It's the holiday season, and like moths to a light, we rush to the stores to find that special gift for a special someone.
However, sometimes shopping for a gift is difficult.
Music is always a good place to start. And this year's box sets and greatest hits have something for everyone.
The box sets range from expanded versions of new and classic albums — Billy Joel's "The Stranger," Johnny Cash's "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" and Cheap Trick's "Budokan." And some, like the Less Than Jake "GNV FLA Deluxe," which features the full length CD, a DVD and three vinyl records filled with rarities and novelties, are a collector's dream.
The hits range from career retropsectives of such diverse artists as Sarah McLachlan, Neal McCoy and Mott the Hoople, to remixed and reissued CDs from Maroon 5 and salsa pioneer Tito Puente.
The following are reviews of various box sets and greatest hits written by the Deseret News features staff.
BOX SETS
BLACK SABBATH; "The Rules of Hell" (Warner Bros./Rhino) ***
The debate continues — who was the better frontman for Black Sabbath — Ozzy Osbourne or Ronnie James Dio? At any rate, each era now has a complete box set. "Black Box: The Complete Black Sabbath, 1970-1978" was released in 2004 and covered the Osbourne years. This time around Dio is the subject. And "The Rules of Hell" features all past Dio fronted CDs — "Heaven and Hell," "The Mob Rules," "Live Evil" and "Dehumanizer." Each CD has been remastered for more volume, and each has extensive liner notes. Regardless if listeners listners prefer Osbourne or Dio, the fact of the matter is, this box set is part of Black Sabbath's on-going ongoing saga, which, as of late, has changed its name to Heaven & Hell to accommodate Dio's return while Osbourne takes a rest. — Scott Iwasaki
JOHNNY CASH; "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" (Columbia/Legacy) ****
In 1968, Johnny Cash played two shows at Folsom Prison. The concerts were recorded and edited, and the first show was released as "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison." To celebrate the multiplatinum-selling album's 40th anniversary, Columbia/Legacy remastered both concerts' original tapes and put them together with a documentary DVD in this two-CD/one-DVD box set. The first CD is an expanded version of the original release, and the second is the complete and previously unreleased second concert that includes "Blue Suede Sude Shoes, "Cocaine Blues" and a heartstopping version of "How Great Thou Art." The DVD features candid, behind-the-scenes clips and interviews with Cash's pals Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart and former bandmates, prison inmates and daughter Roseanne Cash. — S.I.
CHEAP TRICK; "Budokan" (Epic/Legacy) *** 1/2
When Cheap Trick released its definitive live album "Cheap Trick at Budokan" in 1979, it hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 3 million copies. It also left fans wanting more. Throughout the years, Epic/Legacy has given fans tastes of the full concert with subsequent releases ("Budokan II" comes to mind). This three-CD/one-DVD box set, which commemmorates the 30th anniversary of that show, features the complete April 28, 1978, concert. The CDs have been remastered, and the DVD features an edited version of the concert including such songs as "Hello There," "Elo Kiddies," "Surrender," "Ain't That a Shame" and, of course, "I Want You to Want Me" and "Speak Now." The set also comes with a liner-note booklet filled with information and rare pictures. — S.I.
GENESIS; "1970-1975" (Atlantic/Rhino) *** 1/2
This is the third and final box set in the Atlantic/Rhino Genesis reissue project that remastered and rereleased the entire Genesis catalog. This set is comprised of albums from the band's early days with original lead singer Peter Gabriel. Along with charting albums "Selling England by the Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway," the set includes the albums "Trespass," "Nursery Cryme" and "Foxtrot." In addtion, there are two rarities compilations titled "Extras 1970-1975," which feature the much-sought-after "Jackson Tapes," recorded for a 1970 documentary about painter Mick Jackson. And it is interesting how some of these songs' mofits, especially one called "Manipulation," can be heard in later songs such as "The Musical Box." (found on "Nursery Cryme"). The set also features six DVDs packed with 5.1 Surround Sound versions of each CD, B-sides, videos and interviews with the band. — S.I.
JESUS AND MARY CHAIN; "The Power of Negative Thinking: B-Sides & Rarities" (Blanco y Negro/Rhino) ***
In 1988, seminal, alternative-rock band Jesus and Mary Chain released a disc called "Barbed Wire Kisses" comprised of 20 hard-to-find tracks. Other similar compilations were released in subsequent years. But now, band founders and brothers Jim and William Reid has helped Rhino Records rifle through these compilations and its catalog vault. They've come up with 81 tracks for inclusion in this four-CD box set. The list of hard-to-find JAMC tracks include previously unreleased works such as "Till I Found You," the demos of "My Little Underground" and "Dirty Water," and alternate takes of "Coast to Coast" and "Never Understand." The dark, in-the-well singing and garage-worthy soundscapes highlight covers such as two versions of the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" and the Temptations' "My Girl," which sound like the Velvet Underground spliced with Bob Dylan in the Reids' hands. — S.I.
BILLY JOEL; "The Stranger: 30th Anniversary Edition" (Columbia/Legacy) ***
Billy Joel's 1977 breakthrough album "The Stranger" turned 30 last year. This year, Columbia and Legacy have remastered and repackaged the celebrated disc. In addtion to the remastered CD, this collection features a live CD, recorded at Carnegie Hall in 1977 (prior to the release of "The Stranger"), and a DVD that features live promotional videos for "The Stranger" and "Just the Way You Are," as well as a concert filmed for the BBC in 1978. It's nice to hear the album, especially the hits "Just the Way You Are," "Only the Good Die Young" and "She's Only a Woman" in context with the other discs. Add to that a booklet of liner notes by various music critics, including David Fricke, and a collector's replica poster. — S.I.
GEORGE JONES; "The Hits ... Then 'Til Now" (Time Life) ****
The title of this three-CD box set tells it all. There are 60 remastered hits by the Ol' Possum himself. "White Lightning," "Tender Years," "She Thinks I Still Care" and duets "Southern California," "Two Story House," "Golden Ring," "We're Gonna Hold On" and "The Ceremony," with Tammy Wynnette, are definitely highlights. However, he and Wynette's song "Near You" is not included.
Still, his honky tonk version of "Maybellene," with Johnny Paycheck, and the buddy-song "We Don't See a Thing," with Ray Charles, are shiners as well. The box set ends with "Tramp on Your Street" and gives the listener a fullfilling career rundown of George Jones' recordings. — S.I.
LESS THAN JAKE; "GNV FLA Deluxe" (Sleep It Off) *** 1/2
OK you old-school ska/punk fans. This box is for you. Florida's Less Than Jake has outdone itself with this collectors' edition box set. Not only does it feature the full "GNV FLA" CD but also three vinyl discs featuring exclusive B-sides and live tracks. There are live versions of "Lion City, "Summon Monsters" and "Sleep It Off," as well as acoustic versions of "Golden Age," "Malachi Richter's Liquor's Quicker" and demos of "Settling Son, "Handshake" and "All time Low." In additon, the box set features a DVD of the band in the studio and a limited edition poster. — S.I.
THE MANHATTANS; "Sweet Talking Soul: 1965-1990" (Shout Factory) ** 1/2
The Jersey City soul vocal group hit Billboard's No. 1 spot in 1976 with "Kiss and Say Goodbye." They hit the Top 10 again four years later with the No. 5 showing of "Shining Star." The group's blending voices and harmonies were smooth and cool. Shout Factory mined the Manhattans' rep and put them all on three CDs. From the first hit, "I Wanna Be (Your Everything)" to the last "I Won't Stop," the songs in between include minor, but not lesser hits — "Follow Your Heart," "Baby I Need You," I Kinda Miss You," "It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad" and "Crazy," to name a few. — S.I.
WILLIE NELSON; "One Hell of a Ride" (Columbia/Legacy) ****
An American icon, singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and all-around renaissance man, Willie Nelson has touched the hearts and souls of music fans for more than 50 years. This four-CD box career retrospective is bookended with two versions of "When I've Sung My Last Hillbilly Song." The first recorded in 1954 and the latter reworked in 2007. In between there such major hits as the Waylon Jennings duet "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Crazy," "On the Road Again," a live version of "Whiskey River" and "My Heros Have Always Been Cowboys." A couple of surprises include Django Reinhardt's "Nuages" and Jimmy Cliff's "The Harder They Come." — S.I.
ROY ORBISON; "The Sould of Rock and Roll" (Orbison/Legacy) ****
Elvis Presley called Roy Orbison an "opera singer" because of that fine and high falsetto. Van Halen remade Orbison's trademark tune "Oh, Pretty Woman." Don McLean and others have hit the charts with their takes on Orbison's "Crying." At any rate, the late Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has been a favorite among rock and country music fans throughout the years. The four-CD box set, "The Soul of Rock and Roll" is a great tribute to the man who started his career with a little ditty called "Ooby Dooby." His solo version and a rare version of the song featuring Orbison singing in a group called the Teen Kings kicks off the box set. In addition to his aforementioned hits, the CD also features previously unreleased tracks, such as a demo recording of "Precious," a live version of "Land of 1,000 Dances" and a 9 1/2-minute guitar medley that includes "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," "That's All Right" and "You're My Baby." The liner notes give a lot of background of that mysterious man behind those dark shades. — S.I.
CHARLIE PARKER; "Bird in Time 1940-1947" (ESP-Disk) ****
In addition to the four CDs that feature selected musical and interview recordings of jazz sax pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker, this box set includes two liner note booklets. They serve as a guide through the more than 100 tracks compiled for the release. And as the listener begins the journey of Parker's life, with Disc One, it is clear that this box set is more akin to a film documentary than a collection of songs. The songs, remastered and nostalgic, serve as scene setters and interspersed with interview snippets from Parker, Milt Jackson, Roy Porter and Teddy Edwards, to name a few. "Salt Peanuts," "Lover Man," "Hot House," "Fine and Dandy" and "St. Louis Blues" are some of the timeless pieces highlighted in this massive collection. — S.I.
PETER PAUL AND MARY; "The Solo Recordings (1971-72)" (Warner Bros./Rhino) ***
In 1970, the folk trio Peter Paul & Mary broke up to pursue solo careers. Unfortunately, the solo albums weren't as well received as the ones the three recorded together. However, in retrospect, the solos by Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, are time capsules that show the three trying to break away from their collaboration but finding it easy to slip back into the groove. However, having the long-out-of-print music altogether in a remastered three-CD set, including Stookey's sentimental "Wedding Song (There Is Love)," will be a nice addition to PP&M fan collections. — S.I.
NINA SIMONE; "To Be Free: the Nina Simone Story" (RCA/Legacy) ****
On April 21, 2003, Eunice Kathleen Waymon passed away after a bout with breast cancer. Many knew this woman as a Grammy Award-winning singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. In this three-CD/one DVD box set, Simone's story is told through her music, liner notes and 1970 Emmy Award-nominated TV special titled "Nina: A Historical Perspective." Her control over her captivating sassy smokey voice brings the past to the present through songs such as "Mood Indigo," "I Loves You Porgy," "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" and "Here Comes the Sun." Previous unreleased works include "Tanywey," an alternate version of "Ain't Got No-I Got Life" and live versions of "Suzanne," "Let It Be Me," "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" and the "When Malindy Sings/Swing Low Sweet Chariot" medley. — S.I.
HUNTER S. THOMPSON; "Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" (Shout Factory) ***
Gonzo journalism, making the journalist the central figure of an experience, can be traced back to the maverick writer Hunter S. Thompson. His ideas were basically "write what I know, and what I don't know, do it and then write about it." This five CD box set is more like a recorded journal of the man, with slice-of-life scenarios that could only happen in his nonlinear lifestyle. The collection is a companion to the Magnolia Pictures feature film treleased this past summer in limited markets. The recordings captures Thompson's sporadic and anarchic personality. It does not settling things like the movie does, but instead, adds fire to his myth. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Boots, Buckles & Spurs: 50 Songs Celebrate 50 Years of Cowboy Tradition" (Sony/BMG Nashville/Legacy) ***
These three discs are pretty much loaded with the recorded history of country music, something audiophiles and country-music fans will enjoy. The collection, kicks off with Gene Autry's "Back in the Saddle Again" and Patsy Montana & the Prairie Ramblers' "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" and runs through Brooks & Dunn's "Cowboy Town" and Michael Martin Murphy's "Born to Buck Bad Luck." In between, it focuses on the restless and rowdy lives of cowboys. Suzy Bogguss, "Someday Soon," Clint Black and Roy Rogers' "Hold on Partner" and David Allen Coe's "Ride 'em Cowboy" are all sequenced in a comprehensive track list. Along with the CDs is a booklet filled with country-music history and tidbits that add to the collection. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Hard & Heavy" (Time Life/Universal) **
The funny thing about this eight CD box set is the fact that, aside from the disc dedicated to dismal power ballads (Kiss' "Forever," Europe's "Carrie" and Honeymoon Suite's "What Does It Take," to name a few), some of the songs aren't metal. While Cheap Trick's "Surrender" and Boston's "Don't Look Back" are staple rock songs, they aren't metal. And the fact that George Thorogood & the Destroyers' "Bad to the Bone" and Heart's "Never" is included will make metal fans scratch their collective heads. However, Anthrax's "Among the Living," Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark," Judas Priests' "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" and Motorhead's "Ace of Spades" are here. And those songs are polar oppposites of songs like Scandal's "The Warrior." That song, written by Nick Gilder, is a part of the collection but is definitely not metal. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "It All Started with Doo Wop" (Time Life/Rhino) ***
In the early days of pop music, way before Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block and the like, there were groups like the Dell-Vikings, the Drifters and the Cadillacs. The groups focused on rhythm and harmony, which became known as Doo Wop. In these nine CDs and one DVD, Time Life attempts to bring some of the best-known Doo Wop hits together. The Dell-Vikings' "Whispering Bells," the Drifters' "On Broadway" and the Cadillacs' "Speedo" are a few tracks. But the set then expands its perimiters by including groups that were inspired by Doo Wop. The Impressions' "Gypsy Woman" and Little Anthony & the Imperials' "Goin' Out of My Head" are a couple of examples. The DVD, culled from TV performances of groups such as the Platters, the Penguins, the Cleftones and Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners bring faces and action to this melodic Golden Age of pop — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia," (Philly Soul Classics/Legacy) ***
During the '70s, the TV show "Love Train" featured artists such as the Delphonics, the Manhattans and the Spinners. Now there'a a four-CD box set that rounds up the Philly sound in one neat package. Gems such as the Delphonics "La-La — Means I Love You," the Manhattans' "There's No Me Without You" and the Spinners' "The Rubberband Man" is mixed in with the O'Jays' "I Love Music" and Wilson Pickett's "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You." As with most box sets, this one comes with a liner-note booklet with far-out photos and a comprehensive history lesson in Philly Soul. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "The Motown Collection" (Time Life) ****
The title says it all. This is "The Motown Collection." The five CDs are chock full of the Detroit soul of the Supremes, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5, to name a few. The CDs also contain liner notes about the groups that made Motown a family. In addition, the box set contains a DVD that celebrates "Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Motortown Review" mini-documentary. Performances by the Temptations, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Supremes and the Jackson 5 (its song "Who's Lovin' You" was mistitled "Who's Lovin' Her Now" in the original airing) are some of the highlights of this time-capsule DVD. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "100 Greatest" (Shout Factory) ****
Speeches, news events, personalities, spots moments and scandals in the modern history of the world. Each disc contains original spoken word reports of each category. The "I Have a Dream" speech by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Ford Pinto fiasco report, the Watergate break-in, Joe DiMaggio announcing his retirement and Pearl Harbor are a few of the things noted on these five CDs. For history buffs, this set, complete with a booklet loaded with information, is a practice in "Trivial Pursuit." — S.I.
HANK WILLIAMS; "The Unreleased Recordings" (Time Life) ****
Working with the Hank Williams estate, Time Life has compiled three-CDs of rare recordings from the King of Country music. Most of the songs haven't been heard since 1951. They were recorded for WSM radio's "Mothers Best" radio show and only a few were aired. After WSM purged the discs, and after a long, drawn out lawsuit, Williams' daughter, Jett, and son, Hank Jr., were awarded custody of the recordings. And now, they have decided to share them with the world. These versions of "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "The Prodigal Son" and "The Pale Horse and His Rider" and a boatload more, show the elder Williams in a loose and lively situation that brings out his heartbreaking and goosebump-rising musical genius. — S.I.
GREATEST HITS
DAVE ALVIN; "The Best of the Hightone Years" (Hightone Records/Shout Factory) ****
Dave Alvin will forever be known as the co-founder of the Blasters, which he formed with his brother, Phil. But his solo works are just as interesting. "The Best of the Hightone Years" compiles Alvin's selected solo works from his albums "King of California," "Blue Blvd.," "Blackjack David," "Museum of Heart" and "Public Domain." "Haley's Comet," "Fourth of July," "Shenandoah," and previous unreleased tracks "Dry River" and "Dixie Highway Blues" are a few songs picked by Alvin for this collection. — Scott Iwasaki
ASHFORD & SIMPSON; "The Warner Bros. Years: Hits, Remixes and Rarities" (Warner Bros./Rhino) ***
Husband and wife team Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson found dance-music success with the Top 100 hit "Don't Cost You Nothing" in 1978. Until 1981, the duo made hits for Warner Bros., and those hits are represented on these two CDs with disco mixes that include "Over and Over," "Nobody Knows" and "Love Don't Make It Right." The second CD features new remixes of other dance-easy hits "Stay Free," "Tried Tested and Found True" and "It Seems to Hang On." Put it in and dance the night away. — S.I.
RICK ASTLEY; "Playlist: The Very Best of Rick Astley" (RCA/Legacy) ** 1/2
Legacy Recordings has a new series called Playlist. The label, in cooperation with its affiliates, Columbia, RCA and Epic, focus on an artist, remaster his or her top hits and then find fan favorites to fill in the rest. With Rick Astley's CD, "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Whenever You Need Somebody," "Together Forever," "It Would Take a Strong Stong Man," "She Wants to Dance With Me," "Cry for Help" and "Giving Up on Love" are a few of the charters, and "Hold Me in Your Arms," "When I fall in Love" and "I Don't Want to Lose Her" represent the fan faves. Astley, a recording studio assistant hit the big time in the '80s with his unique tenor and synth-dance pop and those days can be relived with this CD. — S.I.
CELTIC WOMAN; "The Greatest Journey Essential Collection" (Manhattan) ** 1/2
For a little more than four years, Celtic Woman, the all-female Celtic Music revue, has been making fans throughout the world with its high-energy, theatrical performances. "The Greatest Journey" contains fan favorites and the group's favorites, some reworked especially for this release. "The Call," "Pie Jesu," "Danny Boy," "Orinoco Flow," "Ave Maria," "Beyond the Sea" all get the Celtic Woman touch. Bonus tracks include the traditional "Mo Ghile Mear" and "Spanish Lady," both recorded live at Ireland's Slane Castle. — S.I.
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD; "The Very Best of Confederate Railroad" (Warner Bro./Rhino) ***
Riding the tracks of the new wave of country music in the 1990s, Confederate Railroad emerged with its first Top 40 Billboard Country chart hit, "She Took It Like a Man," in 1992. From there, the group from Chattanooga, Tenn., rolled on with other Top 10 hits "Jesus and Mama," "Queen of Memphis" and "Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind." The Top 40 saw other hits such as "Elvis and Andy," "She Never Cried," "When and Where," "When You Leave that Way You Can Never Come Back" and the comeback ditty "What Brother's Do." These songs, as well as the crowd favorite "White Trash with Money," are all here in this career-retrospective package. — S.I.
RY COODER; "The UFO Has Landed: The Ry Cooder Anthology" (Warner Bros./Rhino) ****
Ry Cooder was among the Top 10 of Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list. During the 1970s, Cooder released guitar-based albums on Warner Bros. Records. And most of the gems are on this two-CD anthology. Cooder's slide work and his love for roots music bursts forth during "Get Rhythm," "Smells Like Money," "Cherry Ball Blues" and the story-ballad "Billy the Kid." His wry humor stabs at "Alimony" and "Going Back to Okinawa." The set ends with his laid-back, front-porch jam classic "Little Sister." — S.I.
CYPRESS HILL; "Playlist: the Very Best of Cyprus Hill" (Columbia/Ruffhouse/Legacy) ** 1/2
South Gate, Calif., was home to Sen "Sen Dog" Reyes, Louis "B-Real" Freeze and Lawrence "Mixmaster Muggs" Muggerud, known collectively as Cypress Hill. The group introduced Latino Rap to the Hip-Hop Nation, and this CD has it all. "How I Could Just Kill a Man," "Latin Lingo," "Insane in the Brain" and "The Phuncky Feel One" are only three of 14 beat-heavy, urban savvy anthems. And the parental-advisory sticker is used well. — S.I.
CELINE DION; "My Love: Ultimate Essential Collection" and "My Love: Essential Collection" (Columbia) ** 1/2
Out of these two releases, it would be best for Celine Dion fans to buy the two-CD "Ultimate Essential Collection." It contains all the songs on the single-disc "Essential Collection" and more. Her hits "Beauty and the Beast," "Because You Loved Me," "My Heart Will Go On" are included, along with "The Power of the Dream" and the bombastic Jim Steinman hit "It's All Coming Back to Me Now." The "Ultimate Essential Collection" features "Dance With My Father," "There Comes a Time" and "The Prayer" with Andrea Bocelli, to name a few. However, if you don't like Celine but need to have her in your collection, the "Essential Collection" will suffice. — S.I.
DREAM THEATER; "Greatest Hit ( ... and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)" (Atlantic/Rhino) ***
For Dream Theater fans, this compilation's title says it all. For the casual listener (are there really any casual Dream Theater fans?) the title may be a bit hard to understand. Let's just say Dream Theater's progressive metal anthems took a cue from Led Zeppelin's "Dazed and Confused" and crushed it into the works of Yes, Rush, Metallica and Renaissance in one mighty swoop. The "hit" refers to the opening track "Pull Me Under," which found its way to the Top 10. The remaining 21 songs on the two CDs (categorized as the "Dark Side" and "Light Side," which details the metal and melodic) in this collection are fan and band favorites. "Lie," Peruvian Skies," "Another Day," "I Walk Beside You" and "Disappear" are a few of the tasty prog-rock conjurings which made Dream Theater famous. — S.I.
BOB DYLAN; "Tell Tale Signs: Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006" (Columbia) **** This is the eighth volume of Bob Dylan's "Bootleg Series" releases. Funny thing is the songs that Dylan puts on these discs are still better than a lot of things out in the market today. In this two-disc release, rock-music poet laureate unleashes some dynamic and moody works that didn't make the final sequence of his albums "Time Out of Mind," "Oh Mercy," "Modern Times," "World Gone Wrong" and a few live CDs. However, these songs, — "Red River Shore," "32-20 Blues," "Series of Dreams," to name a few — while a little rough around the edges, are pure Dylan. And just for good measure, the CD features released-but-hard-to-find tracks, "The Lonesome River" with Ralph Stanley, and "'Cross the Green Mountain" from the "God and Generals" soundtrack. — S.I.
EMERSON LAKE & PALMER; "Come and See the Show: The Best of Emerson Lake & Palmer" (Shout Factory) ***
Last year, Shout Factory acquired the rights to progressive-rock pioneers Emerson Lake & Palmer. In addition to remastering and re-releasing the band's entire catalog, including a "Greatest Hits" release, it has also compiled this "Best Of" compilation featuring 14 tracks of the group's most popular recordings. "Lucky Man," "Still ... You Turn Me On," "Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression Part 2" and the epic take of Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" and "Hoedown" are the trademark works in this collection. "C'est La Vie," "From the Beginning," "Knife Edge" and live versions of Bach's "Toccata," Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" and Tchaikovsky's "Nutrocker" also make their appearences in this good solid collection. — S.I.
FOREIGNER; "No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner" (Atlantic/Rhino) ***
Foreigner's hits have been packaged and repackaged throughout the years. With this new double-CD, er, package, Mick Jones' band gets a new remaster makeover. Starting with the first hit "Feels Like the First Time," the track listing is chronological, ending with a new live version of "Juke Box Hero" and featuring a take of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," in honor of sometime Foreigner drummer Jason Bonham (son of Led Zep's John Bonham). While the remastering shines up the music a bit, it's the inclusion of a new song, "Too Late," featuring vocalist Kelly Hanson, formerly of Hurricane. Hanson's voice sounds like original lead singer Lou Gramm's, but there's an edge that brings Foreigner into the 21st century. — S.I.
GOO GOO DOLLS; "Greatest Hits, Volume 2" (Warner Bros.) **
This follow-up to last year's Volume 1 features mostly B-side tracks ("Torn Apart," "Without You Here") and covers (INXS' "Don't Change," Tom Petty's "American Girl," Fleetwood Mac's "I Don't Want to Know"). Of particular interest is a demo of the Dolls' smash-hit "Iris." Disc 2 is a DVD of the band's videos ("Here Is Gone," "Let Love In," "Iris" and "Black Balloon," among others), as well as six concert videos from the band's 2007 appearance at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. — Todd Curtis
HEART; "Playlist: The Very Best of Heart" (Epic/Legacy) ** 1/2
Throughout Heart's career, the songs of Ann and Nancy Wilson have been collected in a few "greatest hits" compilations. This one is about the same playlist with "Barracuda," "Straight On," "Even It Up" and "Dog and Butterfly." But the live versions of "These Dreams," "Crazy on You," "Magic Man" and the studio versions of "Johnny Moon," "Love Alive" and "Mistral Wind' are nice additions. — S.I.
HERBIE HANCOCK; "Then and Now: The Definitive Herbie Hancock" (Verve) ****
Herbie Hancock will always be known for his pioneering MTV single "Rockit." The song became a favorite among suburban breakdancers in the 1980s. But there was more to this eclectic musician than pop hits. "Then and Now: Definitive Herbie Hancock" shines a rather large spotlight on the man's multifaceted jazz musicality. "Maiden Voyage," "Wiggle Waggle," "St. Louis Blues" with Stevie Wonder, two versions of Joni Mitchell's "River," one with Corinne Bailey Rae and one with Mitchell herself, and his take on Nirvana's "All Apologies" shows how hip this cat can be. — S.I.
TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS; "40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection (1966-2006)" (Rhino) *** 1/2
Most everyone knows "Mony Mony," "Hanky Panky" and "Crimson and Clover," by Tommy James and the Shondells. In this two-CD, 48-track release, all of James' hits are in one place. And to audiophiles' delight, the songs that were recorded in mono are still remastered in mono. "I Think We're Alone Now," "Crystal Blue Persuasion," "Glory Glory," and the bonus track "Long Ponytail" are songs that span the singer's 40-year career. — S.I.
GEORGE JONES; "Burn Your Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets" (Bandit) ***
While not a compilation of hits, "Burn Your Playhouse Down" is a collection of rare George Jones tracks where the "Ol' Possum" sings and plays with the likes of Dolly Parton ("Rockin' Years"), Vince Gill ("Selfishness in Man"), the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards ("Burn Your Playhouse Down"), the Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler ("I Always Get Lucky With You") and, of course, Tammy Wynnette ("Lovin' You, Lovin' Me"). There are more and they are good. — S.I.
JOY DIVISION; "New Dawn Fades: The Best of Joy Division" (London/Rhino) *** 1/2
Like Jesus & Mary Chain, Joy Divison brought that disenfranchised Euro-angst to the states. With only two official studio albums, the band — featuring lead singer Ian Curtis, guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris — made an impact on the burgeoning alternative scene. Neither album hit the U.S. charts, but the clubs picked up a the synth-highlighted tune called "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Unfortunately, the group would not get the breakthrough live introduction in the United States. Just a night before the band's first U.S. tour, Curtis committed suicide. This CD, featuring "She Lost Control" and Transmition," is a tribute to him and comes in time for Anton Corbin's documentary of the band "Control" to hit the DVD racks. —S.I.
DAVE KOZ; "Greatest Hits" (Capitol) ***
Smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz rang in the 1990s with his self-titled debut CD in '91. He continued wooing crowds throughout the decade and is now in his 18th year as a recording artist. On this single CD, Koz's best-known tunes, "Castle of Dreams," "Emily," "You Make Me Smile" and "Faces of the Heart" from "General Hospital," are stirred with new tracks "And Then I Knew," "Bada Bing" and "Life in the Fast Lane," not to be confused with the Eagles song of the same name, and "I Can," with vocals by Cece Winans are prefect fits with older Koz works "Honey Dipped" and duets "Can't Let You Go (The Sha La Song)" and "Love Changes Everything," sung by Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight, respectively. Good new tunes, favorite old tunes work well here. — S.I.
PATTI LaBELLE; "The Essential Patti LaBelle" (Philadelphia International/Legacy) ***
The sass, strut and attitude of Patti LaBelle endeared her to her fans. "The Essential Patti LaBelle" hit the stores this year, in time for Patti's group LaBelle to reunite. So, to celebrate, let's all sing "Lady Marmalade" and "What Can I Do for You." But at the same time, let's not forget LaBelle's roots in The Blue Belles — "Down the Aisle (the Wedding Song)" and "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman." And we can't forget LaBelle's solo works "On My Own" and "Love Has Finally Come at Last." They're all here and more. — S.I.
LITTLE RICHARD; "The Very Best of Little Richard" (Specialty Records) ****
Long before Prince, there was Little Richard. Born Richard Pennington, Little Richard became a star thanks to his hits "Tutti Frutti," "Long Tall Sally," "Good Golly Miss Molly" and "Keep A-Knockin'." His wild-man and flamboyant on-stage antics were nothing close to Jerry Lee Lewis' piano abuse, but Richard sure got the audience excited. On this 25-track CD, Little Richard's career is laid out for fans and historians. The closing track is a concert medley of "Ain't That a Shame," "I Got a Woman" and "Tutti Frutti," which gives the listener a sonic peek at what his live shows were all about. — S.I.
MAROON 5; "Call & Response: the Remix Album" (A&M/Octone ** 1/2
Maroon 5 always has had good, groovy music. And the hits "If I Never See Your Face Again," "This Love," "Harder to Breathe," "Goodnight Goodnight" and "Wake Up Call," to name a few, are great examples of the band's soulful hits. These songs and more have been given the remix by mixmasters such as Pharrell Williams, Questlove, DJ Quick, David Banner, Tiesto, DJ Pemier and Paul Oakenfold. — S.I.
SARAH McLACHLAN; "Closer: The Best of Sarah McLachlan" (Tyde Music/Nettwerk) *** 1/2
The nice thing about "The Best of Sarah McLachlan" is the fact that the singer/songwriter herself picked each track. "Vox," "Hold On," "Into the Fire" and "That of Thorns (Terms)" are among her personal favorites. And it only seems natural that her charting hits "I Will Remember You," "Good Enough," "Building a Mystery," "Sweet Surrender, "Adia" and "Angel" make up the bulk of the CD. Her later hits "Fallen," "Stupid" and "World on Fire" also get "best-of" nods. The main draw for McLachlan fans, who undoubtedly have all these other songs, is the inclusion of two new tunes — "Don't Give Up on Us" and "U Want Me 2." Both have that trademark McLachlan yearning, but there is a maturity in the composition and delivery. — S.I.
NEAL McCOY; "The Very Best of Neal McCoy," (Atlantic/Warner Bros./Rhino) *** His contagious smile and exciting concerts put Neal McCoy on the country-music map. He emerged in 1991 with his debut "At This Moment" and found himself on the charts throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. "The Very Best of Neal McCoy" features a new song, "Rednecktified," and a load of older, off-the-cuff style tunes and a few ballads. "WInk," "The City Put the Country Back in Me," "They're Playing Our Song," "The Shake," "Billy Got His Beer Goggles On" and "I Was" are just a few of the McCoy singles featured. — S.I.
BUDDY MILLER; "The Best of the Hightone Years" (Shout Factory) **** Singer/songwriter Buddy Miller is an honest troubadour. Not only does he write his own textured folk/rock/country tunes and has had them covered by a variety of artists, the guy has worked with like-minded comrades Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams and Steve Earle. "The Best of the Hightone Years" takes 16 of his handpicked best and gives the listener a nice, rounded example of this layered music man, and features trademark works such as "That's How I Got to Memphis" and "Does My ring Burn Your Fingers." Four of the songs — "Little Darlin," "The River's Gonna Run," Keep Your Distance" and "Rock Salt and Nails" — are duets with Miller's wife, Judy. — S.I.
MOTT THE HOOPLE/IAN HUNTER; Old Records Never Die: the Mott the Hoople/Ian Hunter Anthology" (Shout Factory) ***
Early '70s rock had that glam-strut. And Mott the Hoople, fronted by Ian Hunter, was one of those British glitter-rock bands that played nostalgic anthems and insightful ballads. "All the Young Dudes," "The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll" and a take of the Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane" grace some of the songs on the first disc titled "Mott the Hoople." The second disc, "Ian Hunter," features his solo works "Ships," which was remade by Barry Manilow, "Once Bitten Twice Shy," covered by Great White, and "Cleveland Rocks," to name a few. Hunters' voice, unlike some of the arena rockers today, isn't perfect. That's where his passionate delivery rings true. — S.I.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK; "Greatest Hits" (Columbia/Legacy) ** 1/2
After the reunion comes a "Greatest Hits" CD. That's exactly what happened with New Kids on the Block. Although these guys are rather old — their first hit, "Please Don't Go Girl," was released in 1988 — there's no doubt they, like all boy bands, were brilliantly marketed. "Step By Step," "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," "Cover Girl," "Tonight," "Hangin' Tough" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" are catchy and extremly well produced. The CD bonus tracks — Joey McIntyre's solo "Stay the Same," Jordan Knight's duet with Ana called "Angel of Love" and "The Right Combination," a duet by Donnie Wahlberg and Japanese teen pop idol Matsuda Seiko, along with a dance medley of hits called "2008 New Kids on the Block Mega Mix" — make this single CD release complete. — S.I.
O'JAYS; "The Essential O'Jays" (Philadelphia International/Legacy) ***
With more than 27 charting hits, the O'Jays, hailing from Canton, Ohio, before aligning themselves with Philadelphia Soul, got the country dancing with its No. 1 hit "Love Train." Other groovy charters were "Back Stabbers," "I Love Music" and "For the Love of the Money." Most of the songs were produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who were shakers and movers in the Philadelphia sound. These two CDs not only include the hits but more obscure songs such as "Ship Ahoy," "Cry Together" and "Wind Beneath My Wings," performed by O'Jay Eddie Levert and his son, Gerald. — S.I.
TITO PUENTE; "The Complete 78s Vol. I and II" (Bania/Universal) ****
These two, double-CD compilations are sold separately, but together they are, indeed, the complete 78 rpm recordings of the late Latin music pioneer/percussionist Tito Puente. The discs span from 1949-55 and are remastered into some clean and comprehensive but charming mono recordings. "Un Corazon," "Titos Mambo" and "Camina Camaron" are a few of the dance-easy tunes from the first collection, and "Autumn Leaves," "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Batanga" are a couple of sassy works from the second collection. An array of musicians such as Manny OQuendo, Willie Bobo, Marioa Bauza and Garaciela team with Puente to bring out an excellent stroll through the Latin-jazz big-band heyday. — S.I.
LOU REED; "Playlist: The Very Best of Lou Reed" (RCA/Legacy) ** 1/2
Sure this includes New York rock icon Lou Reed's more famous songs, such as "Walk on the Wildside," "I Can't Stand It" and "Vicious." But it doesn't contain anything from his late-career releases. The latest release represented is 1984's "New Sensations" with "I Love You, Suzanne." However, "Sally Can't Dance," and the live versions of "Sweet Jane" and "White Light/White Heat," which were originally recorded with Reed's other band the Velvet Underground, are good bonuses. — S.I.
JOSH ROUSE; "The Best of the Rykodisc Years" (Ryko/Rhinol) *** 1/2
Singer/songwriter Josh Rouse has been writing restless pieces of Americana music for a decade. This two-CD anthology puts his strongest works into one collection. Songs like the driving introspective "Late Night Conversation," the dynamic road-trip anthem "Dressed Up Like Nebraska," the moody "1972" and the comforting "A Song to Help You Sleep," show Rouse's creative lyricism in not only words but also music. This unobtrusive CD, which also features demos and outtakes, can easily be a trusty companion on any extended road trip or a night at home. — S.I.
TOM RUSSELL; "Veteran's Day: the Tom Russell Anthology" (Shout Factory) ****
Once called the heir to Johnny Cash, Tom Russell has worked with Dave Alvin, Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. This two-CD anthology features highlights of Russell's 30-year career: "Joshua Tree," "U.S. Steel," "Manzanar," "The Sky Above, the Mud Below" and "Touch of Evil" display the man's haunting baritone and storytelling songwriting. Two previously unreleased recordings include "Dark Angel" and "Roll the Credits," which show the man still singing his poignant stories with passion and conviction. —S.I.
SANTANA; "Multi Dimentional Warrior" (Columbia/Arista/Legacy) ****
For nearly 40 years Carlos Santana has brought his Afro-Cuban jazz-influenced rock to audiences worldwide. In the mid-1990s, the Bay Area-based guitarist re-emerged, thanks to collaborations with Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, matchbox 20's Rob Thomas and Michelle Branch. With "Multi Dimentional Warrior," Santana shows off his more artistic and moody side with two CDs featuring his own handpicked set list. "Let There Be Light," "Blues for Salvador," "Bella," "Life Is for Living" and "Serpents and Doves" may not have hit any Billboard charts, but they have hit a chord in Santana's heart and soul. These are his personal hits, not the ones you find on the pop charts. — S.I.
SHeDAISY; "The Best of SHeDAISY" (Lyric Street)***
The three Osborn sisters from Magna hit the country scene with catchy harmonies on "Little Goodbyes" and "This Woman Needs." Kristyn, Kassidy and Kelsi broke hearts and gave inspiration to fans everywhere with "I Will ... But," "Lucky 4 You (Tonight I'm Just Me)" and, of course, "Get Over Yourself." This 12-song "Best Of" package includes all of the above, plus "Mine All Mine," "Passenger Seat," "Come Home Soon," "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing," "I'm Taking the Wheel" and "In Terms of Love," all of which were co-written by Kristyn Osborn. The last song on the disc is the "Desperate Housewives" anthem "God Bless the American Housewife." Fans undoubtedly have all four SHeDAISY albums, but this one takes the more popular of the ladies' catalog singles and puts them in one place. — S.I.
FRANK SINATRA; "Nothing but the Best" (Reprise) ** 1/2
How many Frank Sinatra "Best of," "Very Best," "Greatest Hits," "Collections" are out there? This one, "Nothing but the Best," just repackages and rereleases "Come Fly With Me," "Bewitched," "Strangers in the Night," "Moonlight Serenade," "My Way" and the bonus track "Theme from 'New York, New York."' Yes. It's a definitive collection, but all these songs are on previous compilations. However, the inclusion of a previously unissued version of "Body and Soul" will make this CD special for Sinatra fans. — S.I.
RICKY SKAGGS; "The Best of the Sugar Hill Years," (Sugar Hill) *** 1/2
Twelve-time Grammy Award-winning country/bluegrass icon Ricky Skaggs has collaborated with Jerry Douglas, Bruce Hornsby, Tony Rice, Doc Watson and Kentucky Thunder, among others. While this CD doesn't contain any Hornsby or Kentucky Thunder works, it features a lot from Rice, Douglas and Skaggs himself. "I'll Stay Around," "Little Community Church," "I Know What It Means to Be Lonesome" and ""The Old Crossroads" are only a touch of what this CD offers. — S.I.
THE SMITHS; "The Sounds of the Smiths: The Very Best of the Smiths (Deluxe Edition)" (Shire/Rhino) ***
This two-disc set features a remarkable collection from the Smiths — the '80s Brit band known for its pop tunes with decidedly dark lyrics. The first disc includes band leader Morrissey's hauntingly melodic voice on such songs as "How Soon Is Now," "There's Is a Light That Never Goes Out," "Shoplifters of the World Unite" and "Girlfriend in a Coma." Disc 2 features rare B-side tracks exclusive to 12-inch releases and selected live recordings. A must-have for fans of the group. — T.C.
ROD STEWART; "The Definitive Rod Stewart" (Warner Bros.) ** 1/2
The only reason to buy this two-disc Rod Stewart career retrospective is the inclusion of the previous unissued song
"Two Shades of Blue." Other than that, Stewart fans have all the other songs on CD. And thanks to a few other previous compilations, the track list looks the same. "Maggie May," "Mandoline Wind," "Stay with Me," "Hot Legs," "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy," "Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me)," "Infatuation," "Young Turks," "The Motown Song," "Have I Told You Lately" and "Forever Young" are all making an encore appearance on this set. — S.I.
SWITCHFOOT; "The Best Yet" (Columbia/Legacy) ** 1/2
Thanks to the 2002 Mandy Moor flick "A Walk to Remember," Christian rock band Switchfoot hit the mainstream. Since then the band, hailing from San Diego, Calif., has won multiple Dove Awards. "The Best Yet" takes 18 of the band's most recognizable and popular works, handpicked by the band, and offers them to fans. Still, opening the album with the most recognizable hit "Dare You to Move," wasn't the best sequencing choice. After that, the song list kind of tapers out. Still, "Oh! Gravity," "Stars" "and "Meant to Live" are in the sequence and give the list a little life. — S.I.
THREE DOG NIGHT; "Greatest Hits Live" (Shout Factory) *** 1/2
Back in the '70s, Three Dog Night were a major concert attraction. The live shows were legendary and the hit-parade was unwavering. This collection of live performances from '72 and '73 is packed with TDN charters. "One Man Band," "Never Been to Spain," "Mama Told Me Not to Come," "Liar, "An Old Fashioned Love Song," "Eli's Coming," "Celebrate," "One," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Easy to be Hard," "The Family of Man" and "Joy to the World" make this CD a live performance not to be forgotten. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff's Greatest Hits" (Philadelphia International/Legacy) ***
Soul music masters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff have an impressive list on the Hit Parade of Philadelphia Soul. The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (featuring Teddy Pendergrass), Patti LaBelle and Lou Rawls all took Gamble and Huff songs on a ride to the charts. The O'Jays' did it with "Love Train," "Back Stabbers" and "Use Ta Be My Girl." The Blue Notes found success with "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "The Love I Lost," while LaBelle and Rawls made Philly proud with "If Only You Knew" and "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine," respectively. Also included on the CD are MFSB's "T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)," Pendergrass' "Close the Door" and McFadden & Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." — S.I.
BILLY VERA & THE BEATERS; "Hopeless Romantic: The Best of Billy Vera & the Beaters (Shout Factory) ***
Live songs aren't really a good offering when it comes to "greatest hits" and "best of" CDs. That is, unless, your name is Billy Vera, who has written songs for Bonnie Raitt, Fats Domino and Robert Plant. This CD is a compilation of both live and studio cuts that include "At This Moment," which appeared in an episode of "Family Ties," "Corner of the Night," the Top 40 "I Can Take Care of Myself," "Millie Make Some Chili," "Once in a Lifetime (Will Do)" and "Hopeless Romantic." The musicality of Vera's songcraft is concise and enjoyable. There are even three previously unreleased songs, "I'll Be There for You," "I Want to Marry You" and "I'm All for You." — S.I.
DOC WATSON; "Best of the Sugar Hill Years" (Sugar Hill) ****
Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson's flatpicking guitar and slide style has garnered him eight Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2004. He's a pioneer in the traditional folk/country scene and has been recording since 1964. He's also blind. From 1986 to 2000, Watson recorded for Sugar Hill Records. This collection, part of the "Americana Master Series," includes some of the favorites from those years and even from his Flying Fish label days. "Slidin' Delta," "My Dear Southern Home," "Bright Sunny South" and "Whiskey Before Breakfast," from Bryan Stutton's "Not Too Far From the Tree" give glimpses of Watson's songwriting genius. — S.I.
WU-TANG CLAN; "Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan" (RCA/Columbia/Legacy) ***
BET Network's "Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan" documentary was released last year to select theaters. It is available now on DVD. The soundtrack, which is also available, could be the hip-hop group's "Greatest Hits." It features "Protect Ya Neck," "C.R.E.A.M." and "It's Yourz." WTC members' solo works include Raekwon's "Incarcerated Scarfaces," ODB's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya," Ghostface Killah's "Daytona 500" with Raekwon and Cappadonna, and Cappadonna's "Triumph," to name a few. — S.I.
TAMMY WYNETTE; "Playlist: The Very Best of Tammy Wynette" (Epic/Legacy) ***
Here is a CD comprised of mostly the late Tammy Wynette's crossover hits. "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," "Stand By Your Man," "Bedtime Story," "'Til I Can Make It on My Own," "Kids Say the Darnedest Things" and "He Loves Me All the Way" are Billboard singles charters. And the others, "We Sure Can Love Each Other," "Take Me" (with then husband George Jones) and "Woman to Woman" are what the fans like. Too bad "Justified and Ancient," recorded by the KLF, featuring Tammy Wynette, couldn't be included. — S.I.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com