on a solo record. Overall, 'Pair a Dice Found' is a major disappoint from a really good band. With the exception of 'San Francisco Bay Blues' and perhaps 'Eve of Destruction,' this album is not a great album. Do not start here, new fans to Hot Tuna. Go buy 'Hot Tuna,' 'First Pull Up, Then Pull Down,' and then eventually 'Burgers.' This is not the proper entry point into Hot Tuna's catalog. Recommended only for Tuna collectors and die-hards. This could have been so much better.
	Queen - Innuendo
	"'Innuendo' -- easily one of 1991's finest albums"	2008-11-25
1991 was a year of change in the music industry. Nirvana released the essential 'Nevermind.' Guns N' Roses released the 'Use Your Illusion' series that year. And who could forget U2's classic 'Achtung Baby'? But the real surprise in 1991 was Queen's 'Innuendo.' Freddie Mercury, a sick and dying man when this was recorded, sounds better than ever, and Brian May's guitar is easily at it's best since, say 'Sheer Heart Attack' or 'News Of The World.' Another pleasant surprise was Queen's return to heavy metal. The title track and 'Headlong' are really great early '90s heavy metal songs, and Mercury proves he still has the vocal range to sing metal -- and effectively. 'Innuendo' features two great, showstopping ballads, 'The Show Must Go On' and one of my personal favorites, 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives.' Mercury's voice is undescribable, it's just so great. My personal favorite here is perhaps 'I'm Going Slightly Mad.' Mercury shows his bold, operatic range, and it's easily one of the greatest, most dramatic performances Queen ever did. After 'Innuendo' was released, Mercury stepped in the studio to make a batch of final recordings that would later round up the 1995 album 'Made In Heaven.' On November 23, 1991, Freddie Mercury announced he had AIDs. A day later, November 24, 1991, Mercury was dead at the age of 45. Elton John, David Bowie and the rest of Queen (May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor) all attended his funeral. When Mercury died, the music world truly lost one of it's greatest vocalists. Overall, if you haven't already, listen to 'Innuendo.' It's not their best, but it's certainly one of their best. Mercury's voice is as fine as it's been in years. I highly recommend 'Innuendo' to anybody who loves Queen or even appreciates them. Mercury purists should enjoy this album too. ENJOY!!!
	Queen - Queen II [Bonus Tracks]
	"Arguably Queen's heaviest album -- certainly one of their best"	2008-11-25
1974's 'Queen II' was a heavy metal masterpiece. It's genre was unclassifiable rock, if I should put it. It's Queen just rocking out and doing what they did best during the 1973-1982 period. That's exactly why this is one of Queen's finest album -- it's heavy, and it's got the screeching guitars that make 1970s heavy metal great. It's got the piano-metal numbers here ('Seven Seas Of Rhye,' one of my personal favorites), the mini-operas ('Ogre Battle') and the early Elton John-esque numbers ('The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke') and just about everything else that makes a metal album, well, great. I prefer this over the '73 debut. 'Queen II' is an amazing album, and the group (May, Deacon, Taylor and Mercury) are in top form here. It's a great album to listen to, and I strongly recommend 'Queen II' for any Queen fan. While Queen would really gain momentum with their next album, 'Sheer Heart Attack,' this proves Queen rocked very early on. Overall, I can highly recommend this to any Queen fan. It's just too good to pass up if you are a Queen fan. It's great stuff. ENJOY!!!
	ZZ Top - Rancho Texicano: The Very Best of ZZ Top
	"Best retrospective of ZZ Top...but why stop at 1992?"	2008-09-26
Ah, yes. ZZ Top made some of the best music of the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Whether they were performing blues rock songs or winning over audiences on MTV, these Texans proved that they knew how to make great rock and roll and survive for numerous generations, and amazingly, they still continue to perform and tour today with the original members. 2004's 'Rancho Texicano - The Very Best of ZZ Top,' gives ZZ Top the two disc retrospective it's long needed. If you are a casual fan that wants more than what 1992's 'Greatest Hits' or 1977's 'The Best of ZZ Top' offers, than look no further. Unfortunately, this disc stops at 1992, which is a shame, because their RCA material from 1994-2003 is really great too. Oh well. Well, here is the album by album, track by track review. Tracks from ZZ Top's First Album (1971) 'Brown Sugar,' 'Goin' Back To Mexico,' 'Just Got Back From Baby's' Review: Their 1971 debut is by far their most blues oriented. One question though, where is 'Backdoor Love Affair'? That's probably my favorite song from this album. That's a disappointing omission. Tracks from Rio Grande Mud (1972) 'Francine,' 'Just Got Paid,' 'Bar-B-Q' Review: The three best songs from their sophomore effort. Blues rock at it's finest. Rhino Records selected the very best from this album. Tracks from Tres Hombres (1973) 'La Grange,' 'Waitin' For The Bus,' 'Jesus Just Left Chicago,' 'Beer Drinkers And Hell Raisers' Review: Arguably ZZ Top's best album gets great coverage here. The four great ones and standouts from this album appear on 'Rancho Texicano.' The whole album is great, so you may want to buy that album as well. Tracks from Fandango! (1975) 'Mexican Blackbird,' 'Tush,' 'Blue Jean Blues,' 'Heard It On The X,' 'Thunderbird' Review: Half studio album, half live album, 'Fandango!' remains my all time favorite ZZ Top album. Their last album for London Records, they definitely went out with a bang. The five essentials from this album are here. No complaints. Tracks from Tejas (1976) 'It's Only Love,' 'Arrested For Driving While Blind' Review: I have always thought of 'Tejas' to be the forgotten ZZ Top album. I have no complaints about what's featured, but where the heck is 'Snappy Kakkie'? That's arguably one of their best, and it's omission is irritating. Tracks from Deguello (1979) 'I Thank You,' 'I'm Bad I'm Nationwide,' 'Cheap Sunglasses,' 'A Fool For Your Stockings' Review: After 'Tejas,' ZZ Top took a three year break, and returned in 1979 with 'Deguello.' This album contains two of my all time favorites from ZZ Top, 'I'm Bad I'm Nationwide' and 'Cheap Sunglasses.' This was their last album before Billy Gibbons discovered the synthesizer. Rhino selected the four great tracks from this album. ZZ Top closed the 1970s with a bang here. Tracks from El Loco (1981) 'Tube Snake Boogie,' 'Pearl Necklace' Review: It's amazing how much ZZ Top changed in two years. Still, change isn't always a bad thing, and in this case, it isn't. This is a pretty good album, and these are the two really good songs from 'El Loco.' Enough said! Tracks from Eliminator (1983) 'Gimme All Your Lovin,' 'Sharp Dressed Man,' 'Legs,' 'Got Me Under Pressure' Review: Enter the MTV years of ZZ Top. One of their most successful albums to date, 'Eliminator' spawned four major MTV hits and radio hits alike for ZZ Top. This album is a classic, and while fans of the 1970s ZZ Top were very turned off by this, it's considered a 1980s classic. These are the four great ones from this album. Wouldn't mind seeing 'Thug' here, but that's nothing to cry about. Tracks from Afterburner (1985) 'Sleeping Bag,' 'Stages,' 'Rough Boy,' 'Velcro Fly,' 'Woke Up With Wood' Review: Their most synth-driven album, 'Afterburner' is an interesting album. Personally, this is probably my least favorite ZZ Top album, but it's still pretty good. I guess Rhino picked the bright spots from this album. I have no say here, really. Tracks from Recycler (1990) 'Doubleback,' 'My Head's In Mississippi' Review: ZZ Top's last official studio album for Warner Bros. Records. 'Recycler' was not a bright spot for the band, but they were as popular on MTV as ever, though. The return to blues rock in 'My Head's In Mississippi' was a pleasant surprise for '70s ZZ Top, and 'Doubleback' showed flashes of 'Deguello'-era ZZ Top, but still, they were very much powered by synthesizers here. Tracks from Greatest Hits (1992) 'Viva Las Vegas' Review: Bassist Dusty Hill takes the lead vocals job here, and he does a pretty good job covering Elvis (this is his second Elvis cover; he covered Elvis in 1975 for the live version of 'Jailhouse Rock' that appears on 'Fandango!'). This is actually one of my favorite ZZ Top recordings from the 1983-1992 period. They did a pretty good job here. Assorted tracks 'Cheap Sunglasses (live),' 'Velcro Fly (12" remix),' 'Legs (Dance Remix)' Review: The live version of 'Cheap Sunglasses' is pretty good, although the remixes I think don't need to be included here. Overall, this is the best available overview of ZZ Top. I strongly recommend this for casual fans, new fans and die hard fans alike. Highly recommended for any ZZ Top fan. Two CDs of pure goodness. The most comprehensive ZZ Top collection on the market, with the exception of the box sets, of course. ENJOY!!!
	The Commodores - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Commodores
	"Great, but go for the 'Ultimate Collection' and 'All The Great Love Songs'"	2008-09-20
The Commodores are one of the few groups to have more compilations than regular studio albums. Led by Lionel Richie, who would soar to fame in the late '70s and early '80s as a solo artist, started his career as a member of The Commodores, and in my opinion, he's at his best with this group. The Commodores are a great Motown group for a number of reasons. The most notable one is the way they shift their styles and range of music. They can be funky, they can make great Marvin Gaye-style R&B or they can offer ballads in their own unique way. Either way, their installment in UMG's '20th Century Masters' series is better than many of the discs in the series. 'Three Times The Lady,' 'Lady,' and 'Machine Gun,' to name a few, are all on this set, therefore making it a great starting point for the new Commodores fan. And, on top of that, the sound quality is excellent. But, at 11 songs, the disc is relatively skimpy too. Why didn't they include a ballad like 'Lucy' or 'Oh No'? And, what's even more annoying than the omissions of those key Commodores tracks is the fact that they could easily fit here, too. Overall, don't buy '20th Century Masters' unless you are a new or an easily pleased casual fan. Instead, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to 'The Ultimate Collection,' or if you can find it, 'All The Great Love Songs.' Both are great ways to get hooked on The Commodores. But the best advice I can offer you is unless you are a new fan or you are on a budget, just avoid this. Recommended for the new fan, the easily pleased casual fan or the budget-minded fan. It's not bad, but there are far better, therefore, the four stars rating is appropriate.
	Queen - Greatest Hits: We Will Rock You Edition
	"Good, but it could be a LOT better"	2008-09-11
Queen have had countless compilations released over the years. We have tons of releases called 'Greatest Hits.' There's a mediocre U.S. version, than there's a great import release. Of course, there is a 'Greatest Hits II,' focusing on the 1981-1991 material. And finally, there is even a 'Greatest Hits III' released (I strongly recommend you avoid that release at all costs).br /br /So, in the early 2000s, Hollywood Records decided to release yet another Queen 'Greatest Hits' album. But this one is far different from the standard 'Greatest Hits' release.br /br /There is nothing from the 1981-1991 period. That means, no 'Radio Ga Ga,' 'I'm Going Slightly Mad,' 'A Kind Of Magic,' 'Who Wants To Live Forever' or 'Hammer To Fall.' That's a letdown. Now, this covers the early years of Queen. Read on.br /br /Tracks from Queen (1973)br /Nonebr /Review: No 'Keep Yourself Alive'? Come on! The U.K. version of 'Greatest Hits' also unfairly omitted this classic. Only 'Classic Queen' offers that track. That's the only compilation. A disappointment indeed.br /br /Tracks from Queen II (1974)br /'Seven Seas Of Rhye'br /Review: A great song, one of the best. I have no complaints. Definitely the best song from the album. A classic pick.br /br /Tracks from Sheer Heart Attack (1974)br /'Killer Queen,' 'Now I'm Here'br /Review: 'STONE COLD CRAZY'!?! Where the heck is it? This is supposed to be 'Greatest Hits'! ARGH! At least they included 'Killer Queen,' perhaps my favorite Queen song of the '70s. But the omission of 'Stone Cold Crazy' is just frustrating. br /br /Tracks from A Night At The Opera (1975)br /'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'You're My Best Friend,' 'I'm In Love With My Car'br /Review: Excellent. The three great tracks from arguably their best album are here. And unlike the previous release, this one actually includes 'Bohemian Rhapsody'! All I have to say is IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!br /br /Tracks from A Day At The Races (1976)br /'Somebody To Love,' 'Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy'br /Review: Superb choices, my two favorites from the album. 'Tie Your Mother Down' is here, but in an inferior live version. Still, the follow up to 'A Night At The Opera' gets great coverage here. Hollywood Records got these picks right.br /br /Tracks from News Of The World (1977)br /'We Will Rock You,' 'We Are The Champions'br /Review: Queen were at their peak when they released 'News Of The World.' So glad to see 'We Will Rock You' and 'We Are The Champions,' the two ultimate sports anthems here, but 'Sheer Heart Attack' should also be here from this album as well.br /br /Tracks from Jazz (1978)br /'Fat Bottomed Girls,' 'Bicycle Race'br /Review: The two hits from the album are here. Disappointed to see that an album track like 'If You Can't Beat 'Em' isn't here, but that's minor stuff. 'Jazz' has always been one of my favorite Queen albums, and these are my two favorites from the album, so I have no major complaints. Excellent choices.br /br /Tracks from The Game (1980)br /'Crazy Little Thing Called Love,' 'Save Me,' 'Another One Bites The Dust,' 'Play The Game'br /Review: 'The Game' gets the record for the most songs from an album on this compilation, and rightfully so. Queen were at a career highpoint here, and it shows. 'Another One Bites The Dust' remains one of their biggest hits, and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' is a classic rock radio staple. A great album with great picks. Not a single complaint.br /br /Tracks from Flash Gordon (1980)br /'Flash's Theme'br /Review: A great song, but it seems somewhat out of place here. I'm glad it's here, don't get me wrong, but this collection is made for their 1973-1980 stuff, and while this was recorded and released in 1980, Queen were moving towards the direction they would take in the '80s here.br /br /Tracks from Hot Space (1982)br /Nonebr /Review: Technically, what's written above is inaccurate, because 'Under Pressure' is here indeed, but it is a live version. Similar to 'Tie Your Mother Down,' the studio version is far superior to the live version. br /br /Live tracksbr /'Under Pressure,' 'Tie Your Mother Down'br /Review: Both are far inferior to the studio versions. I question Hollywood Records move to include the live versions of these Queen classics over the studio versions. A little disappointing. I strongly recommend seeking out the studio versions of both of these Queen classics as well.br /br /Overall, this is somewhat disappointing. Everything here (well, except for maybe the live tracks) is five stars. I would buy this only if I were a casual Queen fan who wants their 1973-1980 output or if I were starting my Queen collection, but that would be the only reason I would buy this.br /br /And while three stars may seem offensive to some, to me, it's perfectly reasonable. The picks here are five stars, but Hollywood could have done a far better job, no doubt about it.br /br /Just seek out 'The Platinum Collection' or 'Greatest Hits I II.' There, you will find all of the Queen the casual fan will ever need. If you are a Queen die-hard or a serious fan, just buy the studio albums. Oh yeah, and just download 'Keep Yourself Alive.'br /br /This is recommended, but only for casual or new Queen fans. Otherwise, I would skip this in favor of better Queen compilations.
	Jefferson Starship - Earth
	"Sounded great in 1978, sounds great in 2008"	2008-09-09
1978's 'Earth' was an interesting Jefferson Starship album. It was the end of Marty Balin's four year tenure with the band, and it was also the last of "element" records ('Spitfire' represented fire; 'Red Octopus' represented water; and 'Dragon Fly' represented wind). The album cover is very interesting. The lettering reminds one of the 'Star Wars' logo, and the globe just fits in perfectly with the album cover and the cool but highly bizarre lettering. But the music here is superb. Of course, 'Count On Me' is here, which was one of the band's biggest hits, and the romantic 'Runaway' is also here. Other great but highly underrated songs here are 'Skateboard,' 'Love Too Good,' 'Take Your Time,' 'Crazy Feelin' and 'All Nite Long,' all of which have become fan favorites, but not radio hits, which is a shame, because they are all great songs. Of course, Marty Balin departed after the release of this album to focus on a solo career. He was replaced by Elvin Bishop Group singer Mickey Thomas. Also, Grace Slick left the band after the release of this album to focus on her drug and alcohol addiction. She was not replaced. Overall, this is highly recommended for any Jefferson Starship fan. It's not their best album, but it's still a great record and one of the best in their catalog. Highly recommended for the Jefferson Starship fan. It's a great album. Not the best, but it's great. ENJOY!!!
	Jefferson Airplane - Bark
	"An interesting Airplane album, a little weak, but interesting"	2008-09-09
1971's 'Bark' featured a lot of changes in Jefferson Airplane's lineup. First, Marty Balin departed in 1970, shortly after the 'Volunteers' tour ended. Also, drummer Spencer Dryden left the band that year as well. Dryden was replaced by session drummer Joey Covington; Balin was not replaced. So, 'Bark' is different from any other Airplane album. Jorma Kaukonen becomes a singer for Jefferson Airplane, after he proves he can sing lead vocals with Hot Tuna. The surprise hit 'Pretty As You Feel' is still pretty good. Grace Slick's vocals are calm and mellow, and the rest of the band is in good shape too. 'Third Week In The Chelsea' features Kaukonen's vocals, and it sounds just like a Hot Tuna song. It is much bluesier than the average Airplane song, with a little bit of folk thrown in the song as well. The rest of the album, well, it's weak under Airplane's standards. 'War Movie' is right up there with one of the worst Jefferson Airplane songs of all-time. It's not a bad or terrible song, but under Airplane standards, it's just not that good. It's a good album as far as records go, but it's just not a great album, although there are some good songs here that any Airplane fan should listen to, most notably 'Third Week In The Chelsea' and 'Pretty As You Feel.' Overall, it's better than 'Long John Silver,' but it's still not great. Casual Airplane fans are best suited by buying either a compilation album or buying the studio albums from 1966-1969 ('Takes Off,' 'Surrealistic Pillow,' 'After Bathing At Baxter's,' 'Crown Of Creation,' 'Volunteers'). But if you are an Airplane collector, this is a must own. Recommended for the Airplane collector or die-hard Airplane fan. Otherwise, this can be skipped.
	Jefferson Airplane - Takes Off
	"They had to start somewhere"	2008-09-09
Jefferson Airplane's 1966 debut 'Takes Off' is an interesting musical experience. Sure, the Airplane broke through a year later, in 1967, with 'Surrealistic Pillow,' but it's interesting to hear a younger Airplane lineup. Unlike 'Surrealistic,' which is mostly psychedelic rock, 'Takes Off' has much more of a folk rock kind of sound. The album has always been overlooked by casual Airplane fans, and honestly, I fail to see why. It isn't there best album (I'd pick 'Surrealistic,' 'Volunteers' and 'Crown of Creation'), but it's still a solid record. Much of the album is dominated by the vocals of Marty Balin. Balin's voice is at it's finest here. Also, take note of Signe Toly Anderson, the vocalist who came before Grace Slick, who sings most notably on 'Chaffeur Blues' and their take on The Youngbloods hit 'Let's Get Together.' The lineup on this album was very different than on other ones. This is drummer Skip Spence's only album with the Airplane. He left in 1966 and was replaced by Spencer Dryden; Anderson left in 1966 as well and was replaced by Slick. Of course, 'It's No Secret,' 'Come Up The Years' and 'Blues From An Airplane' are here, but there is far more to this album. For example, you never hear 'And I Like It' and 'Running Around This World' on the radio. Overall, if you are an Airplane purist or a fan just seeking out some of their records, I strongly recommend their 1966 debut. The sound is very different from anything else they ever did, and that's not a bad thing, either. The folk rock sound actually kind of suits Airplane, in my opinion. I strongly recommend this to the Airplane collector or the fan seeking their studio albums, but for casual fans, you are best just buying the compilations. Recommended for the Jefferson Airplane collectors and die-hards. A very interesting listen indeed.
	Jefferson Airplane - Volunteers
	"A crown jewel in the Jefferson Airplane catalog!"	2008-09-09
If you like Jefferson Airplane, and you don't own 'Volunteers,' you are missing out. It's one of the band's finest moments, and contains some classic songs. First, after the release of this album, there would be some major changes. Drummer Spencer Dryden and Marty Balin would both depart from Jefferson Airplane. But back to the album. Every song here is great, but the standouts are the title track, which has to be one of the best protest songs of the '60s, 'Wooden Ships,' a song written by David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Kantner on Crosby's boat, 'The Good Shepherd,' 'We Can Be Together,' and the psychedelic 'Eskimo Blue Day.' The album cover is supposed to be like the front page of a newspaper. The cover photo I have always found to be very interesting. It shows the band just sitting down and relaxing. Overall, if you don't own 'Volunteers,' you are really missing out. This is a classic Jefferson Airplane album, and a must own if you are a fan. I highly recommend this to any Jefferson Airplane fan. This is the band at their finest. Highly recommended for any Jefferson Airplane fan. This album is a must own. ENJOY!!!
	Jefferson Starship - Dragon Fly [Remaster]
	"Jefferson Starship's second album is pretty good"	2008-09-09
'Dragon Fly' is a pretty interesting album. It features an early Jefferson Starship at their finest. For all I know, this could easily be a Jefferson Airplane album. It is also significant because it reunites Paul Kantner and Grace Slick with former Jefferson Airplane vocalist and founding member, Marty Balin. At the time this was released, in 1974, Balin wasn't an official member. He wasn't even considered a member at all. Although he did sing lead on the brilliant 'Caroline,' he would not become an official member of Jefferson Starship until early 1975. The rest of the album is pretty good as well, although I will say now that 'Caroline' is the standout. 'Ride The Tiger' features a heavier side of Jefferson Starship, and also contains a solo from the legendary fiddler, Papa John Creach. 'Devil's Den' is the other great song here. It's not one of Jefferson Starship's best songs, but it's definitely a highlight on this album, no doubt. Overall, if you are die-hard Jefferson Starship fan or a collector, or you are a Jefferson Airplane fan trying to start a Jefferson Starship collection, I strongly recommend this album. For casual fans, however, stick to buying the compilations, or if you want a studio album, buy 'Earth' or 'Red Octopus.' Recommended for the Jefferson Starship collector.
	Jefferson Airplane - Crown of Creation
	"Their most sophisticated record"	2008-09-09
Jefferson Airplane's 1968 album 'Crown Of Creation' is a classic. Like their debut from two years before, it is often overlooked. And that is a shame, because this is easily one of their best albums. One of the things that has always stood out to me about this album was the album cover. The "explosion" on the front with the band members trapped inside is a very interesting cover, perhaps one of the most interesting and definitely one of the most original covers of the '60s. And, the music is superb. 'In Time,' 'Greasy Heart,' 'The House At Pooneil Corners' (essentially 'Ballad Of You And Me And Pooneil, Pt. 2'), 'Lather' and 'Ice Cream Phoenix' have always been standouts in the Airplane catalogue. Overall, if you've never listened to 'Crown Of Creation,' you need to. If you like Jefferson Airplane even a little bit, than you will appreciate 'Crown Of Creation.' It's not their most famous album by any means, but it should definitely earn a place in your record collection. I highly recommend this to any Jefferson Airplane fan. It's a very underrated classic. Highly recommended. A must-listen. ENJOY!!!
	Jefferson Airplane - Crown of Creation
	"Their most sophisticated record"	2008-09-09
Jefferson Airplane's 1968 album 'Crown Of Creation' is a classic. Like their debut from two years before, it is often overlooked. And that is a shame, because this is easily one of their best albums. One of the things that has always stood out to me about this album was the album cover. The "explosion" on the front with the band members trapped inside is a very interesting cover, perhaps one of the most interesting and definitely one of the most original covers of the '60s. And, the music is superb. 'In Time,' 'Greasy Heart,' 'The House At Pooneil Corners' (essentially 'Ballad Of You And Me And Pooneil, Pt. 2'), 'Lather' and 'Ice Cream Phoenix' have always been standouts in the Airplane catalogue. Overall, if you've never listened to 'Crown Of Creation,' you need to. If you like Jefferson Airplane even a little bit, than you will appreciate 'Crown Of Creation.' It's not their most famous album by any means, but it should definitely earn a place in your record collection. I highly recommend this to any Jefferson Airplane fan. It's a very underrated classic. Highly recommended. A must-listen. ENJOY!!!
	Jefferson Airplane - Long John Silver
	"The weakest Jefferson Airplane album"	2008-09-09
In many band's cases, the band's final album is usually said to be one of the band's finest albums. Unfortunately, in Jefferson Airplane's case, I can't say that. 'Long John Silver' is weak under Jefferson Airplane's standards. It's 1972. Marty Balin has since departed from the group, leaving only Paul Kantner, Grace Slick and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen left to handle the vocal duties. Jefferson Airplane's previous album, 1971's 'Bark,' wasn't strong as far as Airplane records go, and it didn't help that Balin had left the band. So, the group issues 'Long John Silver.' This record is good as far as albums from the time go, but one would have a hard time telling this was the same Jefferson Airplane that released 'Surrealistic Pillow' a couple years earlier. But it's not all that bad. 'Eat Starch Mom' and the title track are very strong, and are actually really good. I have always considered the title track to be early '70s punk, just because of the drumming and Kaukonen's guitar. Overall, if you are a casual Airplane, definitely skip this in favor of some of their earlier studio albums and/or their compilation albums. This isn't a terrible album, but one would expect better from a band like Jefferson Airplane. Recommended, but only for Jefferson Airplane collectors.
	Motley Crue - 20th Century Masters: The Millenium... [10/7]
	"Even two stars is generous"	2008-09-05
In the 1980s, hair metal were definitely at their peak. Dokken, Poison, Guns N' Roses, Ratt, Cinderella, Def Leppard, to name a few, gave us some of the best at the time. And while all of those bands were great, none of them could match Motley Crue. Led by the legendary vocals of Vince Neil, the Crue made some of the best music of the '80s, as well as the '90s. In 2003, UMG awarded Motley Crue with a compilation in their ongoing '20th Century Masters' series. Well, if you are buying this expecting anything different, you will be so disappointed. Sure, 'Girls Girls Girls,' 'Piece Of Your Action,' 'Home Sweet Home' and 'Generation Swine' are here, but where is 'Wild Side,' just to name one? 'Dr. Feelgood' was a massive radio hit for them, and yet, NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. The remastering is superb. But that can't save it from mediocrity. This is, hands down, THE WORST MOTLEY CRUE COLLECTION OF ALL TIME. While the music is five stars start to finish, the lack of material just kills it. And they call this 'The BEST of Motley Crue'? What's here is definitely some of their best, but it's missing tons. Do yourself a favor and buy 'Decade of Decadence' or their best compilation, 'Greatest Hits.' There, you will collect all of the Crue a casual fan will need. But skip this. The two stars aren't for the music, don't get me wrong. The two stars are for the LACK of music. Look elsewhere for a good retrospective of Motley Crue. Recommended for only the easily pleased casual fan of Motley Crue. Otherwise, avoid at all costs.
	Queen - Classic Queen
	"Unnecessary; seek out 'Greatest Hits I & II' or 'The Platinum Collection' instead"	2008-09-02
What hasn't been said about Queen? They are definitely one of the best classic rock bands of all-time. Led by Freddie Mercury, they made some of the best rock of the '70s, '80s and early '90s. And now to the review. 'Classic Queen' is full of five star music. But, is this really necessary? I don't think so. Yes, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is here, but like 'I Want To Break Free' on the American version of 'Greatest Hits,' it's out of place. 'Classic Queen' mostly focuses on the 1981-1991 time period, so why are these '70s tracks here? Thank goodness for 'The Platinum Collection' and 'Greatest Hits I & II.' Those are the original U.K. hit collections. Do yourself a favor and seek that out instead. There, you will find most of the songs offered on 'Classic Queen' and 'Greatest Hits (American version).' I suggest 'Greatest Hits I & II' because of how mediocre 'Greatest Hits III' is (that appears on 'The Platinum Collection'; it doesn't on 'Greatest Hits I & II.') Overall, save your hard earned cash. If you want a Queen collection, 'Greatest Hits I & II' is the way to go. The good news is, disc one focuses on 1973-1980 and disc two focuses on 1981-1991, meaning that it devotes one disc per phase for Queen. Disc one is phase one, disc two is phase two. Save your money. You will be glad you did. This isn't a bad compilation, and again, everything here is five stars, but the three stars are here because there are so many better options. Recommended for the easily pleased Queen fan.