Customer Reviews

Underdog/Boys from Doraville

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

 

 

I've waited a long time for these, and the mastering is excellent. Good liner notes too. Thanks, BGO!

Southern rock in its heyday was probably the most musically diverse form of rock music out there. Bands like the Allman Brothers and Lynrd Skynrd were flagships of southern rock combining blues and country with rock and roll to create a style that reflected the true roots of rock and roll music possibly better than just about anybody. Of course, the music sometimes would lean a little heavy toward the country sound and thus had crossover appeal with rowdy country fans. Bands like Marshall Tucker and the Kentucky Headhunters further blurred the lines between country and rock, and through no fault of their own, spawned the "new country" that attracts those who don't like the intensity of harder rock or metal, and contains distorted guitars and rock stylings, which is a good or a very bad thing, depending on how pure a fan wants his country.
For this reviewer, I can't stand "new country" at all. Les Pauls and power chords do not belong in authentic country music and the "appeal to everybody" mentality that has performers in cowboy hats playing what would have been hard rock in the '70's is a blend that does no service to either format, in my estimation. Frankly, with the exception of gifted instrumentalists like the awesome Chet Atkins, the greatest guitar player ever, his mentor Merle Travis, and maybe Brad Paisley when he isn't singing, I don't identify with modern country at all. I was not raised on it and my parents didn't care for it either, so it's as much a matter of relating to it as anything else.
Which brings us to Atlanta Rhythm Section. Unlike their counterparts, ARS was a much classier band with a smooth sound that centered around the bluesy and jazz elements of rock and roll as opposed to country. They were mellower for the most part, but nonetheless could swing with the best of them, thanks to combination of tasteful guitars, keyboards, and a rhythm section consisting of drummer Robert Nix and bassist extraordinaire Paul Goddard, one of the most underrated bass and drum duos ever. It was the solid beat and Goddard's sense of swing and melodic lines that truly gave ARS the signature sound that defined them. "So Into You", the first big hit, featured a behind the beat shuffle that was irresistable, and it still lives on today on classic rock radio, along with "Champagne Jam" and "Imaginary Lovers".
"Underdog", the followup to "Champagne Jam" was a mellower affair, but no less brilliant. "Do It Or Die" and the remake of "Spooky" were both hits. Other tracks that shine on this album include "It's Only Music", with its shuffle beat, and "While Time Is Left", which at times almost reminds me of early classical music that predated Bach, with its very minstrel intro and a structure that resembles rounds, where singers repeat the same lines a measure behind the other and create a sound that weaves around. An example of a "round" is the kid's song "Row Row Row Your Boat", although that's a simplified version of it. The second part of this package is "The Boys From Doraville", which is vintage ARS, but rocks harder than "Underdog". ARS was having trouble by this time with the emergence of punk and new wave. The musicianship they provided was fast losing its appeal, and ARS wasn't about to compromise. Sadly, it would spell the end for this fine band.
However, ARS still has its fan base, attracted by singer Ronnie Hammond's silky smooth voice and the instrumental excellence of the band. These double CD releases are a steal, when one considers the quality of the songs. ARS never released a bad album, and their cataloge is well worth checking out. Pour a glass of smooth wine, or champagne, and sit back and enjoy one of rock's classiest bands.

doesn't seem to be as good as the later albums by ars but if you like ars worth having. doesn't really have the up tempo songs their later albums have like 3rd annual an red tape have.

Start out with Rock N roll Alternative, then work your way back. Buy the BBC concert for $12 in case it is never rereleased, even though it does not contain the best sounding DORAVILLE ever recorded which is on the Lp's sent to radio stations in the 70's though never released on CD. These BGO reissues are exsquisite sounding, so if you really want this get it now.

All the best songs of the great group known as Atlanta Rhythm Section. This music still holds up to today's music in my opinion. This was a good purchase-love having these Cd's on my Ipod!

These earlier LP's form ARS are lost gems for those of us that didn't really get into them until A Rock & Roll Alternative! Some great Sourthern Rock & Roll, in a little more mellow form then Lynyrd Skynyrd & Black Foot, but still some Great music!