Customer Reviews

Marty Balin's Greatest Hits

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Overall I think the CD is pretty good. Unfortunately I was really looking for the same songs but with the original studio versions. This new release contains all new versions of the songs. They are OK, but not really what I was looking for ... so if you think you might like a little new twist of his songs, this CD is for you. If you are looking for the originals you will be disappointed.

This must have seemed like a good idea at the time. Marty Balin's best recorded work has been spread out over a thirty year span and several labels. It would not have been easy to release a career retrospective consisting of the original studio recordings. Re-recordings of one's greatest hits are always an iffy proposition, and to Balin's credit, he's very upfront about these being new takes on classic songs (all recorded in 1999--it's right there on the cover!). No one who can read should complain that they expected otherwise.

New takes can actually be refreshing--that's one of the charms of a good "live" recording. You actually get to hear the artist put a different spin on an old favorite and can begin to appreciate both the singer and the song anew. A prime example of that phenomenon were Marty's own "live" versions of "It's No Secret" and "Plastic Fantastic Lover" on the Airplane's classic BLESS ITS POINTED LITTLE HEAD album. For my money, both of those takes surpassed the originals. Marty was just on fire when he recorded those.

But if he was inspired back then, he mostly sounds dispirited here. As a fan of some longstanding, I find these tracks at least, interesting. But can any other fan--no matter how devoted--honestly say that, if s/he wanted to turn some newby on to Marty Balin--that this would be the album to play? For one thing, the instrumental accompaniment is pure hackwork. Current Jefferson Starship stalwart Slick Aguilar manages to slip in a few tasty guitar licks, but mostly it's just schlock. If you've ever wondered how "Volunteers" might sound with horns, this is your chance. But, take my word for it, it ain't pretty.

Speaking of pretty, Balin always had one of the sweetest male voices in all of rockdom. But in recent years, his tenor has gotten a little frayed around the edges. He still has enough chops to be worth listening to, and sometimes it's just interesting to see how a singer strategizes when he can no longer hit all the high notes. Unfortunately, when you're pretty much committed to doing a song like "Miracles," there's no way you can avoid going for the socko-boffo finish. And if you fail to hit those notes, it kinda shows!

Part of the problem is that Marty has been reduced to a kind of oldies act in recent years...and that's true whether we're talking solo work or gigs with the reconstituted Jefferson Starship. He has enough of a voice and enough charisma still to do something really interesting, but he seems to be caving in to (perceived) pressure to "Hearts" and "Miracles" yet again. Too bad, because he could probably work a few new miracles if he gave himself free rein.

Disk two consists of Marty's reminiscences about the Airplane, Janis, Hendrix and Morrison--and it's nothing too new or revelatory. I don't know if any references to the pre-Grace Airplane were edited out or whether Marty has conveniently forgotten his first co-lead singer Signe Toly Anderson, for instance, but anyone familiar with Airplane history is bound to be a little disappointed with this cursory rendition of events provided here. Maybe it's just true that if you actually REMEMBER the 60s, you weren't really there. But did they have to play the schlocky arrangements from Disc 1 in the background? He's almost drowned out by those aforementioned horns! If this bonus CD of personal recollections was supposed to be a lure, well, we wuz robbed!

Bottom line: this may be for completists (like me) or at least serious fans (also like me) only! I find myself listening to this quite a lot, but it's almost a guilty pleasure. Marty could do better. He could also re-do most of re-do's he does here better. If there were a 1/2 star option, I'd probably give it a half star more because it is Marty Balin, after all.

i just got my copy of marty balin greatest hits and i love it! all his solo hits are here plus new versions of his hits with jefferson airplane are included as well. all the songs have been rerecorded so they may sound a little different than the studio versions, but dont let that stop you from buying this cd! if you are a major fan like me, this is a must get cd as an added bonus, there is an interview cd that has mart talking about hisdays with the airplane,janis joplin,jim morrison,jerry garcia,jimi hendrix, and paul mcartney. what a trip! when you listen to the tunes,it takes you back to the 60's!i reccomend this cd for mart balin fans everywhere! thank you amazon.com! sincerely,brett from new jersey