Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century [Import]

Bela Fleck | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 16, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Warner Bros
• ASIN: B00002MZ37
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,161 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #61 in Music > Rock > Jam Bands > Bluegrass Jam Bands

Editorial Reviews

Bela Fleck's musical versatility has pushed the banjo to its limits. With influences from classic bluegrass to progressive rock, Fleck and his Flecktones bend the rules of songwriting, arranging and even instrumentation as they feature the "drumitar." This collection includes greats like "The Sinister Minister" and "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good CD, November 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century (Audio CD)

I bought this album because I have everything the Flecktones have done, and I wanted the two new tracks on this one. Overall, it's a good CD with a good selection, but for the REAL "best of" by the Flecktones, you cannot beat "Live Art." It is well worth the extra money for the two CD set.

As far as the two new tracks go, "Shocktime" can be added to that huge list of Flecktones songs that are virtually impossible for any other band to cover if for no other reason than the fact that there are only a handful of bassists in the world who can do what Victor Wooten does.

"Road House Blues" is a just what it sounds like - with that Flecktone touch added for flavor.

The only real mistake made on this album was choosing the studio version of "The Sinister Minister" over the jaw-dropping live version found on "Live Art." I kid you not, the bass solo on that live version is unbelievable and indescribable. You really have to hear it to believe it, and even then you might have to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Umm.... Wow! (4.5 Stars), March 31, 2006

By 

Sunshine the Werewolf (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century (Audio CD)

BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES - Greatest Hits of the 20th Century
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I was introduced to Victor Wooten solo stuff a few years back and was, needless to say, amazed! Through him I found out about Bela Fleck. I had first purchased `Three Flew over the Coo-Coos Nest' (Also amazing) then I followed with this stunning hits album. This is a good place to begin for newbies.

For those that do not know Victor Wooten is the god of bass... He makes Les Claypool, Flea, Geddy Lee, and the like all sound like amateurs. His brother Roy AKA `Future Man' plays the Drumitar (A Combination of a Synth, Drum Machine and a Guitar.) and Bela, plays the Banjo.

The band fuses, Bluegrass, Funk, Jazz, Rock, Country, and more... This album covers a span of roughly 10 years and has many classic songs.

If you like creative, extremely talented music or if you are a Bass or Banjo player, (or by some really fluke chance have a Drumitar) you need to get this CD. (And their other CD's!!!)

Favorite Songs: Shocktime, Sinister Minister, Vix 9 and Roadhouse Blues.
-4.5 Stars


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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic...an eyeopener to those who do not know Fleck, June 22, 2001

By 

Gerrit Ruitinga "gerrit ruitinga" (Antwerp) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century (Audio CD)

I bought this CD on the advise of the Tower records manager in Bangkok ( good taste)whilst never having heard of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

It was an absolute eye-opener and I am really hooked. The opening with "Sinister Minister" makes you sit up straight and, yes, I cannot wait ontil I have found a good live version of this track.

The combination of banjo, mandolin and the virtuoso bass work of Vince Wooten does not cease to amaze me. It contains so many traditional elements and, yet, it is so contemporary.

In this age of throw away music it is very satisfactory to listen to a band where every individual member is in absolute control of his instrument and indeed a master on it.

It is difficult to put this music into a category except in the category of "very good music". It may be true that for the real aficionados this may not be the best ( see other reviews) but I think for those not familiar with this band it is a very good introduction.

I will certainly go out now and buy "Live Art".