Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Probably the finest Anthology CD out there, August 2, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Anthology 1965-75 (Audio CD)
The Grass Roots are one of the finest and most prolific pop recording acts of the late 60s and early 70s. Despite this, most know little of the band's extensive body of work beyond, perhaps, a few top ten hit singles which they frequently hear on oldies radio stations. This lack of exposure is difficult to comprehend and has done the band a great disservice. What this double CD does is offer 36 of their finest recordings, including not only all 21 of their Billboard Hot 100 hits...but also some fabulous album tracks, more obscure singles and B-sides. Although one of their best ("I Can Turn Off the Rain") is not included (this is on their 16 Greatest Hits album), these selections still capture the essence of the band, which evolved and grew out of several structural and personnel changes throughout its life. The listener can hear the band's gradual evolution from its "grassroots" rebellious folk-rock of the mid and late 60s with tunes like "Where Were You When I Needed You", "Lollipop Train" and "Let's Live For Today" to its late 60s/early 70s exciting, brassy adult-styled pop-rock beginning with "Midnight Confessions", and culminating with such powerful gems as "Lovin' Things", "I'd Wait A Million Years", "Baby Hold On" and the "Runway". The Grass Roots' tremendous versatility is further demonstrated with the lovely slow ballad "I Can't Help But Wonder, Elisabeth". Fine song writing coupled with great vocals and group harmonizing helped to create the powerful, climactic sound that is all their own. The Grassroots (as their name was originally spelled) obviously had some influence on other popular high-quality artists (like Chicago). Although much of their material was written by others, they made it their own in how they arranged, played and sang it. The music remains timeless...still as fresh and exciting as when it was new. You certainly get your money's worth with this CD collection as there isn't a song on it that isn't great! Having not heard all of the Grass Roots' music, one gets the strong impression that they are one of those very rare bands that never recorded a bad song. They continue to be my second all-time favorite pop group, behind only The Beatles! My only wish is that all of the Grass Roots' original LP releases would be reissued. This double CD is a "must-have" collection for both young listeners learning about the music from this era, and for those wanting to recapture the exciting and powerful dynamic sounds of the Grass Roots.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost perfect!!!!, September 6, 2001
This review is from: Anthology 1965-75 (Audio CD)
The GRASS ROOTS have always been one of my favoirite bands of the 60's. I have seen them live many times going back to the late 60's. I have all their vinyl albums and an almost complete set of singles.(Complete as far as I know). When their stuff came out on CD in the 80's I bought the DUNHILL Records CD's :Greatest Hits Volume one and Volume two. They were very good (At least I thought so at the time.)This set is much much better. Not only is it much more inclusive but the sound quality is far better. More open sounding, cleaner. I looked in my BILLBOARD book of top 40 hits. The Grass Roots hit the top 40 fouteen times, and all the hits are here.I recommend this set to any Grass Roots fan or anyone who really wants to hear what 60's pop beyond the Beatles was all about.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I NEVER KNEW WHAT I WAS MISSING!, April 10, 2000
This review is from: Anthology 1965-75 (Audio CD)
This set is very comprehensive, very enjoyable and very good. I never knew that The Grass Roots were so prolific! Every time there was a new song, I said "Hey! I know that song!", with a great big smile on my face. The titles are foolers. Most people are familiar with "TempTation Eyes" and "Sooner Or Later"- but songs like "The River Is Wide" and "Wait A Million years"- I didn't know I knew them intil I heard them again. Very hook-heavy! I sang myself hoarse singing along with this compilation! This stuff is great. A little bit folk, a little bit rock, a little bit pop. The anthology is worth the price just for the inclusion of "Mamacita"- one song I HADN'T heard vefore, but haven't stopped playing since. This is the most played compilation in my collection!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|