ZZ TOP - Rancho Texicano: Very Best of ZZ Top

I own both this 2 cd collection and the "Chrome, Smoke & BBQ" 4 cd box. If you are a casual ZZ Top fan or want to add a ZZ Top album to your collection, this 2 cd set is the way to go. The sound is superb and track selection excellent. "Rancho Texicano" flat out smokes any previous ZZ Top "greatest/best of" package of 2 cds or less. Plus, I praise the "Gods" of boogie for not including ZZ Top's worst song ever, "Heaven, Hell Or Houston", here. If you are more than a casual ZZ Top fan, bordering on or crossing into die-hard territory (like me) skip this set and drop the extra cash on the box set. The Moving Sidewalks tracks are a must. And, even though disc four of the box is a little weaker than the previous three, it is still essential ZZ Top. Finally, if you have the extra cash around, buy both!

"Rancho Texicano" is much more user friendly for the car.
Rating? 10/10

The Dictators - Viva Dictators

If you've made it this far and are a Dictators fan, shame on you for even needing a review to convince you to buy this! Are you hesitating because of the price? How much have you spent on Dictators albums in the last 25 years? Maybe you're hesitating because you're concerned about terrible sound or a lousy performance. Well, the sound is suberb (a great production job by Shernoff) and the performance flat out rocks. (I'd like to add.....this is not iPod music. This is 200 watts a channel and at least 10" woofers to move some serious air music). The major bonus here is the killer versions of the "Go Girl Crazy" songs. Even the remastered version of the studio album leaves much to be diesired. The songs on this live album finally do those 25 year old tracks justice. Satisfied? So add it to cart now or go to zShops and save a few cents. If you've made it this far on curiosity & your music collection is lacking in the Dictator's department, this album is the album to get. "Viva!" is a great representation of what this band is all about. After one listen you'll be adding all the studio releases to your collection fairly quickly.
I only have a few minor "issues" to bring up. So, if you are not a fan of the band already, just skip my ranting below, buy the cd and come back to read this later. Ok? The below may be considered blasphemy and I may burn for it. But I need to get them off.
The only beef I have about the sound is the imbalance in the guitar mix. Ross's guitar in the right channel is set on about "10" while Top Ten's guitar in the left channel is set on about "7"; and this is a very picky, long time fans criticism.
Second, this is not a true live album per se rather than a collection of live songs. Songs put together with very little between song chatter and audience participation. Some songs actually fade out to silence. All this gives the album more of a "live in the studio" than audience live recording feel. The last song "Cars & Girls" was recorded at an audience free sound check and sounds no different than the rest of the album. I was really hoping to hear a few between song sermons from Manitoba and it was not to be.
Lastly, no music from "Manifest Destiny". This may be a contractual issue however and not an oversight by the band.
But the one thing that overshadow's all my nitpicking is Ross The Boss (Manowar). If you have all the albums on vinyl, then you know where I'm coming from. Ross's playing here blends the ferocity of the Stooges James Williamson with the melodic playing of "Buck Dharma" with a little bit of Ace Frehley thrown in. He's never, never, never, never, never sounded better.
That's it.....        
Rating? 10/10

Chuck Berry - Definitive Collection

The "Box Set", "Anthology", "Great 28"....I've got most of them. So, when I picked this up for the car cd player I was not expecting much, especially with the word "remastered" added to the title. Boy was I wrong. What hit me hardest about this collection is the clarity of Berry's guitar. The tone & "reverb" seem more full & upfront than other Berry collections. Also a few other sonic improvements: it seems Johnny Johnson's keyboards are a bit clearer than other releases, Berry's vocals seem a bit brighter with more range & tone, & finally 30 tracks (everyone of them a winner). Not much can be added to Berry's legacy that hasn't been said already. The songs are classics and the foundation of rock & roll. The question here is which collection or best of release to purchase. While other multi-disc collections may be a bit more in depth, this one is a sure fire winner if you only have the cash for one disc. "Definitive Collection" has the exact same tracks as "The Great 28" but adds two great songs "Promise Land" and "My Ding-A-Ling" (more of a novelty song, but hit none the less) making it the single disc compilation of choice. No way you can go wrong with this one. Rating? 10/10
Rating? 10/10

Ron Wood - Anthology: The Essential Crossexion

It is impossible to appreciate Ron Wood's music and muscianship to the fullest without the context of the original albums. Buying every single album Ron Wood has ever been part of, however, is obviously not cost effective for the casual fan. So the compilation "albums" are the next best thing. Every music fan needs to have a little Woodie in their collection. That being said, "Essential Crossexion" is arguably the best Ron Wood compilation available; & a great place to start a Ron Wood collection for someone on a budget. The track selection here is phenomenal. The songs span from his early career as a bassist with Jeff Beck to guitarist & Keith's foil in the Stones. The sound quality is very, very good and a definite upgrade if you have some of this music on the original cd releases or even vinyl. The great thing about this is you can use this album as a springboard to explore Wood's individual albums or work with his other bands. My personal favorites are "I've Got My Own Album To Do" and the best album the Stones never did, "Gimme Some Neck"; both feature Keith Richard too. For fans out there who already have some of Wood's cds, get "Crossexion" for playing in the car (especially if you are too lazy, like me, to compile your own disc from the original album cds). ****Finally, this title has been released in three versions, two import & one domestic, all relatively the same. I recommend doing a price search for all three and purchase the one with the best price.****
Rating? 9/10

Faces - Five Guys Walk Into a Bar (4CD Box Set)

"Yes, Sit On My Faces!!!!" This four disc retrospective is a must have for any Faces, Rod Stewart or Ronnie Wood fan (etc., etc.). We're treated to all the best songs as well as previously unissued tracks including studio rehearsals and superbly recorded BBC live tracks. All digitally remastered by the "masters" at Rhino. These songs have never sounded better! This set does not follow the standard chronological order of many box sets and does not fall prey to the expanded greatest hits package either. The tracklist was put together by Ian McLagan himself. Although the song order may seem a bit disjointed at first; it really keeps the listener interested and the music flowing quite well. No need to go into details about the band itself, because chances are if you're reading this you are already a Faces fan. A fan who wishes there was more Faces music out there for consumption. A fan who wishes Rod Stewart would "rock" again. A fan who hopes Ronnie Wood would quit posing and crank out the guitar again. Well this set answers at least one of those wishes in a big way. Don't let the price scare you off, you can not take the $$$$$$$ with you anyway. So you need to pick this one up ASAP and don't look back. you will not regret it! One last thing...for a Faces "newcomer", you're best bet is to purchase the single disc album, "The Best Of Faces: Good Boys When They're Asleep". If after a few listens of that disc, you want more, then opt for this box. Some of the studio jams and very raw rehearsal tracks (borderline bootleg quality) on this four disc set might be a little much for the casual Faces listener. All in all the best box sets I've ever purchased!
Rating? 10/10

Ted Nugent - Sweden Rocks: Live 2006

A great live set from Ted and his backing band, Dokken members bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Mick Brown. Some reviews here have criticized Ted's vocals. Sure, Nugent is more of a "vocal stylist" than a singer; but I don't buy Ted's albums for his vocals. I get them for Nugent's ferocious and (still) gonzo guitar playing. There is plenty of killer ax work on this live set to keep even the most dedicated Nugent fan happy. The main issue I have is the mix and production (or lack of it). Ted's vocals are set up way too high in the mix. Ted's guitar should be set at "11" not his vocals. If the vocals are indeed at "11", Ted's guitar seems to be set at "8" and the rest of the band at "6" or "7". The album also seems very under-produced leaving the overall vibe of the album a bit subdued. "Sweden Rocks" could almost pass for one of the "Instant Live" soundboard recordings ("Instant Live" shows are taken direct off the soundboard, recorded immediately to cd-r, and sold right after the show). With Ted's vocals so prominent in the mix, it is easy to see why his detractors are crying for Derek St. Holmes. (As an aside, Cliff Davies had more to do with Ted's "sound" than Derek's ever did). In short, a must have for any Uncle Ted fan. The Nuge shells out plenty of riffage and attitude to demand repeated listening. Newcomers, however, are best served adding "Double Live Gonzo" to their cart and taking a pass here. Rating? 6.5/10

Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac - Jumping at Shadows: The Blues Years

Fans of 60's & 70's British, White-Boy Blues bands like John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Savoy Brown, Ten Years After and The Yardbirds need to look no further for the summit of the genre's Mount Olympus. If you see "Fleetwood Mac" an expect Stevie Nicks and AOR orientated pop music, just hit the back button on your browser now. This is not your sister's Fleetwood Mac & Peter Green wasn't called the "Green God" for nothing. Green is arguably the best "white" blues guitarists ever, heck one of the best blues guitarist ever, period! There is not a weak track in the lot; and the sound is very good. So if you enjoy the @ss-kickin' blues of Kim Simmonds, Alvin Lee, Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor etc...you owe it to yourself to get this album ASAP. There is absolutely no way you will regret it
Rating? 9.5/10

KISS - Alive! Box Set

I was hesitant to purchase this box set since I already own the first three "Alive" albums on cd (not to mention the first 2 on vinyl). I decided to make the purchase based on the inclusion of the Millennium Concert, the great price and having all the albums in the same place. I do not believe "Alive III" was ever remastered, so the sound improvement here is very noticeable. What pleasantly surprised me was the better sound on "Alive I & II". I did a side by side with "Alive! Box Set" cds and the 2 disc remastered sets of "Alive I & II". I found these new recordings to sound clearer, brighter, louder (when played at the same volume level), and to have more concert hall ambiance and overall punch when compared to the 2 disc "remastered" versions. The differences I heard immediately were Criss's drums & Gene's bass on the "Alive!" album giving my car subwoofer a much better workout. While the sound improvement on these first two "Alive!" albums might seem like a slight "tweak" to some, the ears of dedicated KISS fans will really appreciate the improvement.

So, for the music fan who does not own any Kiss albums, shame on you! This is a great place to start; four great live cds in one collection at a very reasonable price. For any KISS fan wondering if this set is worth the money, ask yourself one question, "Do you want the best?" I thought so....
Rating? 9/10

Rainbow - Catch the Rainbow: The Anthology

Most anthology or best of collections often miss the mark. They only include a certain period of the band's career or just flat out omit some of the best songs due to lisencing & legal tangles. What makes this collection of Rainbow songs so great is it covers every period of the band's development and includes most of the best songs. The two discs offer selections from each of the great vocalists who fronted the band: Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet & Joe Lynn Turner. All three may be included in the list of top rock vocalist of all-time. Oh, did I mention Ritchie Blackmore, former Deep Purple axeman and one of the best rock guitarists ever? Blackmore's playing here may be considered a bit tame to some (from a heavy metal perspective) compared to his days in Purple, but in fact his fretboard work is no less awe inspiring and brilliant. The set includes a whopping 28 tracks. The remastering is phenomenal. These songs have never sounded better. Throw in a real nice 16 page booklet and you have a real winner here. I recommend the "Rainbow Anthology" to any rock music fan who wants to add some of this band's great music to their collection. Since most people can not afford to buy every Rainbow album, start here ASAP. Highest possible recommendation.
Rating? 9.5/10

Little Walter - His Best : The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection

For someone on a budget who is interested in the music of this legendary artist, look no further than this single disc album. The sound and track selection here are excellent. Anyone interested in the blues needs to have at least one Little Walter album in their collection and you can't go wrong here. Another option is Chess's "The Best Of Little Walter" which features only 12 tracks compared to the 20 presented here (personally I give a huge nod to this cd based on track slection, overall sound & price). But for those of you who have a few extra dollars around, I strongly suggest passing on both single disc releases and opt for the 2 disc set "Essential Little Walter" on the MCA/Chess label. "The Essential" boasts 46 tracks and is more comprehensive than either single disc release. It may be out-of-print, but well worth the find.
Rating?  10/10

Queen + Paul Rodgers - Return Of The Champions

Can the soulful & smooth vocals of Paul Rodgers fill the void left by the operatic & theatrical singing of Freddie Mercury? Can the "band" Queen, play classic Free & Bad Company songs and still be faithful to the originals? Can these "oldtimers" still kick out the jams? Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!
I was shocked and more than pleasantly suprised by how good this album really is. Paul Rodgers has been around for quite some time and his voice has never sounded better; and with so few really quality live recordings of Mr. Rodgers over the years, it is really a treat to hear him stretch his cords live (I apologize in advance to all the fans of Glenn Hughes, but Paul Rodgers is indeed the "voice of rock"). While no one on this planet can ever replace Mr. Mercury, Rodgers adds his own "touch" to the Queen songs. What you get is songs which really pay tribute to the original versions. Oh, and the band "Queen"?
They play through the entire set flawlessly, handling both the Free and Bad Company songs with ferocity & grace. Brain May is arguably one of rock's all time great guitarist and this recording only enhances his status (I apologize again to the late great Mr. Kosoff, Mr. Ralphs and yes, even Mr. Page, and this statement may border on blasphemy, but Paul Rodgers has never been backed by a finer fretboard wizard than Brian May). Lastly, the energy & emotion put into this performance is extraordinary. You would never guess these were "past middle age" men whipping out rockers like "Tie Your Mother Down" & "All Right Now".
And I would like to add, which for me, was the most "heartfelt" portion of the album. I think longtime Queen fans will agree.
Brian May states between songs, Freddie Mercury's mom in in the audience. For the song "Bohemian Rhapsody"...we here Freddie Mercury's voice singing from the original song. The band is playing live to it in the backround. When Freddie sings the words of the songs "momma, I don't wan't to die", I almost began to weep. Hey, I'm not afraid to admit it. It was one of the most emotional moments I have every heard on a rock recording.
For Queen fans, the album is a must for that single song alone.
My only minor beef, and I mean minor, but enough to give the album a 4 1/2 star rating instead of 5 is the overall sound and mix of the album. The vocals and harmonies are clear up front in the mix and truely amazing, but the instruments seem to be far back and just a little muddy. May's playing is killer and it just does not come through the way I believe it should. But hey, that's just me! Any fan of Free, Bad Company or Queen (heck any fan of rock music!) must add this to cart NOW!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed. For any newcomers who have heard of these great artists? Add this to cart now too....let these "boys" show you how rock is meant to be played.
Rating? 8/10