A Decade of Hits 1969-1979

The Allman Brothers Band (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 1991)
• Original Release Date: October 22, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B000001DUK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #729 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With their dueling guitar leads and harmonies built on a double drummer foundation, the Allman Brothers Band cast the mold for the southern rock sound that would proliferate in the '70s. Virtuoso musicians, their songs drew upon a number of southern influences, including country, the blues, New Orleans jazz, and even gospel, creating a sound that was distinctly theirs. Decade of Hits is a great catalog of the Allman's at their guitar wielding best. The sweet, infectious harmonies on the instrumental "Jessica" have become a classic reference point in themselves. Next to the tragedies that plagued them--two motorcycle deaths, heroin addiction--the Allman's are probably best known for the heroic "Ramblin' Man." Written and sung by the now legendary Dickey Betts, the song contained everything that made the band great: intricate guitar harmonies, a strong melody, and just enough twang to keep the thing tight. Decade also contains Allman staples "Melissa," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," and "Southbound." --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A strong anthology, April 9, 2002

By	Brian D. Rubendall (Oakton, VA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Concentrating as it does on the most popular songs released by the Allman Brothers, "A Decade of Hits," manages to hit all of the 1970s studio highlights from this troubled band's heyday. While it is true that the Allmans cemented their reputation with incredible live marathon songs (some lasting a half hour or more) there's hardly room on a disc like this for them. Instead, this CD makes the argument that the Allmans were first rate writers of more conventional rock songs as well. Many of these are staples on classic rock radio, like "Ramblin' Man," "Melissa," "Blue Skies," and "Midnight Rider." Other highlights include "Ain't Wasting Time No More," "Jessica," the Duane Allman swan song "Little Martha" and "Statesboro Blues." Also included are a couple of longer early blues rock cuts, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Whipping Post."

The only drawback on this CD is that it doesn't contain any bonus material. But anyone just beginning their Allman Brothers collection could hardly ask for better.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Of The Allman Brothers Band's Greatest Hits!, September 3, 2000

By	Barron Laycock "Labradorman" (Temple, New Hampshire United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The Allman Brothers band have provided me with constant accompaniment to my life for almost three decades now, and I remember hearing the echoes of "Blue Sky" wafting into the rafters at my wedding long ago, and I have felt more at home when listening to it on a Sony Walkman in strange motel rooms all over the country when traveling on business? It seems to be a permanent part of my life, like Sgt Pepper or Bookends. This is a collection of their best efforts over a decade, a spellbinding and fairly complete collection from an under appreciated band at their very best. Whether it is for the matchless "Blue Sky', or for the blockbuster sound of "Ain't Wasting Time No More", this is an album so terrific, you will play it again and again. With the ecstatic guitar duels and their matchless harmonies built on a double drummer foundation, they set the standard for pop excellence for the flood of terrific southern rock that emanated out of the South in the 1970s. Their songs draw on influences ranging from country, blues, jazz, and gospel, but the sound they produce is uniquely the Allmans'. I especially like their guitar instrumentals. Gregg Allman and Dicky Betts perform absolutely magically here, and it is all captured for your endless amusement and entertainment. From "Rambling Man" to "Jessica", "Midnight Rider" to "Wasted Words", and "Statesboro Blues" to "One Way Out", the Allman Bothers Band always pleases, and this terrific set of their best is sure to make you smile and bring back a lot of pleasant memories. Enjoy!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic southern rock at its best!!, September 21, 2000

By	Ryan Setliff "InternetPundit.com" (VA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is classical southern rock at its best. Get some Skynyrd and Allman Brothers music going and you're in for a good time. The Allman Brothers' distinctive music is a culmination of southern blues rock, jazz and a little country. Though, I have several Allman Brother's CD's, this is the best, because its loaded with 15+ of all the old favorite tracks.