Customer Reviews

Essential Molly Hatchet

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

 

 

Just like the Allman Brothers and Lynynrd Skynyrd before them, Molly Hatchet also hails from Jax, Florida. So it's no coincidence that they sound a little alike. But make no mistake; despite the comparisons, few can dispute that they created a legacy and following all their own. The band got its name from a woman who lived in Salem, Mass. in the 17th century.

This album rocks from start to finish. They have their own version of The Allman Brothers' "Dreams I'll Never See". They take their shot at disco with "Boogie No More". There's "Beatin' The Odds" (one of four tracks sung by Jimmy Farrar instead of Danny Joe Brown) which talks about overcoming obstacles which they've had many of. They celebrate their southern roots on "Sweet Dixie". "Fall Of The Peacemakers" is an anti-war anthem of sorts and "Respect Me In the Morning" focuses on a stormy relationship in which both parties tell their sides. Two of their biggest hits "Bounty Hunter" and "Flirtin' With Disaster" start the album and "Gator Country" was taken from the 1985 album "Double Trouble Live". Keep in mind that the focus is more on the music than on the lyrics. Many of the tracks have long guitar solos and therefore long running times.

I give this album a higher recommendation than the expanded "Greatest Hits" because the last five tracks on that album make it longer but not better. Every track on this 67 minute disc is a winner.

The sound is amazing. The remastering of the songs enables the listener to fully enjoy the Molly Hatchet sound. Beating the Odds is a quintessential song and captures the guitar at best. The sound of the drums is incediary. In truth, it captures the essense of the Hatchet. The songs represent the fine musicianship of the true members of the Hatchet. Excellent recording. It is an essential album for a true Southern Rock fan.

THE ESSENTIAL MOLLY HATCHET is better than GREATEST HITS because it covers both the Danny Joe Brown AND Jimmy Farrar eras of the band. The best songs here include "Flirtin' With Disaster", "Whiskey Man", "Boogie No More" (all featuring Brown), "Beatin' The Odds", and "Bloody Reunion" (both featuring Farrar), and as on GREATEST HITS and FLIRTIN' WITH DISASTER, the remastering is thick and warm, making you feel like you're actually in the room with the band. The fact that past and present members of the band currently advocate sanctions against countries which falsely convict foreign visitors, increased funding for law enforcement, and capital punishment/life without parole for aggravated kidnapping makes this CD an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.

Simply,a fourteen track 'best of' compilation of the beloved southern rock band.This may sound silly,but I believe that,anymore I've more or less have lost total interest in Molly Hatchet.I mean,let's face the harsh truth,they're REALLY not Molly Hatchet without their late vocalist Danny Joe Brown.I just may need to be at a late night bash to properly enjoy this CD,which has their three biggest hits,"Bounty Hunter","Gator County" and "Flirtin' With Disaster" along with other Hatchet goods like "Beating The Odds","Bloody Reunion" and the rocking "Straight Shooter".Bet the band will still carry on.Last time I'd seen them out on tour,I checked out their site and it appeared they didn't have,even ONE original member.Great music,just some sad memories here.

Hit after hit, this album is a pleaser. If you like the genre you will love Molly Hachet's guitar power.

This CD could have been a perfect collection of all the best known songs by the very underrated MOLLY HATCHET. I've heard many of these songs for years on the album rock station, 97 Rock here. The main gripe I have is that Sony put on a live version of one of their most well known songs, GATOR COUNTRY. If it's an Essential Collection, the essential version is the original, not a live version. As usual, Sony purposely does this to make you buy another CD , as they usually do with so many of their artists. It does include RESPECT ME IN THE MORNING, a real rocker sung with the powerful Joyce Kennedy of Mother's Finest that is a rare treat. It's just not complete without the original GATOR COUNTRY though. Another example of corporate Sony trying to make an extra buck by substituting an original version with a live version or alternate take.

10 of the 14 tracks on this album absolutely kick ass. However, there is a run of four songs that should not have been included on a greatest hits compilation. I will let you figure out which songs I am talking about, but I will give you a hint, the original lead singer and man who came to symbolize the band was not involved in them. I'm sorry, and I do not mean to turn this negative, because I have a fondness for the Jacksonville Boys, but no song that Danny Joe Brown was not a part of should have been included here.

Good selection, average. Jukin City is real, and it should be there. Enough said.