Search - Atlanta Rhythm Section :: Very Best of

Not an original recording!

Susan E. Connett | Fort Wayne, IN United States | 03/25/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is not comprised of songs that are the original recordings. I was extremely disappointed to find out that I had been duped into buying what I thought was a greatest hits of original ARS recordings but is not. I will be e-mailing my complaint to Amazon that this CD was woefully misrepresented."

Not the Genuine Article

Tom Burke | 01/09/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Like the other reviewers, I learned the hard way that this CD is not what I was expecting from something labeled "The Very Best of Atlanta Rhythm Section." These songs are apparently newly recorded versions of the familier ARS songs I was hoping for. I couldn't even tell if Ronnie Hammond was doing the lead vocals anymore. Not to say that these songs are all bad-the new version of "Spooky" features some very nice guitar work., as do some of the other songs with punched up drums or bass too. It's just that I wasn't buying this CD for new versions.I recommend instead the legit CD "The Best of Atlanta Rhythm Section" released by Polygram Records in 1997 as part of their budget series. You'll find original versions of "Neon Nites" and "Large Time" among others."

Re-worked, re-done and re-vitalized!!

David Spuria | Spencer, MA United States | 02/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, this was a re-recording done back in '96. Hammond, Bailey and Daughtry were all present for it. A new drummer and bass player were added. These aren't the "versions you remember" but I dare you to say this is bad music.



There are some songs here that actually sound better than the originals. "Spooky" contains this killer instrumental break and guitar solo. Ronnie Hammond's vocals have matured and now contain an authentic southern scowl. "Homesick" cooks with more guitar and Hammond giving it his all. "Imaginary Lover" has a more electric feel to it, and an absolute fantastic guitar solo. "Doraville" doesn't have the same beef as the other tracks but has some nice keyboard work. "Georgia Rhythm" has a smooth, clean feel to it. Hammond nails the vocal with more authenticity and southern spunk than the original. "So Into You" just keeps going and going like the guitar energizer bunny."Free Spirit" has this Neil Young intensity that was missing from the original. "Dog Days" is a jazz-meets southern rock-meets sultry southern afternoon song that is another great piece of nostalgia. "Champagne Jam" cooks along with all the power of the original but with more bottom end and with Ronnie Hammond asking us to believe in the "jam".



Those reviewers complaining about this being a re-done recording or being lied to, keep in mind that polydor and columbia have all the rights to the old ARS recordings. This is not on one of those labels, so it couldn't be original. Read the packaging! It's easy to be deceived. Old labels do such a poor job promoting and selling their catalogue that that newer upstart companies are more grateful to own even a piece of re-recorded rock history.



With that said this collection kicks enough butt to be 5 star work. You'll pay less and get a band on the rebound!"