Customer Reviews

The Best of The Call

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4 star:		(1)
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The Call is a band that demonstrates a genuine ability to make sense out of some of the world's issues and issues of the heart. They have this magnificant ability to find truth and make beautiful music out of it. This truly is a righteous band. The music that they make speaks so individually yet at the same time universally to anyone who can appreciate it. This band has never made a bad album, they are for humble people who want so much more than noise out of their music. The Call's music comes with a message and when you hear it you will not be disappointed. If you know of any upcoming reunion's please let me know.

There are about 3 "best of"s for the Call. The first was "The Walls Came Down", covering only their early Mercury recordings.
Then "Best of the Call" which has only one track from the early years (Walls Came Down) but has the best of the later years plus a track that they recorded for a tribute to Mark Heard (We Know Too Much... a great song and a better version than Mark's, IMHO) Also included are a couple tracks from a Michael Been solo project that has never seen the light of day (and possibly was never completed). These songs eventually came out on "To Heaven and Back", but these versions are better as he had some help from some top noch players (ie: Bruce Cockburn, Jim Keltner).
Finally,The Best of the Call - The Millennium Collection. This is more representative of their releases on major labels, but ultimately I believe is not as enjoyable a listen as the previous release. Unfortunately, this seems to be out of print. So hopefully you can get it used.

Why the call never had more commercial success is truly a mystery. Once heralded as one of the best up and coming bands by Rolling Stone for its work on Reconciled (although this was their 4th album), The Call remained in the background over the years, continuing to produce wonderful music for its lucky fanbase. This "best of" compilation ranges from their first commercial MTV hit "The walls came down", through Michael Been solo projects, to their covered hit "I still believe" fron the movie The Lost Boys. Their song "Everywhere I go" is certainly a masterpiece, although my favorites are Michael's powerful ballads which showcase his strong vocals and dynamic range. This compilation surely belongs in anyone's collection. You will not be disappointed!

Many have not heard of this bluesy/rock group but give this cd a listen. After you have heard "Uncovered", you will seek out every album they have ever done. They just recently released a new album which is also pretty good. I have all the albums they released on cds but bought this "best of" because its been so long since they released one! Buy it and you will be hooked.

While driving to ND in 1987 to visit my girlfriend, I heard "I Don't Wanna", and I've been a fan ever since. That song is on every one of my compilation tapes made for friends. You cannot go wrong with this CD!

The Call as an underlying set of faith and devotion related to the masses in deep soulful rythems and powerful lyrics. My #1 pick of the year!

This is pretty much the second half of The Call's noteworthy recording career, covering their stints with Elektra and MCA records, plus a few unreleased tracks and some from Michael Been's "On The Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough." Get this and "The Walls Came Down" and you have an overview of a band who's passion and commitment to their music is palatable.

On this set, the proof is in such songs as "Everywhere I Go." The passion is laid out, heart on its sleeve style, as Been wails away with such an earnestness that you wonder if he's looking for his lover or salvation from God (which are possibly in their eyes, one and the same). As for a one-on-one love song, Been's solo recording, "Us," addresses issues of trust and companionship in a manner that rivals some of this particular disc's contributing musicians. They include such luminaries as Bono, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Cockburn. The tone here is often one of hope, be it the wistful sort of "What's Happened to You" or the anthem "Let The Day Begin." And there is never a caving in to the banality of what frequently passes for rock rebellion. As I posted in a review of "The Walls Came Down," Been and his bandmates always understood that rock, for many of us, could still make the world shift on its axis, if for only three and a half minutes.

If you find this CD intriguing to you, pick up "Reconciled" and though they are not in print, seek out "Red Moon" and "Let The Day Begin" as well. If you only want one Call disc, than this document of a largely unsung band is a must for those who respect deeply personalized, spiritual rock.

You bet! Whenever the subject of live bands comes up, people who know me will always ask what's the best live band I've ever seen. They ask me because they know I've seen them all. And they're surprised when without hesitation I say The Call. Most people don't even know who they are. But it's true. Michael Been playing the bass with tears streaming down his cheeks. This is a truly passionate band. For their encore that night, Michael sang a song with only a keyboard accompaniment. The song does not appear on any of their records and to this day I do not know the name of it. Do yourself a favor and get this cd. And if their live cd is available, get that one too.

I've been intrigued by " Let The Day Begin" when I've heard it on the radio and finally took the time to hunt it down. Turns out The Call made some really great music. Bought the album used from an Amazon seller and am quite happy with the album and the price.

This band has stood atop the alternative soulful blues-rock bands, since they played my High School graduation dance.(1985) This best of album is a must own. If you are a slight bit scepticle, don't be. OUTSTANDING!