Customer Reviews

Still in Hollywood

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection really does come off as a "Greatest Hits" collection: it spans the band's career ("It'll Chew You Up and Spit You Out" is an alternative take of "Still in Hollywood" from their first album, up through a couple of B-sides from their Mexican Moon singles) and features a wide variety of styles that accentuate the things that the band does best.

And, on top of all that, these songs are simply great. "Free" is one of my favorite singles by Concrete Blonde... I still don't know why it doesn't appear on their album of the same name (I had acquired a copy as a b-side on the vinyl single for "God is a Bullet"). Their rendition of "Little Wing", from the same era in the band's development, is simply divine. "Everybody Knows" is a classic cut from the "Pump Up the Volume" movie soundtrack, and is one of the better renditions of this Leonard Cohen song.

And, for all of the great music, these are mostly tracks that cannot be found on any of the band's studio released albums. This "bonus album" hangs together extremely well, almost as if it had been planned all along.

In addition to the b-sides and compilation releases, there are several live tracks that capture the energy of their concert performances. "Roses Grow" and "Sky is a Poisonous Garden" in particular show how the band can rock out when it has a mind to do so. The accoustic version of "Joey" is good, but their punk version (which they had performed at a few shows) is much more entertaining. Too bad it didn't reach a commercial release.

Certainly this is not as tight an album as Bloodletting or even Mexican Moon, but anyone who enjoys Concrete Blonde owes it to themselves to pick up this album. Highly recommended.

An odds-n-ends collection that plays like a terrific, album-proper release. "Little Wing" and "Simple Twist of Fate" are must-haves for fans. Note: two great live tracks are missing (Jimi Hendrix's "Castles Made Of Sand" and Tears For Fears' "Shout", which isn't very good but does have some hilarious repartee between Johnette, Jim and the audience), these can be found on the "Mexican Moon" cd-single. I really admire Johnette's husky-smooth voice and her wide-eyed attitude towards life (she's completely unjaded, always in awe). This is one fabulous CD--it should've sold 5 million.

An essential to anyone's collection. Several of the more popular reasons would be for the acoustic rendition of Joey (originally aired on an MTV segment), Everybody Knows (from the film Pump Up the Volume) and a remix of Bloodletting that is phenomenal.

A live version of Tomorrow, Wendy and 100 Games of Solitaire are two of my favorites from the album. Some mellow cuts and some rocking ones render this a must have.

It's a chance to recognize their range and how talented this band really was (is?). They are one of the most underrated bands out there.

This is what music is all about. Passion, Power, Technical Ability and that X Factor. This band always "had it" and never enjoyed the success that their talent warranted.

Johnette and Jim Mankey were a powerful combination and this album proves it. Rockin' grooves to mellow ballads - they've got it covered in a unique and thoroughly enjoyable way. Great music.

If for no other reason, you must buy this so that you will have CB doing Probably Will & Side Of The Road on cd. Other must-haves include Everybody Knows(Leonard Cohen),Mandocello(Cheap Trick),Joey(acoustic),Little Wing(Jimi Hendrix),Simple Twist Of Fate(Dylan).100 Games Of Solitaire, & the moving Tomorrow Wendy(live). This one loses a star for the terrible version of Nick Cave's The Ship Songs. Cave fans will note that the lyrics are even wrong in a couple of spots. All in all, this is a fine collection of CB rarities. Given that 13 of the 16 tracks are very good to great, you can't go wrong with Still In Hollywood. Excellent song selection and comprehensive liner-notes. This is a great place to start your CB collection. It best displays the wide range of this incredible band.

All of Conrete Blonde's Cd's are an absolute work of art! They are the most unique band I have ever heard, and I advise everyone to listen to their music because no matter what mood your in this music will make you feel complete

Whenever I listen to their albums, especially this one, I can't understand why they weren't as popular as say "The Cure", or "REM". The talent is overflowing, and the music is just beautiful. For the new fan, I would still suggest "Recollection" first, but for any fanatic, this is a must. The live stuff, the covers, and b-sides, all top notch. The "God is a Bullet" b-side "Free" is awesome. The cover of "Mandocello" blows "Cheap Tricks" out of the water. And the live "Tomorrow Wendy" is just a perfect way to end this cd. Overall, this is at least as good as any of their proper albums, and I highly recommend it.

I found this two years ago and it still figures in my most heavily played CDs. While other artists may fail to deliver in live versions of their recordings, on this CD the live renditions -"God is a Bullet," "Joey", "Roses Grow," "The Sky is a Poisonous Garden," and "Tomorrow, Wendy," outshine the recorded versions by far and demonstrate the intensity and passion that characterizes Concrete Blonde - no safety nets here. Special note needs to be made of "It'll Chew You Up and Spit You Out," the alternate version of "Still in Hollywood," which the band attacks with teeth bared and a gleeful, vicious energy. Regarding the covers, "Everybody Knows" feels a little rushed (the acoustic version I saw on a very old MTV feature breathes better); "Little Wing" is close to perfect (note the touch of chimes in the song), but the Nick Cave cover is a little on the sloppy side. The B-sides - "Free", "Side of the Road," "100 Games of Solitaire" demonstrate the band's considerable range and creativity - check out the breakneck swagger in "Free" and the banjo on "Side of the Road."

On a side note, the band has reunited and toured Indianapolis in 2002 and 2003.

Simply excellent. Mixing the moods of several albums, with live tracks and b-sides, creates an album that is hard to get sick of. If you are a fan of concrete blonde, get this. If you know one of their songs, and would like to explore more by getting just one album, get this. Later, you can buy the rest.

Favorite tracks: 100 games of solitaire, live version of Still in Hollywood.

The live version of "Tomorrow, Wendy" is probably the saddest song I've ever heard about AIDS. Totally poignant and full of emotion.