It's OK, but....
William H. Haines | Nashville, TN | 04/26/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is a rather sloppy reissue of what the CD purports to be the best of Roger Chapman & Family. I say sloppy, because for some reason, they've chosen to include the song "Good Friend Of Mine" twice, and both are the same version!! The only difference I could find was that the track on disc one is 3 seconds longer than the one on disc two. There is NO musical difference between the two! Also, there are absolutely NO track details, so those of you who may have bought this set as an introduction to Family will be unable to determine which album each track comes from, who's on it, what year it was released, etc, etc. Plus, there first 4 tracks on the set are Roger Chapman tracks, not Family at all! Yes, I know, Roger Chapman was the lead vocalist in that fabled band, but his solo material has no place here. It doesn't sound the same and sticks out like a sore thumb. This could have been a lot better, but they've dropped the ball. Also, calling it a "box set" is a stretch. It's nothing more than a 2 CD set in a fat clamshell jewel case with a cardboard slipcover. The 12 page booklet inside contains a few pictures and quotes from people who knew or had heard the band. No song lyrics, track data, history, NOTHING!! Having said all that, what we DO get is a good sounding mish mosh of old Family tracks and a few Chappo solo live songs. Not ALL bad, but certainly not all that good either."
An unauthorized "pirate" release---better to get legit CDs
loce_the_wizard | Lilburn, GA USA | 06/21/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"The other reviewer, "The Info Dude," is on the money here, citing the flaws and issues with this CD. What is not obvious is that this is actually an unauthorized "pirate" release that was not issued or sanctioned by Roger Chapman. That's the reason for the sloppy packaging, repeated tracks, lack of coherent liner notes, and overall poor quality here. Hence, the low rating and critical comments are not directed at Mr. Chapman's songs.
Those interested in Roger Chapman's extensive, amazing body of work would do better to purchase one of the other authorized collections, such as the "Family and Friends" box set, thus ensuring that the artist gets the royalties he deserves."
Track Listings (29) - Disc #1