The Very Best of Gary "U.S." Bonds: The Original Legrand Masters

Gary US Bonds

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 11, 1998)
• Original Release Date: August 11, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B000009QKX
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,757 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique Sound. Were the songs were recorded in traffic?!, July 25, 1999

By A Customer

This album gets five stars for the great hits that seem to have been unjustly forgotten. That's too bad, these records have a very defined sound that sets it apart from any other recorded music. For my money, no two songs have more party power than "New Orleans" or "Quarter to Three." Though Gary put out some quite good stuff in the 80's, with help from Bruce Springsteen, this original stuff from the early 60's is even more unique. I don't know who played the sax on these tunes, but it is rock n roll hall of fame quality. Need to party? Put on Gary "U.S. Bonds!"

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A defining sound from the 60's, May 27, 2002

By	Dr.D.Treharne (Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bought solely to replace a copy of LeGrand #202 " I dig this station" purchased on my first ever visit to the States, I was amazed and delighted to rediscover all those other hits that had slipped from my consciousness. Of course remastering has done nothing to the sound quality, all the early material was recorded on a monaural Ampex, with overdubs simply appearing on top of what had appeared on the last take. What still shines through is the sheer power and delight that each of the sessions must have had. It was, apparently, much aided by the intake of alcohol, Bonds admitting in an interview in the 80"s that they were "steaming...absolutely bombed" when they recorded the early stuff.As well as the wailing sax which marked out all the hits, it's also worth mentioning the double bass drum sound that underpinned it all, Emmett Shields did the drum duities on the early hits. These records were for dancing to, not anlysing, and although I like the very big hits, I like the lesser known stuff as well; "Seven day weekend" in particular.Thankfully "I dig this station" has also stood up well! This was revolutionary stuff when we first heard it in the UK (courtesy of a deal done with Top Rank records) and when he toured with Tony Orlando and Gene McDaniels, his primitive sound absolutely stole the show. Don't think about it - get those legs out there doing it. A fine, fine reissue!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to hear these songs again and sound has been protected for a reason, July 26, 2007

By	Old Guy "Oldies glutton" - See all my reviews

Gary Bonds is from my home town and I remember when he hit the radio with Quarter To Three. Back then I wondered why the quality (I was about 10) was so "grainy". Not until I read the jacket that comes with this CD did I lean that sound was produced to be unique. All Gary's songs are upbeat and lively and fun to listen to. They have a good beat, good words and I give them a 10 for being what they are. Seven Day Weekend, Twist Twist Senora, New Orleans, and Dear Lady Twist take me back to those days listening on the local AM station on a transistor radio. They are great to hear again. If you are a collector, this one should be on your shelf.