Customer Reviews

Best Of The Outlaws: Green Grass & High Tides

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Outlaws put out a greatest hits album back in the eary 1980's that omitted one key element of the band, Henry Paul. This compilation is truely their "greatest hits" CD. From "Waterhole" to "Green Grass and High Tides" the Outlaws show why they were the smoothest sounding southern rock band of all time. Hughie Thomasson is one of the most original and unique guitar players of all time, and will always be my favorite, ahead of other southern greats such as Dicky Betts, Gary Rossington, and Allen Collens . This CD is a must for anyone interested in Southern rock, Country blues, or good ol' Rock and Roll!!!

Ok, everyone is entitled to their humble opine regarding music, but one should be familiar with the gendre before attempting to publish a review on the material. The reason why the Outlaws didn't achieve the fame and fortune of the acts mentioned (Skynyrd, Allman's, MTB) was because they didn't succumb to the pressures to produce "poppy" hit tunes that got consistent airplay. MTB is more country blues/gospel rock, Allmans were blues/jazz/rock and Skynyrd rode on the talents of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. The distiguishable factor of the Outlaws was the widely recognized (in the "southern rock circles) talents of Hughie Thomasson and (the late) Billy Jones who together with help from Henry Paul crafted songs laced with guitar solos that even the great Betts/Allman duo would have envied. This is not "just" an album that "southern rock" die hards would like, it is an album anyone who calls themselves a "music lover", should have.

The Outlaws had some of the best harmonies ever displayed by a rock and roll band. And their guitar playing was second to none. Hughie Thomasson and Billy Jones could easily compete with the Allmans, Skynyrd and any other Guitar tandem. The song Green Grass and High Tides is one of the greatest songs ever, as is Hurry Sundown and Ghost Riders. My only complaint is not enough Billy Jones' songs such as Cry No More. There were other songs that were unfortunately omitted like Angels Hide, Long Gone, Devils Road, So Afraid, and Song In The Breeze. This album is not only recommended for "die hard fans", but for any rock n roll or country fan. The musicianship and harmonies are definately worth it.

The editorial review's statement that this music is "completely undistinguishable" from other Southern Rock, and that it is for die-hards only is misleading, to say the least. The Outlaws had a distinctive sound and lyrics, much more Western than most of what is called "Southern Rock." There are some forgettable songs on this compilation, in my opinion, but it is worth owning for fans of 70s guitar-driven rock for several of the jewels herein, such as "Green Grass and High Tides," "Gunsmoke," "Hurry Sundown," and the lesser-known "Song For You," among others. The guitar-playing is excellent, but the tunes are also memorable. I would even describe some as haunting.

A good starting point for those unacquainted with the Outlaws and excellent collection of favorite/familiar tunes for fans. The mastering is crisp and clean which complements the crisp Fender guitar sounds. This offering has substantial representation by both Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul. And yes, I admit to liking "Green Grass and High Tides" (so sue me). While I wish Thomasson and Paul would contribute some new Outlaws music, I guess that's like wishing that Larry Niven would write a new novel comparable to Ringworld. At least we have these recordings...

In the mid-70's, a little known band called THE OUTLAWS from Tampa, Florida, started making their way through the music charts reinforcing a relatively new genre of music called "Southern Rock." This was a true mesh of Rock n' Roll from the South with a Country flavor, and no other band heralds the center of Southern Rock than The Outlaws, except for Lynyrd Skynyrd. What turns out to be their signature song "Green Grass and High Tides" is one that is cast into history as one of the greatest lead guitar songs of all time and it ranks right up there alongside of what "Freebird" is to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what "Stairway to Heaven" is to Led Zepplin. "Green Grass and High Tides" is a song that is any lead guitarist's dream to be able to emulate. The lightning fast lead guitar riffs, played largely by leader Hughie Thomasson, are truly the band's musical conscience. The Outlaws brought forth their "Guitar Army" into the limelight with many famous cuts featuring some of the most amazingly blistering fast lead guitar solos ever recorded. If you don't think this to be true, then I challenge you to pick-up a guitar yourself and see if you can actually keep up with these masters. If you can, come right on back and see me. The Outlaws took the dual-lead concept even further, by introducing the third lead guitar, and they created a blend of timeless classic southern rock songs that will continue to tug on the heartstrings of every guitar empressario (or armchair expert), as well as anyone else who truly loves music. I am so thankful that The Outlaws can still take me back to a time and a place when the music was as fresh as the paint on your neighbor's old muscle car. One can compare the songs The Outlaws performed in their original recorded version with their live performances and be doubly blessed by the brilliance of this renown Southern Rock icon. You would do yourself proud to own this and the many other albums by The Outlaws, especially their Live Album "Bring It Back Alive." I have seen The Outlaws in concert nine times over the years and I have never seen a band pour themselves into their music and care about their fans as much as did The Outlaws.

To the staff at Amazon.com: You have fallen prey to the 'lazy reviewer' syndrome by passing along Amazon-approved music reviews from someone with an agenda. Roni's review of the Outlaws betrays quite a bit about him/her (unable to tell from the name - is this your major attitude problem, Roni?). Obviously a Gen-X or Wye (or "Why Oh Why" as I call them) who doesn't think music is to listen to, it's a video phenom. Maybe this band is indistinguishable from other bands (to you) because you wouldn't know a musician from a ditch-digger. Put a street person in the right clothes, teach them to mimic the same boring moves as all your favorite bands (posers), and your review would be "genius; completely original; mind-blowing".
All the new bands do is copy from the 60s and 70s originals, except they don't have even the minimum of talent to do that properly. There should be a policy change - how about printing music reviews written by people who lived in the time that this music was made. Also an intelligence test wouldn't hurt.

This is a wonderful "snapshot" of the most talented under appreciated great southern rock band of the 70's. These guys had it all and if you were lucky enough to see them "LIVE" you know what true southern rock is all about. The only sad thing about this collection is they didn't include two of Hughie Thomasson's best songs. (Angels Hide from Ghostriders & Just For You from Lady in Waiting). Enjoy & keep hopin Hughie will get finished with Skynyrd & crank up The Outlaws once more.

I've been listening to these guys since the mid seventies. The were and still remain the best line up of leads in the south. The western flair they bring to their cuts can't be beat (as it were). This disc contains their best cuts and should be on any true southern rocker's shelf.

This is a compilation of hits by the southernest rock band that ever hit the radio. Their lyrics deplicted the images of the stories our papa's papa's told us, time of the wild southern east. Backed by some the most classic riffs and jams of rock. The Outlaws are timeless. I remember sneeking into the Twain( or maybe 49th st.) with my older uncle to watch them rock the night away. If you've had the pleasure of wadeing the flats of Tampa Bay hunting Redfish and Snook at sunset, you know what "Green grass and tides forever" is all about. Hats off to the Outlaws!