Customer Reviews

Flashback - Best of

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

 

 

THE J. GEILS BAND-FLASHBACK: Fans of this Beantown sextet's rafter-raisin', harp-saturated boogie n' blooze might well gasp "WHA' HAPPEN???" upon spinning this second career compilation of new-wavey, MTV-ready hits. Like the Doobies, ZZ Top, and Aerosmith, the J. Geils Band pulled a musical 180 midway through their careers by mainstreamin' their legendary rock and soul vibe. The upside was increased airplay and platinum sales...the downside meant diminished quality and decreased credibility. Sure, LOVE STINKS is a fun li'l ditty (Who can't relate to THAT sentiment?), and CENTERFOLD was accompanied by a sexy video in its day, but this version of Geils is a Howlin' Wolf-cry away from the gritty groove of WHAMMER JAMMER and FIRST LOOK AT THE PURSE. At least I DO is a live version of the same showstoppin' song on BEST OF, the superior first anthology. That'll help old school fans wash the "too slick" taste of FREEZE FRAME and FLAME THROWER from their mouths.

RATING: THREE SELL-OUTS

The J. Geils Band labored in obscurity for many years before they broke through to the big time in the early 80s with the album "Freeze Frame" and the massive hit "Centerfold." For about a year or so they were unaviodable on the radio. They followed up their success with a moderately successful live album. Then lead singer Peter Wolf left the "fold" and the band faded quickly back into obscurity. "Flashback" collects the highlights from just before the band's breakthrough to the top until Wolf's departure. The highlights include the three songs from "Freeze Frame" including both the title track and "Flamethrower." Also excellent is the 1980 classic "Love Stinks" the sound of which anticipates "Centerfold." "I Do" and the lame cover of "Land of a Thousand Dances" are from the live album.

Overall, this is a middling collection of material with a few highlights that sounds as dated today as anything from the early 1960s.

I thought I would leave a feedback on this cd as it received a bashing in regards to the song Flamethrower. I'm glad that I don't necessarily go with feedbacks when it comes to music because everyone's taste is different. I happen to love Flamethrower and believe that that is one of the J. Geils Band's best. I also have their other greatest hits which I didn't really care for that others seem to prefer. I highly recommend this greatest hits collection. It is, to me, much better than their previous greatest hits album. I think J. Geils Band got better with time unlike what many are saying in here.

When it came time to buy a J. Geils " GREATEST HITS " CD, I bought this one to cover their 80's hits, when " CENTERFOLD " was #1 and the band's videos were all over MTV. As a casual fan who wanted to own the songs I knew , I bought this one, and also the Atlantic " BEST OF J. GEILS BAND " with the bowling pins. That covers pretty much most of the hits from the 70's & 80's that I knew of. And I didn't have to have live concert versions , which to me is a turn-off and why I didn't buy the newer 18 song " THE BEST OF THE J. GEILS BAND " or the double " ANTHOLOGY " on Rhino. Plus, the songs on here, as well as the old Atlantic " BEST OF " [ bowling pins cover ] are the full album versions, not edits!

Only thing is that there are no cool photos or informative liner notes. But it's cool music, just like Mr. Cool himself, Peter Wolf, showman extraordinaire.

The original best release of 1985 contains the live version of their early hit I DO and the cover of Wilson Pickett hit LAND OF A THOUSAND DANCES recorded live. Also it has previously unreleased track WILD MAN.

Legendary vocalist Peter Wolf departed the band around 1984 and released a solo LIGHTS OUT. Naturally this compilation tries to stress the aura of Peter Wolf rathar than simply showing the band's hits. As some of the tracks introduced here such as LOVE STINKS, FLAME THROWER, and COME BACK show J Geils. Band is the straight rock band rivaling the legend Billy Squire. Then since late 70s they took power pop approach and huge hits such as FREEZE-FRAME and CENTERFOLD were made. 10-track compilation is a bit too short to introduce their music but generally enjoyable.

Verdict: Centered on late 70s to 80s hits but enjoyable.
Rating: 82 out of 100. Maybe makes us want to listen to their songs more.
Recommended for late 70s to early 80s power pop fans.

Covering the the late 70's - early 80's incarnation of the band at the height of its MTV success, FLASHBACK really doesn't fit the bill as a greatest hits CD.With only 10 songs, from a limited time poeriod; it doesn't do the band justice. This CD is designed to cash in on their 80's success. The video hits are here, but if you really want something that represents this band, look elsewhere.

I own 6 or 7 J. Geils LPs and CDs, from their early days to Flashback, and this is my favorite. The order of the songs and the production values are excellent. Although most of the cuts are studio (except I Do and 'Dances), all the music feels "live" and contributes to a early-1980's party feel. I would stress buyers to play this music LOUD...it isn't a good background CD. This is a perfect CD for the car and the commute or cross-country excursion.

I was dissapointed in this CD cause they had to edit out parts of Come Back (which was shortened from 5:09 to 3:34) and they only chose 10 songs, if you're a casual fan of J. Geils Band get Freeze Frame, The Best Of (which contains their 70's hits) and Bloodshot, avoid unless you're a completest.

This is a fantastic compillation of some of the band's best work. I see these reviews of people whining that it's not statistically their "greatest hits". Okay. Read the title. This is good stuff. Call Kasey Kasem for the greatest hits.

I am always disappointed to hear only 'Centerfold' and 'Love Stinks' (to a lesser degree), on the radio. Enjoy a reprise of some solid and creative party music, especially if you're 40 to 50 years old.

This wasn't exactly the CD I thought it was...but the CD itself was in great condition. Just as described.