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Conference marvin::uk_music

Title:The UK Music Conference
Notice:Welcome (back) to UK_MUSIC on node MARVIN.
Moderator:RDGENG::CROOK
Created:Mon Mar 28 1988
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1381
Total number of notes:39269

348.0. "Hollies on CD" by LARVAE::BRIGGS (They use computers don't they?) Fri Feb 17 1989 13:35

    I bought a double CD the other day which purports to be the definitive
    Hollies collection and it sure seems to be.
    
    It has approx 40 tracks of which all but 15 were Top 20 hits. In
    other words every hit they ever had is there. The other tracks are
    predominantly numbers that are obviously favourite stage numbers
    (all studio recordings except one). Certainly, when I saw them 2
    years ago their act featured many of these other 15 tracks and some
    are really excellent. The CD is AAD. It also includes a comprehensive
    booklet that has a paragraph on all tracks. It contains little gems
    like Elton John played piano on He Ain't Heavy and Can't Tell the
    Bottom from the Top.
    
    Truly a CD well woth getting. And the even better news? Well I got
    it for 11-99 in Menzies in Chineham, Basingstoke. I'm still not
    convinced this is not a mistake. If it truly is 11-99 then it has
    to be one of the best value collections arround.
    
    Richard
    @snampg
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
348.1KERNEL::COHENKeep Music LiveMon Feb 20 1989 12:0249
    Richard,
    
    Hello again .... nice comments.
    
    This CD is only the second or third one they've released - one of
    the others being the '20 Golden Greats' album.  'All The Hits' is
    certainly the very best Hollies compilation that's ever been issued,
    and I reckon it was the best compilation of 1988;  great value for
    money too, in terms of playing time.
    
    Compared with the other official compilations ('Greatest Hits',
    'Greatest Vol II', 'History Of The Hollies' and '20 Golden Greats'),
    'All The Hits' only misses out one sond that's on the others; this
    is there brilliant orchestrated version of Dylan's 'Blowin In The
    Wind', which actually appears on 'Greatest Vol II' (1972).  The
    song was actually released as s ingle in Scandanavia, and is still
    to this day, a part of their stage show.
    
    The great thing is, it does include the minor hits ('If I Needed
    Someone' etc.) and 'King Midas', which now sounds like a much better
    track than the critical reaction/chard placing gave it at the time.
    Yes, their stage show does include a vast number of the tracks
    featured.
    
    By the way, the version of 'Searchin' is a different one than on
    'Greatest Vol II';  I think they recorded about three versions in
    all, at least one being with their first drummer, Don Rathbone.
    
    It's also good to see some information about each track - a personnal
    annecdote from the drummer Bobby Elliot.  This is sadly lacking
    in many other compilations.
    
    The CD also has four extra tracks on it, two of which are from the
    'Buddy Holly' album.
    
    For me, the trio of 'Yes I Will', 'I'm Alive' and 'Look Through
    Any Window' are just the some of the best pop ever made.  Brilliant
    soaring harmonies with superb hook lines.  I once heard 'Hey Willy'
    described as like Zeppelin!!!!  Many of their 70's albums had great
    songs one, but the record companies just didn't give them the support.
                                      
    They are only second to the Beatles in their 60's chart run; 21
    top 20 hits between 1963 and 1971.
   
    "Just one look, that's all it took ...."
    
    David.
348.2LARVAE::BRIGGSThey use computers don't they?Wed Feb 22 1989 10:299
    Interesting your comments on King Midas Dave. When I heard this
    track (which I too had dismissed in 67 or whenever) on the CD it
    really sounded fresh. Maybe it was just literally ahead of its
    time!
    
    I suspect that was the case with He Ain't Heavy, as that was only
    a minor hit back in 69.
    
    Richard
348.3Here I Go Again ......KERNEL::COHENKeep Music LiveWed Feb 22 1989 12:3226
    RE: -1
    
    Well, actually, I think "He Ain't Heavy ...." did make number 2!!!!
    With the previous release being "Sorry Suzanne" (the first after
    Nash's departure), I believe it showed that they just didn't miss
    Nash that much.  Unfortunately, I think it was a sign of the times,
    that their brand of pop was being edged out in the early seventies.
    
    It's still hard to believe that "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress"
    was a US number 1; it was their first miss (ie. outside top 30)
    *ever* in the UK!!!!  They are pretty popular over there still,
    and re-united with Nash for a tour about 2 years ago, plus an album.
    
    There last 'new' song was Nils Lofgren's "Shine Silenty"; the man
    himself told them he thought it was a good rendition.  It was released
    only in Germany, in '88 I think.
    
    For me, The Hollies are just one of the most professional outfits
    in the business, still.  Their live set is excellent; Clarke and
    Hicks are so laid back on stage, and are always back chatting with
    each other and the audience!!!  It's only a pity that their LP's
    were never taken that seriously.  I have "Another Night", the title
    track of which is superb.
    
    David.