Customer Reviews

In Black & White: Zebra Collection

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the album to get from Zebra. They were the "unknown" band with the semi-hit, Who's Behind the Door. This three man band's lead guitarist/singer, Randy Jackson, has the vocal stylings of a hard rock Frankie Valli. He has a HIGH voice. But that's okay, because it works on Zebra's music.

The songs Tell Me What You Want, Hard Livin' Without You and Wait Until the Summer's Gone really rock. There's also some more good, melodic tunes in Bears, Lullaby and Who's Behind the Door. Also fun is Riverside and Better Not Call. The other tracks are fair.

Zebra is really one of the great, but relatively "unknown" bands of the 80's and 90's. They're right up there with Steelheart, Thunder, XYZ and Shooting Star. Give them a try, there's some good stuff in this release.

If you're a fan of 80's rock, this is a sure-fire winner to add to your collection. Zebra is a band that produces one of the most unique sounds you will ever hear- why they never made it to the top of the world of rock is a mystery to me. If you haven't heard their music, buy this CD and enjoy the ride. If you have heard of this band, then you already have their previous releases in your collection.

This group reminds me of Rush in many ways: A three-man band with a distinctive sound, songs with excellent lyrics, and musicians who are very talented. In listening to this CD, it still amazes me that this band is a trio. Equally amazing is their ability to produce the goods on stage as well, as I have seen them live many times.

Go ahead and add to your cart one of the most overlooked bands of its era.

Just goes to show how fickle the music industry is - if you promote, you win, if they don't like you and don't promote, you lose.... Zebra's sound remains to me one of the best examples of 80's rock that nobody ever heard... but should of! This album is fantastic - better production than the other cds..... Zebra has a web site too, at thedoor.com

I'll state from the beginning that I am from Zebra's hometown and have been going to their concerts since they began playing. But I grew up a huge fan of the 80's mega band/metal sound and have also seen Van Halen, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, Scorpions, Motley Crue, Judas Priest etc. in concert as well and own just about every CD from these bands.

If you are looking to hear some phenomenal music from that era and don't have Zebra in your collection, put it in your cart now. This band rocks and you will not be dissapointed. I rank them up there with my favorite band of all time, Van Halen. Yes, they're that good. One of the best bands of their era not to hit the big time. And yes, I will be going to their next local concert.

A terrific introduction to the best hard-rock band many have never heard. If you like Zeppelin, Rush, Yes, and so on, buy this disc! You won't be disappointed. Included here are classic tracks from Zebra's three Atlantic Records studio releases from the late 1980s and a few previously unreleased tunes and demos. More reasons to buy: the sound has been improved, the liner notes give a great history of the band, and the disc clocks in at over 70 minutes. Fans are anxiously awaiting the next studio album, for the rest of you, start here.

No Greatest hits package would be complete without Tell Me What You Want,or The LaLa Song,but here Zebra lets us peak into thier minds a little more with alternate versions from their beginnings and demos from their 3.5 album. The songs are remastered and you can tell so on most of the songs.A nice example would be Time;you can just hear the depth that Randy Jackson`s 12 string guitar has,it just rings beautifully.As I said Before sounds great too.The 3.5 songs sound decent but don`t expect miracles.Although they are well liked by myself,I always felt the overall sound was "thin" to say the least,and it sounds the same here.The drums could have used more bass and the snare sounds thin,but Guy Gelso is by FAR the best drummer of the last 20 or so years.Getting to the unreleased stuff:I really enjoyed Alt Versions of One more chance and Take Your Fingers From My Hair!(TYFFMH).Randy sings in a different style and Felix Hanneman seems to be more out front doing some interesting keyboard work.My only gripe?Guy seems to be holding back on TYFFMH.You don`t hear the classic fills we have all come to know.Remeber gang this was the beginnings!Riverside is a fun acoustic jam with some great backgrouds from Felix(I think).It`s "Zeppelinish" like something off of Zep 3 or a song off the fourth one,but don`t worry.Randy has always had such a great acoustic style(Go see his Acoustic shows,you will not be dissappointed)you don`t mind.The band that "just never seemed to make it" makes a great immpression on fans,but more on the millions of people that haven`t heard their thought provoking,progressive style that leaves Rush,Zep,or any other rocker in the dust. It`s original,it still is relevant to today,and you want something make you want to really rock,BUY IT!!!

Having been born and raised in New Orleans I've been listening to Zebra sice I was a teen (now 37). The cd is great from start to finish. It has unreleased tracks and alternate versions of some their best known songs. No way to be disappointed with the track list. The only oter song I would've squeezed on here would be a cover Zep's The Ocean. A truly outstanding best of.

Hadn't heard these songs since I was in my twenties. Surprisingly, "Who's Behind the Door" makes sense to me only now, in a New Age'y/aliens kinda way, which is surprising for a rock band. Regardless of the lyrics, their sound is still very unique and fun. I heard they have a new album (yes, I know we use CD's now). All I can say is -Rock On!

i was surprised by some of the selections picked but not dissapointed.the out-take demo releases were worth the price of the cd.the never released songs are awsome and can't wait until the next release.

fisrt heard of these guys in high school when radio was playing " lullaby," and its my favorite zebra song..."bears" and "who's behind the door ? " are also very good...one of the lesser known 80's bands that had gold records and a cult following...