Customer Reviews

Best Of The Bodeans: Slash & Burn

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

 

 

While I probably would never give ANY BoDeans release less than three stars, I would have to agree that this contains WAY too many tracks from 'Joe Dirt Car' (which, in my opinion, was one of the most overrated live albums ever - the latest 'Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst is a MUCH better representation of what the guys sound like live). If you can, find a copy of the Australian import 'Thick as Thieves: The Best of the BoDeans' - it has 20 tracks as compared to 17, no tracks from 'Joe Dirt Car', and takes you right up to 1996's superb 'Blend'. Skip this disappointment of an anthology -- it's certainly not awful, but it could have been compiled WAY, WAY better.

The pride of Waukesha, Wisconsin, The BoDeans scored some success on the college rock circuit in the late 80s and early 90s with their tuneful brand of midtempo strumming. Though they failed to score big with any of their individual singles, they had a half-dozen or so songs that became fan favorites. The 17 tracks included on "The Best of BoDeans" would have been a good overview of the band's music were it not for the inclusion of five songs from their live album. Particularly unfortunate is that one of the live cuts is "Still the Night," the studio version of which is one of their best songs.

There are some good original versions included in the collection, most particularly "Only Love," "Closer to Free" and "You Don't Get Much," but it should be noted that the collection fades in the second half, reflecting the band's waning fortunes as the 90s progressed. The CD booklet contains a fairly extensive history of the band and numerous photographs, but no lyrics sheet.

Overall, an unfortunately ill-chosen anthology that does contain some good moments.

This is a nice compilation of BoDeans tunes from throughout their recording career, and includes at least one cut from every album. As will always be the case with long-time fans, I have particular favorites which were not included ("That's All," "Good Work," "The Other Side"), but I really can't quibble with the selections which are here. "She's A Runaway" was the first BoDeans song I ever heard and it's still one of the best; "Fadeaway" is a long-time favorite; "Say About Love" and "Feed The Fire" are both from their live album and rock out nicely. There are some strong mid-tempo ballads as well ("I'm In Trouble Again," "Paradise") and the song my son and I love to sing along with in the car (as do BoDeans concert-goers) "Still The Night." Highly recommended.

It was OK, but it's missing some songs. I was shocked when I didn't see "Good Work" and "Dreams". Also, there are too many live tracks. I do like, however, how they have some rare photos and a bio, but the track listing is dissapointing. If you're new to the Bodeans, I'd buy Thick as Theives.

The BoDeans are musically gifted. Does this place them in a class of the best of the unsungs? I don't think it goes that far, but their music is enjoyably listenable and aggregated as it is in "The Best of the BoDeans, Slash and Burn," includes some highlights along the way.

This anthology was actually my first introduction to the BoDeans. I had heard much of them, as the critics hailed their praises through the 80's, but hadn't heard them. They pull from several influences and fail to develop a signature sound. There's U2 with "You don't get much." There's a little Bruce, a little Brown (of the Jackson variety), and even a little Boingo (another unsung 80's band...listen to "Fadeaway," and don't deny the drum bridge is a page ripped out of Oingo Boingo. There's Mellencamp, there's Dylan, there's the Samples and Bare Naked Ladies...but where's the BoDeans in all this?

I guess being a neophyte to their music, that's my critique. In the amalgamation of sounds, there seems to escape a unique identity. If there ever was a rougher unpalatable voice than that on "I'm in Trouble Again," I'd be surprised. It gives hope to the unrefined voice possessing hacks out there. If this guy can make it by overstressing a strained voice, you just may be able to make a go at it as well.

The other critique is the mixed format of live and studio versions. Live songs should be found on live albums...studio songs on studio albums. Regardless of the quality of the live sound, like oil and water, the two don't mix.

I suppose one of the BoDeans other albums might be a good place to start with this band. They are listenable and entertaining, but there has to be better fare to gain the critique darling crown this band wore through the 80's and early 90's.

--MMW

I was a Bodeans fan from the first record, and I have to say that even I wouldn't buy this one. The stuff they did on their first three albums is vastly superior to the Joe Dirt offerings.

The Bodeans truly rocked and popped on their first recordings, and then tried to go in a different direction - and in my opinion, lost their way.

I was at every Bodeans show in the NYC area for quite a few years, and my co-workers were right there with me. But we just didn't feel it with the Joe Dirt album.

I knew them for "naked", which is, was, and remains, superb, period! (apparently, no one else has mentioned this title in their reviews so far--surprisining it is the best cut here and an excellent, if not superior act on its own--check that voice! even 10 years later or so. And it is well supported by "you don't get much," "I'm in trouble again," and "say about love." After that, it's weaker despite some great musicianship and great instruments. the two opening shots (which others seem to know very well) "she's a runaway" and "fadeaway" are, well.... exactly as the two titles coincidentally show, repetitive (excellent for 3 minutes , drag-ons beyond that).
It's nice, it's nicely made, just missing some fire, overall. BUT this CD do give you a sense of their live action (their best) and "naked" does carry the CD-worth it!