Customer Reviews

Very Best of

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

 

 

The title, "The Very Best of The Archies" is very misleading. This recording is in fact a CD recording of The Archies second album "Everything's Archie", which was later renamed "Sugar, Sugar - The Archies". That alone would be very well, as the entire album, to the best of my knowledge, has never been available on CD; but the quality is poor. The sound is somewhat "dull". Be prepared to boost your treble on this one. Also, the pitch/speed is way off. Towards the end of the CD, The Archies sound like they were in their 50s when they sang the songs. Be warned; I would suggest looking for other compilations.

In one sense, the title of this CD - "The Very Best of the Archies" - is 100% accurate.

It is not, however, a greatest-hits collection. In fact, it isn't even a collection at all, in the traditional sense of collecting songs from various albums.

This is a re-release of "Everything's Archie," the band's second album. That record was indeed their finest - as if a band that never really existed could have a "best" record.

Let me clarify. This is the album which introduced "Sugar, Sugar," "Melody Hill," "Feelin' So Good," and half a dozen other fine tunes. In that sense, it is indeed the very best of the groups efforts.

I am not trying to "damn with faint praise," either. This is truly a worthy gathering of tunes. It was one of the first LPs I ever bought, and when I first played this CD, the memories rolled back in.

Still, the title led me to believe this CD would include such hits as "Jingle Jangle" or "Sunshine." So, if you choose to purchase this release, simply be aware there are no other songs included.

I rated this CD 5 stars because it is so good, and stands on its own. I didn't take the title into account, because I think that's a separate issue. I'd hate to see anyone who appreciated the music of this finest of 60s faux bands to pass it up just for that reason.

"Circle of Blue" and "You Little Angel, You" have always been on the top of my list as Archies' favorites - it's great to hear them again without the pops and hisses (my Archies' vinyl is worn thin).

It is a carbon copy of the "Everything's Archie" LP (which reached # 66 on the Billboard Charts) and contains alot of excellent material. Perhaps our friends in Japan will release "Very Best Of" volumes 2 & 3, including such favorites as:

Jingle Jangle & Nursery Rhyme (w/Toni Wine), Who's Your Baby & Together We Two (w/Donna Marie), Plum Crazy, Throw A Little Love My Way, Comes The Sun, and many other well deserving tracks.

It may not be all their very best, but it certainly is a start! Take a listen and I'm sure you'll enjoy The Archies' Rock & Roll Music . . .