Customer Reviews

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This is a wonderful compilation of an artist who has done a number of interesting career turns since crashing onto the popular charts thirty years ago with the folk-country crossover hit, "Wildfire". Many of the songs included here were in a terrific album released early in the 1980s, with the hit song "What's Forever For" propelling it up the charts. Murphey is always delightful and surprising, and from a guy who has done everything from "Geronimo's Cadillac" to cowboy albums, this album is a provocative turn toward more contemporary music, which may be difficult to classify, but is absolutely impossible to resist. From the opening "Carolina In The Pines" to the intriguing "Still Taking Chances", Murphey's songwriting, singing, and arrangement talents are wonderfully showcased, and each of the songs provides an interesting look at the nature of contemporary lives and relationships as seen by someone with common sense, an earthy appreciation for the values of the simple life, and an ardent celebrant of life. Although I like all the songs included here, my special favorites are "Love Affairs", "Cherokee Fiddle", and, of course, the absolutely captivating "Wildfire, an absorbing word picture and fable all wrapped up in a memorable and evocative song. Believe me when I say this one song is worth the price of the album, and compares well to anything by James Taylor, Van Morrison, or Paul Simon. I love this album, and it is permanently installed in my new 100 CD player for my convenience. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

An earlier reviewer claimed that some of these titles were remixes on this particular collection. They are way more than that - they are RE-RECORDED!
And very pale compared to the originals.
Buyer beware!
A much better choice would be "The Ultimate Collection"
Twice as many songs and every one is original!

This CD contains similar versions to MMM's hits, some some have been re-recorded (e.g. Wildfire). If you're used to the hit mix, you'll be surprised; but the newer version will likely "grow on you"!

This is an excellent CD, however I was dissappointed that it wasn't the original Wildfire and the long piano intro and ending. Does anyone know where I can find that version? Please email me at stevencharles at wilcatsfan dot com if you have information.

I have not heard this album but am looking for the version of the "Wildfire" track with the great piano solo intro and close. Based on other reviews, this CD does not have that version. The Sagebrush Symphony also does not appear to be the one either with one reviewer citing a "different version than what you might be used to". Can anyone help me out? Please email me at bradd@concordtrans.com if you can provide any assistance.

This CD is full of tunes to keep you singing along and enjoying the talents of MMM. Michael is an outstanding songwriter. He wrote a lot of the songs on the CD and his wonderful talent brings the words from the written page to make melody in our hearts. Never settle for any other version of "Cherokee Fiddle" than this one that he wrote. It is the best!....luv ya, Michael--Rhonda B.

This CD has most of MMMs best work. Geronimo's Cadillac is poignant. Wildfire was a chart topper in the mid 70s. By the way, MMM has a web site where you can buy the original CD which has the version of Wildfire with the piano intro and exit. It is still hauntingly beautiful 30 years later. Reminiscent of Billy Joel's early work ("The Legend of Billy the Kid") and Dan Fogelberg's first album, "Homefree". They don't make music like this anymore....

These are *not* the original version of these great songs. They're still the same songs, but they just aren't the studio versions I remember listening to -- they are sort of a "light" version of those songs. Have ordered the Ultimate Collection and hope it has the versions of these great songs I was looking for.

Great CD. Rarely do you find a CD where ALL songs are good. On this CD, I like 9 of the 12 songs. Great instrumentals on some songs.

Yes, these are re-records, at least Wildfire, Carolina in the Pines and Geronimos Cadillac are.
I think the rest are for the most part originals. I bought my copy of this CD 10 years ago. Unless
someone has tampered with the newer releases of this CD, it has the original piano intro and fades.
It will be personal opinion whether you like this re-record. I for one like it because the sound is
much richer and improved on both Wildfire and Carolina in the Pines. But each listener will have to
be the judge. I own both versions on different CDs and to me, they are all good.