5 stars and one asterisk
DJ Ed Cyphers | Pittsburgh, PA | 03/11/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Can't argue with the greatness of what's here. Only thing I wish is that they'd remaster this greatest hits collection because it's the only place to find this mix of "I'm Eighteen". The difference? more guitar, less harmonica in the intro. Being that this is the album that introduced me to Alice, I never thought the harmonica sounded right on the other version--it's just not an instrument that fits well with this band's sound.
Sometimes the remix made for the hits compilation is just the superior version: For instance, the version of The Grass Roots' "Where Were You When I Needed You" from Their 16 Greatest Hits vinyl LP, never again to appear in the U.S. It's not the hit version, but Rob Grille's vocal clearly outdoes that of the previous lead vocalist. Or "Question" by The Moody Blues as remixed for their This Is The Moody Blues compilation, also (at least arguably) superior to the version played on radio. While that compilation remains neglected in terms of remastering, the song in retooled form was included as a bonus track on the latest remaster of A Question Of Balance. Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" was given a second go with a vocal most consider far more appealing than that of the original version. And so it is with this Greatest Hits version of "I'm Eighteen." It's not the version played on radio, but it should be. It sounds to my ears more like classic Alice Cooper. Wish I could hear it in all its remastered glory."