Customer Reviews

Snake Eyes on the Paradise: Greatest Hits 1976-1989

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Dragon were at one time "Australia's most popular band", a blatant misnomer, but one that shows just how big they were down under - and yes, they were more popular in Australia than at home in NZ. Other than a chart-scraping "Rain" they failed to crack the US market, unlike Crowded House, or any of the 'real' Aussie bands - LRB, AC/DC, Air Supply, etc. But virtually every cut featured here made the Aussie top 40, and it is some of the most accessible pop you never heard.

If you've somehow stumbled upon this listing accidentally, consider it a case of providence and order this CD NOW. The informative liner notes will fill you in on everything your ears don't!

If you havent had the pleasure of hearing Dragon then you need too. Dragon was one of those great bands that never really got their true awards, the song 'Get That Jive' is a well done tune and my favorite 'Sunshine' is truely a song that will have you a fan. They did many albums and at this time they have reissued on cd the album "Sunshine" so try and pick that up, its worth it. This though is a nice gathering of tunes they have here so you can't go wrong, I had the pleasure of seeing Dragon in 1978 opening for Johnny Winter and they were just as tight as on record, a few years ago we lost the great Marc Hunter to throat cancer. Such a loss to the music industry, but he left us so many great songs to live with. he also has some solo records that are sometimes hard to find but believe me "Well worth it"

Dragon, arguably New Zealand's finest rock group, are also probably the least well known of most of the rock groups from the 1970s and early 1980s. For anybody who loves pure pop, whether that be more upbeat numbers or slower, wistful ballads, Dragon is the group you should look to. From the brilliant Are You Old Enough? to rock-oriented Young Years, from the bouncy Get That Jive to the lovely ballad Still In Love With You, this disc contains it all. It is sure not to disappoint any fan who already knows and loves Dragon, while at the same time introducing new listeners to their distinctive sound, especially Mark Hunter's emotive vocals. No true lover of rock music should go without this superb collection. Absolutely brilliant.

Another band that should have been huge but self destructed. Oh, if only..... it breaks my heart to think of the great tunes we must have missed out on without Paul Hewsons immaculate pop songwriting skills. With Marcs unique sultry, sneering voice and his brothers perfectly pitched harmonies (I never heard him get one note wrong live) they were poised to take on the world.

With the Oh Zambesi lineup they should have been unstoppable. But in true rock tradition, with too many drugs and too many huge egos they couldn't ride the rocket whose fuse they'd lit. The album 'Sunshine' is my favourite and has a funkier boogie sound that reflected some of the Steely Dan influence of the day.

Damn, I miss them.

Dragon are the sort of under-rated band to which you say "Yeah, I remember they had a few good songs". It's only after listening to a collection like this that you remember just how many great pop/rock songs they came up with. Despite a few rough edges early on, the band always had an amazing pop sensibility, firstly through Paul Hewson, and later through the Hunters and those who rotated in and out of the band. Nearly every song here is a classic, and anyone familiar with Australian/NZ rock of the time will be saying "Oh that's right, they had THIS song as well" over and over.

How can you go wrong with an album containing 'This Time', 'Get That Jive', 'April Sun In Cuba', 'Are You Old Enough?', 'Still In Love', 'Rain', 'Magic', 'Cry', 'Speak No Evil', 'Dreams of Ordinary Men', 'Western Girls', and 'Young Years'? There's nothing particularly innovative or experimental about any of these songs; they're just excellent examples of hook-laden pop/rock. A few detours are evident, such as the electronic 'River' and the cover of 'Celebration', but for the most part Dragon stick to their winning formula. Also included are Marc Hunter's solo track 'Island Nights' during the period of the band's hiatus.

There is a stylistic shift of sorts from 'Rain' onwards, as the original members began departing the band to be replaced by a rotating cast of well-known musicans supporting the Hunters. The result is a more polished and accessible Dragon, which also resulted in a second spurt of commercial success. But Dragon never "sold out" as such, partly because they always retained a streak of individuality, and partly because their early songs already had strong pop hooks.

It's strange how a band with so many great songs is often overlooked when discussing great Australia/NZ bands. Hopefully a collection like this will remind people just how good Dragon were.

This is a sensational hit parade of Dragon classics.

I had the pleasure of seeing them live and this CD reminds me of how great these guys were.

Rain is an awesome track and worth the CD price alone but the CD is full of some great pop songs.

...at least on this side of the Pacific Ocean. Like most Americans who
have even heard of Dragon, I was only familiar with the song, "Rain."
It was the one song that prompted me to purchase this album CD. Due to
a variety of circumstances both within and beyond their control, the band
Dragon never made it big in the U.S., but from what I understand they have
quite a fan base in Australia and their native New Zealand - and
justifiably so. I was pleasantly surprised by a few of the tracks on this
CD, such as "Younger Years" and "Celebration." I didn't think anyone
could do Kool and the Gang justice, but I must admit that Dragon's version
is pretty darn good. But "Rain" is a great song - a signature hit that
will be around and recognized 50 years from now. For the true Dragon fan,
my best advice is to buy this compilation before it - and any other by
the band - is gone from production forever.

brilliant album some of the somgs I havent heard for ages excellent if youa dragon buy it

I'm 15 years old and for many years have embarassingly watched my father dance around for hours to classic rock music from the 70s and 80s. I've never shown an interest to it really. It's old fogey stuff that only comes out for a birthday or celebration. But recently (what with holidays and all), my dad's been bringing out his fav records and CDs from the old days(he's just over 40). "Snake Eyes on the Paradise: Greatest Hits 1976-1989" has become a new fav of my own. It's rockin, fun to dance to, and everyone can have a good time while it's playing. I recommend it highly and suggest everyone has a good time while remembering the good old times. Paradise!