Customer Reviews

Anthology

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd think if you're looking at this, you need no convincing of the mighty worth of Al Green; there's no one remotely like him - as versatile or as skillful, but mostly no one as powerfully, emotionally resonant. However, what you might appreciate knowing is that some of your favorite cuts - the ones you've heard over & over & grown to love - are not here. Or, rather, they're here but in LIVE versions. This is great for collectors & afficianados, but perhaps disappointing to someone who wants their favorite Green in a box. Hint: for a little less "green," buy two other CDs ("Greatest Hits" & "More Greatest Hits"). Best idea yet, though, is to buy all 3 - this will give you what you expect and also give you so much more that will broaden & deepen your respect for what music can give you. And Al Green is one of music's great messengers.

There's really no arguement: Al Green is one of the greatest soul artists ever. A killer voice, full of grit, sweetness, sexiness, and sacredness, he was THE MAN of the 70's. This anthology covers it all, from his first single "Back Up Train" (singing harder and grittier back then, ala James Brown, you could tell he had it from the first note) to his later gospel recordings. This is not a COMPLETE anthology; it doesn't give us all he put down on vinyl. But it gives us all we need, really. In listening to these recordings in one sitting, and reading the excellent liner notes (which often make or break box sets), I had to tip my hat yet again to the incredible talent of his band (basically Hi Records house band), especially Al Jackson, Jr. (drums) and "Teenie" Hodges (guitar). And lets not forget the person who made it all happen: Willie Mitchell, and his unmistakable horn arrangements. If you've never been introduced to Green's gospel stuff, you'll get it here - it's among the best black/soul gospel music ever, as his shelf full of Grammy's attest to. You'll also get a few spoken clips from the movie "The Gospel According to Al Green" which, by the way, is a MUST for any Al Green fan. It's hard to find, but WELL worth it. There are few anthologies really worth the coin - but this one is worth every cent. Haven't seen the light? Hearing is believing, baby.

No matter what your musical preference, this anthology is for you. Al Green is nothing less than a genius, and I recommend all music lovers to take a close listen, especially if just trying to enjoy a few quiet reflective minutes alone, or even better with your special someone for an evening. Any Al Green album promises to be moving and soulful; with this you have it all.

No question about it. He is a tough man. This Anthology has most of his hits as well as the songs that should have been hits. Al was smooth the way he sang love songs. He also had that earthy edge to his work.

Kudos for the inclusion of some songs of his gospel roots.

My only complaint? A bit too many of the songs I wanted were live versions. The studio cuts of "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart", "Sha La La La" "You Ought to Be With Me" and the like were true classics of his style to me. I want them the way I recall them (but, that IS just my opinion).

together with willie Mitchell his producer they created time-less master pieces and this box-set confirms this genius. it's a must have for true lovers of not only soul music but great music in general.he could go in so many different directions. which then unlike now you had to do just to be a solid artist but if you had that something extra like al green then you were gifted.

I don't regret buying this box, because I love Al Green's music, but this box could've been better. First, each disc doesn't come close to the maximum running time of 80 minutes. Try 55. Also, the interview clips where Al explains the origins of his hits all come from a fine documentary that is now available: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO AL GREEN. Get his movie. It is excellent. But once you have this movie, you don't need to hear the clips on these CDs. True, the box set was released when the movie was out of circulation, but why include them in the first place?

Some have complained about the live tracks taking the place of the studio ones. I see that complaint, but I can live with the live cuts. My solution: include both. There is room on these discs.

Packaging is nothing special. The fake white Bible design is clever, but the booklet inside should've by bound by staples not glue in order to make page-turning easier and to protect the spine from wear and tear. A better track-by-track analysis is needed, though the biography touches on most of the key areas of Al's life.

Still waiting for the definitive Al Green box set, one that runs at 75 minutes per disc, omits the talk and gives me rare demos and outtakes. Where is it?

Hallejulah. Praise the lord. Four discs of heavenly music from Reverend Al Green, a true soul brother. In case you have been living under a rock, Al combined licks from rock 'n' roll, R&B and pop with his own style of gospel music. Also, he integrated gospel with R&B and rock 'n' roll. Regardless where he began or ended, it is all spectacular.

If you are unfamiliar with Al's incredible catalog, there is a sampler disc for this anthology. It isn't listed on AMZ but you can purchase such on ebay or half. However, I can unequivocally state this is one anthology worth the price.

I cannot begin to review all the incredible songs on these four discs. I'm reminded of the old Miller beer advertisements debating less filling and better tasting, only in this case it should be more filling versus better tasting. Wow, what an incredible voice, absolutely smooth as silk.

The only people who will not like this collection are headbangers, hair-band fans, and of course fans of untalented teenage singers. Otherwise, regadless of your music preference, Al will take you to the promised land.

In case you missed some of his early albums, I recommend Lets Stay Together, Green Is Blues, Livin' For You, and Al Green Is Love. But, regardless of early or later, Al is great. We are very fortunate this tremendous anthology was produced especially since it includes tracks not previously released on any other album.

Praise the lord for Reverend Al Green and his inspirational music.

This is one of the best collection that has ever been put together. If you do not have many Al Green classics This will give you something old something a little new but truly great a wonderful set to share with others..I,m Still in love with you..For the Good Times..Tired of Being Alone..We Love You Al Green..Keep Singing the songs to make us happy.

we have enjoyed al greens music since our college days in the late 70's. the music is timeless, greatest hits is still the favorite

VERY ENJOYABLE HAVEN'T HAD THIS MUCH FUN SINCE MY DAYS AT P.V.A&M