Customer Reviews

Complete Collection, The

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This is a very good compilation of the greatest "early" hits. The original versions by Exile of "Take Me Down" and "The Closer You Get" (written by J. P. Pennington) are better than the versions covered by Alabama. It is especially nice to have the original version of "Kiss You All Over" sung by Jimmy Stokely. Great for Exile fans who go WAY BACK or for the new fan who wants to add to their collection.

With the omission of the rather bland "How Can This Go Wrong" (mentioned in the liner notes), this album is undoubtedly a complete collection of all of their pop years before country fame. The album begins with the only full-length version of "Kiss You All Over" I know of available-the one that top the pop charts for a full month in 1978. The next two songs, both major later successes (and classics) for Alabama, "Take Me Down" and "The Closer You Get" were nice touches. "You Thrill Me" hit #40 on the pop charts immediately after "Kiss You All Over". Though lacking the dynamics of "Kiss You All Over", it still features some of JP Pennington's best vocal talent. "Stay With Me", also a Top 10 Country Hit for Dave & Sugar, is certainly worth a listen and was good enough that it actually charted country in their peak of country success. "Heart and Soul" also was also reincarnated in 1983 as a major Top 10 smash for Huey Lewis & The News. Another great song is the R&B flavored "Take This Heart".

Needless to say, this is a fun listen-especially if you know the above songs. I can't say they are as good as the classic versions, but they are still a perfect addition to your Exile collection.

Exile, founded by J P Pennington, began as a group as far back as 1963 (as a rock'n'roll group called The Exiles), but changed their name to Exile in 1973. When they eventually achieved success, it was big - a major international hit, Kiss you all over, which topped the American charts and also made the British top ten,

In both countries, they followed up with some minor hits and it seemed that they were just another pop group who would disappear quickly. However, their songs were good and attracted a number of covers, particularly by country singers although Huey Lewis and the News were successful with Heart and soul.

Among the country singers to cover Exile's songs were Dave and Sugar (Stay with me), Janie Fricke (It ain't easy being easy - Exile's version is sadly not on this compilation) and Alabama (The closer you get, Take me down). All these covers did well on the country charts with the two by Alabama going to number one. You thrill me, a minor hit for Exile, also spawned a country cover - this time by Lynn Anderson. Except as noted, Exile's own versions of these songs are included here.

Eventually Exile, with a new lead singer (Les Taylor), decided to try their luck as a country group. Their rocking, upbeat, pop-country music proved to be very successful for a few years. Those recordings are available separately.

This compilation covers their years as a pop group superbly.

Live shows ate great, but this is the next best thing! It was simple to order and I received it within the time frame requested. Amazon is my favorite on-line shopping place!

Excellent CD. Exile is an amazing band and this cd captures some of their greatest songs from their rock years. A great collection for any Exile or 70's rock lover. Proud to say they're from Kentucky.