Waited for this for a LONG time!
R. Plazek | Cleveland, Ohio USA | 03/20/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a Dirt Band fan since I was in junior high school. These albums, nicely priced and combined on one CD, were early staples in my collection. When the Dirt Band dropped the "Nitty Gritty" from their name and reorganized in 1978 without Jimmy Ibbotson and Les Thompson, their sound changed dramatically. It took a while for me to adjust to the guys who did a lot of bluegrass music in the 1960s and 1970s now rocking it out loud and without apology.
While the band has never fully forsaken their traditional roots, their temporary departure was a good thing. As Chris Hillman (the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Desert Rose Band) once said of the Byrds' "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" album, "they were too country for the rock audience and too rock for the country audience." I think the same applies to the Dirt Band between 1978 and 1982. The music on these two albums, along with their self-titled 1978 album and 1979's "American Dream" will grow on you.
Stand-out songs for me include: FIRE IN THE SKY (one of their best songs ever, in my opinion -- Kenny Loggins adds lead vocals to Jeff Hanna's here), ANXIOUS HEART (not written by the guys in the band but wow -- they make this one stand out), BADLANDS (don't confuse this with the Bruce Springsteen song of the same title --- the band's song is much better), EASY SLOW (only John McEuen from the Dirt Band and Bela Fleck from New Grass Revival can make the banjo sound like it belongs in the middle of a rock ballad), JEALOUSY (loud, guitar-driven, strong vocals by Jeff Hanna and Rosemary Butler; guitar solos by Steve Lukather from TOTO), CATCH THE NEXT DREAM.
The only two weak songs (my opinion) are "Too Good to Be True" and "Party Lights" -- they could have been deleted from the album and I wouldn't have missed them. Sorry guys -- not real impressed by either.
This double CD set faithfully reproduces the original graphics, artwork, and liner notes of the original LPs.
Well worth the money!"
The NItty Gritty Band at It's Best
R. Frost | California | 02/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These two albums on 1 CD represent a musical change in the Dirt Band's career. They cross over to country rock with such ease and flair, that it makes you realize just how great this group is. I have been a Dirt Band fan since 1967 and have enjoyed all of their CDs, be it country, BlueGrass, Rock, etc. They have the talent and skills to play almost all genres. What a great CD. It is a good introduction to the band if you have never heard them before. Expect great harmonies, beautiful arrangements, and first class musicianship, Great CD. Great artist. This CD ranks with their classic Uncle Charlie CD, awesome and inspiring."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1