Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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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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".

Any Flecktone fan will of course add this to their collection, but the 'Greatest' Flecktone work is 'Live Art'. The two new tracks are classic Flecktones. Buy 'Live Art' first, and then you'll want 'Greatest Hits of the 20th Century'.

This CD is very good, though not great. The main problem is that the Flecktones is not a singles band. They shine live on stage. Thus to mostly compile tracks from their studio records does not do them justice.

I think Live Art is a better introduction to the band. It's a tad more expensive because it's 2CDs rather than one, but you get extended jams and solos that are just incredible. The additional expense is worth it.

Although alot of the songs I became attached to aren't on this single disc, there are still some good examples of what this band has done over the years...as well as a few that havn't been released previously on CD. Each one of their original studio CDs kinda took a life on its own...each encompassing a certain era of the Flecktones throughout their career. Especially with the change from Howard Levy to Jeff Coffin, there are definite flavors from one CD to the next...maybe I only see it that way. Anyway, if you are starting out listening to this band, keep that in mind as you go through each song. Each cut, if you like it, would probably mean you would like the disc that it came from. This disc does do a nice job of giving examples from the different time periods of the Flecktones time as a band.

What can you say about Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. The band is fantastic. Victor Wooten Bass player of the year many times and Futureman who was a leader in using the Cajon in their style of music and the first time I saw it used in concert.
The songs are a great representation of their ability.

really enjoyed listening to a different type of banjo music. Banjo is not just bluegrass and folk.

Amazing musicians, playing beautiful melodies with great grooves. I can't imagine anyone listening to it and not loving it, no matter what styles of music they're in to.

A number of years ago, a friend suggested I give Bela Fleck a try. I bought this and promptly forgot about it. Well, I missed out on a few years of interesting and challenging music. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones run the gamut from bluegrass to jazz and just about everything else in between. The best thing about it is that they make it seem totally natural to combine all these disparate sounds into a wonderful mixture. From the dark intro of "The Sinister Minister" to the jazzy wanderings of "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo" this CD has a number of interesting pieces. There were a few numbers that didn't work for me like the disjointed "Shocktime," and the too soft jazz of "Sex in a Pan," but the overall effect is a joy of making music. And that is always a good thing.