Customer Reviews

Street Survivors

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In September 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd had one of the worst reputations in rock 'n' roll. During the previous "five years of alcoholism" Ronnie Van Zant had single-handedly left a trail of trashed hotel rooms, whiskey-soaked gigs and fistfights over mistakes in the shows. On Labor Day weekend, 1976, just before the release of Skynyrd's new double-live LP "One More From The Road", founding guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins were involved in separate alcohol and drug related auto accidents. While DUI, Collins hit a parked car, knocking it across an empty parking lot. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed. Rossington was not so lucky. Passing out at the wheel of his brand new Ford Torino, with his foot on the gas, his car went out of control and knocked down a telephone pole, split an oak tree, and did $7,000 worth of damage to a house. It was Rossington's accident that was Ronnie Van Zant's inspiration to write "Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars; Oak tree you're in my way" for the song "That Smell".

During April, 1977 recording sessions, the band laid down tracks for a pair of new Van Zant-Rossington songs, the catchy "What's Your Name", which was inspired by a bar fight involving roadie Craig Reed, and a churning blues number called "Sweet Little Missy", that featured Billy Powell on keyboards and a searing Steve Gaines guitar solo. The later was dropped from the new album prior to it's release, and appears as a bonus track on the new expanded edition CD. Steve Gaines was one of the souths most promising young guitarists and sadly, the world never got to hear the full potential of what this musician would have had to offer. The band also recorded two new Gaines-Van Zant songs, "You Got That Right", a rocking celebration of the band's exhurberant touring lifestyle and "I Never Dreamed", an introspective ballad that addressed the fundamental shift in Ronnie Van Zant's priorities since the birth of his daughter, Melody, on September 19, 1976.

After all the turmoil Skynyrd had endured, they decided to call their new record "Street Survivors". The original album cover pictured the band standing tall, while flames engulfed them. The flames would be removed from the cover art just weeks later, deemed in poor taste. I myself am happy to see it return, as it holds a message that the band intended to convey. "More went into Street Survivors than any other album we have ever done," said Ronnie Van Zant. "Maybe there's not a big hit single on it like 'Sweet Home Alabama,' but it's the best we've ever done." Ronnie was wrong about the hit single though, because "What's Your Name" cracked the Top 10 singles charts.

"Street Survivors", released October 17, 1977 was the most anticipated Skynyrd album yet, shipping over 500,000 units, automatically making it a gold record. It eventually went to multi-platinum status. Sadly, just three days after the album's release, on the first week of the new tour, the band's tour plane ran out of gas and crashed into a Mississippi forrest, killing Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, sister Cassie Gaines, and road manager Dean Kilpatrick.

"Street Survivors" marks a time of change for Lynyrd Skynyrd, as it is unlike any prior Skynyrd studio album. This is the one that features the triple-guitar assualt of Rossington-Collins-Gaines that was intoduced live on "One More From The Road", and that is most prominently featured on "That Smell". Highlights In addition to "That Smell", the top 10 "What's Your Name" and "You Got That Right", include a Steve Gaines song from his pre-Skynyrd days, "I Know A Little", a six year old Skynyrd song repolished that even pre-dates "Free Bird", "One More Time", and a brothelesque rocking little number that is one of my favorites, "Ain't No Good Life." Another key note is their cover of Merle Haggard's "Honkey Tonk Night Time Man". The world will never know where Skynyrd would have taken us musically, had the tragic events of October, 1977 not occured. "Street Survivors" was only the beginning of a new brand of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

ALAS, IT'S TIME TO BRING "STREET SURVIVORS" OUT OF THE CLOSET & CRANK UP THE SPEAKERS.

Anyone who doesn't like this album with the soulful tune and lyrics to "One More Time" just doesn't get it. I grew up in Alabama and was raised on this music. We lived it. Hey, if you don't feel the connection to Ronnie and Gary one this one, you never will.

This is Skynyrd's best effort.
However, Michael King's previous review is plagiarized from the liner notes to the album. You are supposed to give your own opinion, not copy word-for-word from the booklet. Lame!

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Street Survivors was released on October 17, 1977. Three days later, on October 20, three members of the band (Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines) were killed in a plane crash in Mississippi while touring.

Street Survivors is different, in a number of ways, from Skynyrd's earlier albums. Steve Gaines had taken up residence as third guitarist in the band's three guitar lineup. Also a vocalist and songwriter, Steve's contributions would be more than just instrumental. Another difference was the band's collective state of mind. Playing music in the rowdy beer joints of Jacksonville, Florida for just enough money to survive was just a memory now. Lynyrd Skynyrd were southern rock legends by 1977, playing their special brand of that music on the world stage.

The album's first two songs, What's Your Name and That Smell, reveal the band's mental state at the time. What's Your Name is a Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. A song about their rowdy life on the road, it has a familiar guitar riff and lead guitar solo that Skynyrd is famous for, and tells a story of drinking, fighting, and motel room sex (just another day at the office!). That Smell kicks things up another notch. It's both a regret and a warning of how drug and alcohol abuse can destroy lives. With Van Zandt singing like he means it, The Honkettes providing impassioned backing vocals, and a fantastic triple attack lead guitar assault, this is one of Skynyrd's best songs ever. I Know A Little is another one of their best songs. It's high energy rock and roll boogie woogie with lightning fast guitar, a slide guitar, and a great Billy Powell piano solo. If this song doesn't get you moving, check for a pulse. You Got That Right is another Skynyrd classic about life on on the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd. This song features something new from the band, dual lead singers. Van Zant and Gaines trade lines on the verses, and join in to sing harmony on the chourus.

I like to drink and dance all night,
If it comes to a fix I ain't afraid to fight,
You Got That Right, You Got That Right,
You Got That Right, You sure got that right!

That can't be anybody but Lynyrd Skynyrd! One More Time and I Never Dreamed are slower songs, more like ballads, and both have trademark Skynyrd guitar in them. Their cover of Merle Haggard's Honky Tonk Nite Time Man is high energy country complete with dobro and references to Merle, "Here's one for Bakersfield!" and "Sounds like Roy!" (Roy Nichols, Haggard's long time lead guitarist). The album closes with Steve Gaines singing the bluesy Ain't No Good Life. Great vocals, great guitar, and great Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The first two bonus cuts, Georgia Peaches and Sweet Little Missy are good, but the last three, which are lesser versions of songs on the original album, are just curiosities.

Street Survivors is a very good, energetic Lynyrd Skynyrd album, with great guitar work all over it. While not streetfighter raw and ready as their earlier albums, it's a rowdy testimonial to the life of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977. Sadly, soon after it was released, three of their best would leave our world forever.

But now it's common knowledge. A mere three days after the triumphant release of one of their greatest albums, STREET SURVIVORS, Lynyrd Skynyrd would be struck down at their peak by the hands of fate. That we would never again hear from Ronnie Van Zant is a true tragedy, but we can take some comfort in knowing that he went down doing what he loved, traveling and singing his song, and that the band left us with this excellent final masterpiece.

Much praise has been heaped on this album since long before I started reviewing, with undoubtedly more to come, but I have listened to this time and again over the years, and am willing to stand by all the accolades. STREET SURVIVORS is a great album, and in many ways could be called Skynyrd's masterpiece.

From the get-go, STREET SURVIVORS establishes itself as something of a 'fresh start' for Skynyrd. Gone is the road-weariness and exhaustion of GIMME BACK MY BULLETS; in its place is a renewed sense of vitality and creative energy. "What's Your Name" and "You Got That Right" are the most energetic southern boogies Skynyrd has cut since SECOND HELPING, while "That Smell" grabs the dark edginess of "Saturday Night Special." On the flip side, "I Never Dreamed" is one of Ronnie's most poignant and accomplished ballades, as is "One More Time," a revival of a forgotten early gem.

Of course, while Ronnie's songwriting is the anchor of Skynyrd's sound, it wouldn't come to life without the excellent musicians Van Zant surrounded himself with. At the forefront is Steve Gaines, the rookie whose slick guitar picking goes a long way in giving this album its strength and energy. Gaines also proves to be a solid songwriter, collaborating with Ronnie on some of the albums highlights, and even contributing a few of his own songs, not least of which is the excellent honkey-tonk-meets-blues number "Ain't No Good Life." Meanwhile, Rossington and Collins are clearly inspired by the new guy, as their solos here are as fresh and captivating as they've ever been. And, of course Billy Powell submits some outstanding saloon style piano, especially on "Honkey Tonk Night Time Man," while Artimus and Leon manage the task of keeping the beat.

Really, praise of this album at this point is superfluous. But in this case, I feel compelled to contribute my two cents anyway. This is an excellent album, no doubt one of Skynyrd's best. And if the original band had to go out, at least they managed to go out on top. Highly recommended.

This one is a heartbreaker. Why? Because this is the last album with Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Both (along with Cassie Gaines) were killed in a plane crash on October 20th, 1977. It was (and still is) a tragedy, and Southern rock had taken a big blow from that fateful day. But now, it's in the past. Van Zant (RIP), Gaines (RIP), and the rest of Lynyrd Skynyrd created yet another musical masterpiece. Street Survivors is one of the greatest from Skynyrd. Most of the songs are almost beyond perfection. "What's Your Name, "I Know a Little" and "You Got That Right" are fast-paced, catchy, and very fun to listen to. "One More Time" (my personal favorite from the album) and "I Never Dreamed" are slower, yet they're just as spellbinding as previously released songs like "Tuesday's Gone" and "I Need You". "That Smell," "Ain't Good Life," "I Never Dreamed," and the rest are typically brilliant; all of them should never be categorized as 'above-average'.

Van Zant and Gaines will forever be a part of the good ol' Skynyrd history. They're gone, but they have left an amazing legacy in the world of Southern rock. Long Live Lynyrd Skynyrd!

Grade: 9.9/10

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I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest Lynyrd Skynyrd fan in the world. I like their music but I always felt that the songwriting wasn't up to snuff.

However, there are two exceptions in the bands catalog, and perhaps I'm the only person in the entire world to name these two particular exceptions- Nuthin' Fancy being one, and this one, Street Survivors.

The songwriting, the guitar solos and even the vocal melodies are really good this time around. My appreciation for this album honestly has nothing to do with the fact that terrible accident was to take place a few days after this albums release, however I *do* sense a little bit of a dreary/eerie vibe in a few of the songs that do seem to spark odd sensations that something bad was about to happen.

Some people believe "What's Your Name" and "Gimme Three Steps" are more or less the same song, but if that's the case, then why do I prefer "What's Your Name" a lot more? I just love the brassy section and the vocal melody. A great sing along-type tune totally deserving of its major hit status.

The next song titled "That Smell" is one of those eerie songs I mention above. There's something really haunting about it. I can't explain what it is exactly, but the guitar playing flows in such a way that's not only pretty fast and melodic (and just downright awesome) but there seems to be something else about this track that captures my interest. I totally believe there's a lot of atmosphere to it. I really can't point out exactly WHAT it is that makes it so atmospheric though.

Another song with an eerie vibe is the next one- "One More Time". The guitar playing is basically crying, the lyrics are extremely impactful, and especially the inclusion of a haunting keyboard (I think?) after Ronnie sings the chorus "Ooooone mooooore tiiiiime".

I honestly believe the vocal work overall is a REALLY big improvement and feels much tighter compared to previous Skynyrd albums. Ronnie Van Zant was on top of his game for this album. I always believed he had a top notch emotional singing voice capable of really moving the listener, and he proves it with this entire album.

"You Got that Right" is like a rewritten version of "What's Your Name" which of course means a rewrite of "Gimme Three Steps", haha. Whatever. I love it.

Let's not forget the absolutely beautiful "I Never Dreamed". Perfect guitar playing chugging along to a great vocal delivery. A song that's instantly likeable.

I highly recommend Street Survivors for those who want to experience a band that released what I consider a masterpiece.

This album was DEFINITELY Steve Gaines coming out party...His influence was ALL OVER this album...whether it be his playing or songwriting /vocals.( I know a little) was an older song he had been doing since the early 70's...And "Ain't no good life" was the ONLY Skynyrd Song in history that RVZ didn't do the lead vocals...Man, I was in 10th grade when this came out...Still sounds as great today as it did back then...One can only imagine what the Steve Gaines inspired Skynrd would have become..Because he definitely scared Gary Rossington and Allen Collins into playing better than they had in years...What a shame...

This is my favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd CD. What's Your Name, I Know a Little, You Got That Right, Honky Tonk Night Time Man and Ain't No Good Life are classic LS pearls.

The boys actually cut an album sober and the guitar work has never been better. Adding Steve Gaine's quitar was a huge positive and in my opinion this was a big reason that the sound on this CD was their best. Ronnie Van Zant apparently got more serious with his career due to the birth of his daughter. Though the drunken escapades made great lyrical fodder the band was having serious problems. This CD was to be the start of the new attitude and improved sound of the band. Tragically Ronnie and Steve died in an airplane crash shortly after the release of this southern rock masterpiece.

The awful irony is that this musical jewel was their best work. The band was already being compared to The Rolling Stones as the best rock band of their time and that was before Street Survivors came out.

I love Free Bird, Sweet Home Alabama and Gimme Three Steps. These songs will always remain favorites of mine. However, Street Survivors is the one that I've been playing regularly for over 25 years.

The songs on this CD aren't "raw". They're southern rock musical sculptures that have withstood the test of time. I never tire of hearing the music on this CD.

Sure there are a few commercial hits here....so what? Does that mean The Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet & The Eagles suck too? (Well two out of three ain't bad....I'll let you guess the weak t$t of the three). Anyway, back to Skynyrd...after being toned down into oblivion on "One More From The Road", the Skynyrd fan finally gets to hear Steve Gaines's brilliant guitar playing. He is arguably the most talented of the three. His "country rock" style adds a whole different color to the band. One can only wonder what this band would have achieved if the well know tragedies had never struck the band. Anyway, my advice is to buy this album and every official release prior all the way back to "Pronounced..". That's only six albums total with the great Ronnie Van Zandt (there must be three times as many greatest, ultimate, best of albums). Get 'em all at once and enjoy Amercian Rock 'N' Roll the way it was meant to be played and heard..."Turn it up!"