Customer Reviews

Legacy

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Ozzie and Harriet's youngest son was one of rockabilly's finest purveyors as well as an innovator in the country rock movement. For proof, look no further than this exquisitely packaged, 100-track box set that provides a thorough over-view of Nelson's nearly thirty-year recording career. Disc one (1957-1959) captures Ricky the rocker. What began as a whim (making a record to impress a girlfriend) lead to immediate success on the pop charts, thanks in large part to the music's exposure on the Ozzie & Harriet television program. Nelson's initial recordings for Verve Records lead off the disc, and an uninspired lot they are. While his cover of Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'" is certainly a credible first effort, the two follow-ups "You're My One And Only Love" and "A Teenager's Romance" are plush [stuff] and of interest for historical reasons only. Their chart success helped Ozzie negotiate a five-year contract with Imperial Records that provided Rick with complete control over song selection. This allowed the younger Nelson to embrace his love of rockabilly. "Stood Up," "Waitin' In School," "Believe What You Say," and "My Bucket's Got A Whole In It" are just a few of the enclosed barn burners, each featuring a sizzling guitar solo by legendary sideman James Burton. Some slower hits - Nelson's first number one "Poor Little Fool," the moody "Lonesome Town" (his greatest vocal performance) and previously unreleased gems - a duet with Dean Martin from Rio Bravo, the suicidal "Gloomy Sunday," - are sprinkled throughout, but the prevailing theme of disc one is definitely rocka-rocka-rockabilly.

Disc two (1960-1964) showcases Nelson as a pop crooner, the first half dominated by ballads like "Young Emotions," "Teenage Idol," and his biggest hit "Travelin' Man." He still had stellar rockabilly moments from time to time though, with a pair of hits from 1961 ("Hello Mary Lou" and "Everlovin'") ranking among his best up-tempo recordings ever. In 1963, Nelson left Imperial and signed a lucrative, long-term deal with Decca. His first two years with the label make up the last third of the disc. Nelson's earliest Decca singles were the rockabilly tunes "I Got A Woman" and "Gypsy Woman." Their lackluster chart placements, however, would lead Nelson to shift his approach (successfully) to Latin-flavored updates of big band standards like "Fools Rush In," "For You," and "The Very Thought Of You." A couple of previously unreleased (and first-rate) renditions of "Jingle Bells" and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" - performed on Ozzie & Harriet - complete this most entertaining and varied disc in the set. The disc also documents the end of Nelson's years as a regular presence on the pop charts; the British Invasion had completely taken over American radio by 1965, and 50's teen idols in particular were definitely out of favor.

Disc three (1966-1972) finds Nelson - still at Decca - reinventing himself as a country rocker. Artistically (although not commercially) successful forays into traditional country lead off, with the western swing of "Louisiana Man," a rollicking "Night Train To Memphis," and his own ballad "Alone" (the latter also featuring the Jordanaires, Nelson's backup singers during the Imperial years) among the entertaining tracks. Next comes a pair of esoteric numbers from Rick's folk period in 1967 ("Suzanne On A Sunday Morning," the self-written "Promenade In Green") that miss the mark. We're a third of the way through the disc and things are starting to seem bleak. Enter the Stone Canyon Band to back up Nelson and help him establish the country-rock sound (which would influence, among others, the Eagles). Here, Nelson hits his stride for the first time in years, with a hit cover of Bob Dylan's "She Belongs To Me" in 1969 and his optimistic ode "Easy To Be Free" in 1970. A few tracks later, Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band reach their apex with 1972's "Garden Party": his autobiographical tale of rejection by a Madison Square Garden oldies' concert audience who didn't appreciate Nelson's updated appearance and sound. It was to be his last radio hit.

Disc four highlights Nelson's final recordings (1974-1985) as he tried in vain to re-interest the record buying public. The early tracks - covering mid-to-late '70s work for MCA and Epic - continue the mellow country-rock sound that permeates throughout disc three, with "One Night Stand" and "Stay Young" making a particularly strong impression. The early '80s material for Epic and then Capitol that follows finds Nelson mostly covering other notable rockers' material, with mixed results. A great rendition of John Fogerty's "Almost Saturday Night" and an effectively slowed down version of the Bobby Darin classic "Dream Lover" (similar to what James Taylor did with "Handy Man" and "Up On The Roof") are off-set by Nelson's horrendous take on Rocky Burnette's "Tired Of Toeing The Line." Eventually a top-ten hit for Burnette, Nelson's interpretation finds his voice electronically altered beyond recognition and beset by off-key shrieking at its conclusion. Among the previously unreleased bonus tracks, Nelson fares well with Buddy Holly's "Rave On," but less so with John Hiatt's "Doll Hospital." On one of this collection's final efforts, "Do You Know What I Mean" (a one-off single for MCA), Nelson offers a welcome return to rockabilly. It was a direction Nelson had planned to concentrate on just prior to his untimely death on December 31, 1985.

The best tracks on discs three and four could have been combined into one disc to create a tighter collection. Overall, though, Legacy is a strong box set that clearly reveals why Nelson earned his spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rick Nelson, the name brings many images to the "Crown Prince of Rock & Roll." Teenage Idol, Rockabilly and Country-Rock Icon, Golden Age of Rock & Roll Superstar, Has Been and lastly Comeback Artist.

Capitol has captured the essence of Rick' music career. Covering all Record Companies that Rick recorded for, we as fans, collectors and first time listeners, have the "Best of Rick's musical recordings".

Utilizing Master recordings from Verve, Imperial, MCA/Decca, Epic, Capitol and the Nelson Family, we see Rick's early beginings as a Novice Recording Artist, to Superstar, Country-Rock Artist and returning to his Rockabilly roots. Such unrleased songs as Gloomy Sunday, (legend has it that Ozzie Nelson feared Rick's teenage fans would pull a Kurt Cobain after hearing this song), Brand New Girl, You Are My Sunshine from the Legendary Imperial Days. The two Christmas songs from Ozzie and Harriet, Jingle Bells and The Christmas Song. Bye Bye Love (w/Don Everly from the Troubadour 1969), Truck Drivin Man show Rick's live performance ability. Garden Party, One Night Stand, Gypsy Pilot, Easy To Be Free, She Belongs To Me, highlight Rick's Stone Canyon Band days.

Finally, Rick's return to Rockabilly is showcased by some wonderful songs written by such artists as John Fogerty, Graham Parker, Rocky Burnette, (Rick recorded a GREAT version of Tired Of Toein' The Line) John Hiatt, Mickey Jupp and Buddy Holly. Almost Saturday Night, Back To School Days, a live in the studio Believe What You Say, show a orginal Rock & Roller who still has his chops.

Congratulations to Capitol for a Box Set worthy of one of Rock & Rolls lost resources. The Booklet is informative and full of many unavailable photos. Wonderful memories by family, friends and musicians provide insights into a kind, gentle and talented human being.

Hopefully we as fans will be fortunate to have other Rick Nelson material released in the near future. Video performances from Ozzie and Harriet, Stone Canyon Band days and his return to roots performances from the late 70's-85.

Go out and purchase this OUTSTANDING Box Set, this is a worthwhile addition to anyone's music library.

Rock ON Rick!!

I was 10 or more years too young to properly appreciate Nelson as an "oldie" artist. By the time I came of age, Nelson was no longer in the limelight and I guess his records were kept in the "golden oldie" section, far from where I shopped. After I grew, I happened to hear his "Dream Lover" and liked it right away. Never found it, however--that is until all these years later when I happened on the recent special on A&E and heard a snip-it of the song. A "Rick Nelson" internet search turned up the title "Dream Lover" on this box set. I liked that song so much I was willing to pay [$] for it even if the price included oldies I thought I would not fully appreciate. I far underestimated the set. This box set has given new life to my thirst for music. Nelson's later recordings and the songs he wrote are brilliant. After playing CD's 3 & 4 over and over, I appreciated CD's 1 & 2 in a way that caught me off guard. Legacy gave me a new artist, not an "oldie" one. So many of these could be 2001, "new artist" best sellers. Even some songs on disc 1 sound to me like they belong next to today's Ricky Martin, Santana or Chris Isaac (i.e. I Wanna Be Loved). What a shame I had to wait until now to learn about the richness of this artist. I wish Nelson's Stone Canyon and late recordings had been given more media attention at the time he first recorded them. None-the-less, I am grateful to have the opportunity to hear them now. Thank you, Capitol records and all those who worked to put this music together, and especially renowed musicologist Mr. Bob Hyde.

I was privileged to see Rick Nelson at a nightclub in Tucson the year before his death. All of his songs sounded just as they did when they were first played on the radio years ago. The crowd however had to continue its applause to get Rick to crack a smile, acknowledge our appreciation. Undeservedly he had to perform in small venues for years, but it did not hurt his delivery. I see no re-recordings on this very special set and it includes most of the songs that made the charts, including the sappy but appealing "Sweeter than You" from the early days and the 70s' "She Belongs to Me" (Bob Dylan, right?), two songs often not on other compilations. Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" is a treat as well. Rick Nelson was sometimes seen as an Elvis clone but he had his own style and following. He was in the forefront (along with the Eagles) in adding a country flavor to music in the early 70s with the Stone Canyon Band tunes on this compilation. Somehow he never got any credit for that though. After his appearance on Saturday Night Live later in his career, people went to music stores looking for the tune he'd sung, his own stylized version of Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover" as I recall. If the record company had had the song ready for release then instead of months later, it's likely that would have been the beginning of Ricky Nelson's big comeback. As it is, we are left with a 99% perfect anthology here anyway. It's a big investment, but you want the best, don't you?

If one were to personify what the 1950s represented, one family and show comes to mind, "The Ozzie and Harriet Show" and the Nelson family. Out of this real-life television family came a rock and roll star that reached superstardom and shared the same accolade as Elvis Presley (Rick Nelson also had the Jordanaires as back-up singers) as the hip swinging teen idol, and who's father produced one of the first music videos. RICK NELSON: LEGACY goes beyond the teenage idol, and shares with the public the most definitive collection of Rick Nelson's musical discography. Bob Hyde does an exemplary job at compiling all of Nelson's hits as well as his latter contributions in music, which had not been readily acknowledged in the past. LEGACY, indeed, pays tribute to Nelson's musical legacy. This compilation reveals a Rick Nelson side that finally places him side by side with Country Rock bands, such as The Eagles and Poco; Coincidently, Randy Meisner served a short tenure as bass player for Nelson's Stone Canyon Band.

The almost full discography of Rick Nelson's songs begin with a bobby sox teenager and ends with the adult who never outgrew his rockin' rockabilly roots. Nelson enhanced and transcended his sound from 1957-1985, and it shows with the songs that are presented on LEGACY. Every fan will identify with the hits, "Poor Little Fool" and "It's Late," and recognize other gems, such as the cha-cha sounding version of "The Very Thought of You." The added bonuses to the two discs are the previously unreleased alternate takes of "Lonesome Town" and "Just A Little Too Much." In addition, one of the songs in the movie, RIO BRAVO, "My, Rifle, My Pony, and Me," is included, and the perennial Christmas favorites, "Christmas Song (Chesnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" and "Jingle Bells," were previously showcased on Christmas specials during the early 1960s.

The most compelling part of this box set is the latter two discs, which show the maturation of Nelson's songwriting and sound. This is the part of his career that has been overlooked by many, but may now be experienced by all. Nelson unleashes his creative side where he delves into a country western flavor and leans toward a Nashville sound, "Louisiana Man" and "Mystery Train," as well as a folk-rock tone with his rendition of Bob Dylan's "She Belongs To Me" and his original composition, "Easy To Be Free." As the 1960s closed, Nelson began to further blend a little country to his rock sound. The new decade arises with "Garden Party, which conjures where Rick Nelson had been and where he was headed. The fourth disc contains a slew of memorable songs during the `70s and `80s that have been rarely exposed: "Legacy", "One x One," John Fogerty's "Almost Saturday Night," and "Dream Lover." It is ironic that the box set ends with a lovingly done version of Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways."

LEGACY is beautifully packaged and also contains a booklet that describes related material behind each song as well as miscellaneous photographs of Rick Nelson as a child and later in life. This is an anthology of Rick Nelson's musical career, which was caringly compiled. This compilation enriches the legacy of the singer and musician who was Rick Nelson. It is recommended listening for any rock and roll fan.

One of the best things about this collection is how good Ricky Nelson's latter day work is. I was not really familiar with it. What a wonderful surprise I got. Thank God we finally have a lengthy collection for him; otherwise I would never have had the opportunity to hear some of this stuff. There are some wonderful things here: country, ballads and some very introspective things. Much of the latter day material is written by Nelson too; which just adds to the validity of his work. Too bad it didn't sell well. Rick's top 40 days were over with; but that doesn't detract from the strength of the material he was putting out. All the hits and early material is here of course and some nice rare tracks too. Nelson never really got the credit he deserved. Buy this one and listen to a great artist at work.

A great set for someone who has no rick nelson cd's. A good set for someone who has most of the recordings. A lot of b sides were not there, like your kind of lovin, fire breathing dragon,moonshine,who cares about tomorrow, and i've got my eyes on you, plus nothing was there from on the flip side tv moive. I happened to like those songs and was looking forward to a box set having them. Those being absent does not diminish the greatness of the set. They could have put 5 disks in there and I still would have bought it. Look foward to regular released albums coming out with bonus tracks.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WHO EVER PUT THESE CD'S TOGETHER. THEY ARE JUST GREAT. I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF RICKS SINCE I WAS 11 YRS. LETS JUST SAY I'M 30+++ NOW. TO HEAR SOME OF THESE SONGS IS UNBELEIVEABLE...I HAD ALL OF RICKS ALBUMS WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, AND THEY WERE STOLEN WHEN MY HOUSE WAS ROBBED. SLOWLY, I'M REPLACING THEM, BUT THEY WON'T BE AUTOGRAPHED LIKE MY ORIGINALS. TO HEAR SONGS LIKE "ONE NIGHT STAND," "PROMENADE IN GREEN", "YOU JUST CANT QUIT" "I RISE, I FALL" SONGS THAT I HAVEN'T HEARD FOR YEARS WHEN I USED TO PLAY THEM OVER & OVER & OVER AGAIN WITH MY EAR STUCK TO MY PARENTS CONSOLE T.V. WITH THE TURN TABLE ATTACHED, MY POOR PARENTS HAD TO LISTEN TO THEM OVER & OVER AGAIN. (WE DIDN'T HAVE HEAD PHONES THEN)
ANY ONE WHO EVER FOLLOWED RICK, WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS.!!!
THE CD WITH MATTHEW, GUNNAR, & SAM SINGING GARDEN PARTY IS THE BEST TRIBUTE THEY COULD DO FOR THEIR FATHER...AND SAM'S VOICE IS THE GREATEST!! I HOPE ONE DAY, HE THINKS OF GOING IN TO THE RECORD BUSINESS. HE'S GOT THE GREAT RICKY NELSON CHARM.

The best "buy" I ever made. This box set provides a magical journey through the seasons of Rick's life. It's hard to choose which CD to play. Each one takes you down a path full of memories and packs some suprises too. When I selected this box set I was intent on purchasing songs that I enjoyed on my album collection. I spend a lot of time on the computer and wanted CD's to play without the hassle of jumping up to change the record. I initially laughed at some of the titles included in this set but to my surpise these unfamiliar songs are now some of my favorites. Just play "Suzanne On A Sunday Morning" and you'll know instantly that you made a great choice. "Promendate in Green" is one of Rick's very personal songs. This song shows his deep love for his children, Tracey, Gunnar and Mathew and for his nephews Danny and Jaimie (David's boys). One last bit of advice, play the songs with earphones on. You'll enhance your enjoyment as you feel Rick's intensity and especially to revel in his deep, sensuous voice. There is a song for everyone in his collection.

There are many boxed sets out there but,in my opinion, this stands above the rest! When played for casual fans they are amazed & then purchase their own. It's hard to expound on what has already been said;by fans as well as critics. Selinda's right-it deserves a Grammy!!! The listener is left wanting MORE! Rick was a private soul,who spoke through his songs(both those he wrote & those he chose to include in his songbook of Life). Imagine,had he lived,how much more he would have contributed... As it is,he gave us so much & never quit despite many setbacks-he's an inspiration to us all & was 'a bright star we'll not see again' but his musical Legacy lives on...what a beautiful unfolding of a life(short but full)from 16 year old who not only sang but helped produce his own records-he didn't follow,he lead! Rick knew his direction,& always came back,each time showing another side of this complex,talented man. In "LEGACY" we re-visit nearly four generations of music as he changed with the times,often pioneering new sounds(like Country-Rock)until he returned to his roots,better than ever,a voice filled with experience. Someone with so many 'gifts'- his startling beauty just a bonus to his talent,wit & perserverance which rose above his personal pain..it's all in one boxed set-those songs not included will come & another Boxed set will be born...someone as special as Rick Nelson will not pass this way again...Thank you Rick for sharing your heart & soul with us...