Michelle P. (pauleygirl) from N HOLLYWOOD, CA Reviewed on 11/2/2008...
The last three songs on the copy of this cd I received will not download and the last two songs will not play at all. MP 11/2/08
CD Reviews
Why weren't these guys huge?
Crooked Reign | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This quintet from Portland, OR should have been massive. Very hard to find material by them, and this collection is definitely worth the $$. A pretty good choice of cuts from their 4 albums, although obviously could have had more ("The strong will always rock" for one). Like most people who have bought this album, I used to have their tapes and records in the 80s but have long since lost them. Upon getting this release, I can't help but wonder "why didn't these guys hit it big?"
With great hard rock vocals from Jamie St. James, and the intricate interplay between the two outstanding guitarists (current KISS confidant Tommy Thayer and returned Rose City resident Jef "Woop" Warner), this band had ALL the elements to be gigantic. Patrick Young's basslines are perfect..sometimes AC/DC-esque, sometimes some odd flair thrown in to keep you saying "hmmmm." Drummer Pete Holmes doesn't really go off like he can in the studio, but that was the case for a lot of drummers in that era.
The strongest part of this band is their sound as a whole...and the tunes ROCK. Stylisticly, they are heavy, with the famous German producer at the knobs for their first album, but as they progressed, their range widened and they released some GREAT straight ahead hard rock.
Anyway, this is a band worth listening to. In fact, it's probably a good thing they didn't make it big, otherwise they'd probably have the same lack of respect that most of that era's bands enjoy. By the way, LOTS of guys who did make it big don't hesitate to sing the praises of this great band - Gene Simmons, Steven Tyler, Jon Bon Jovi, Sambora, and many more."
Excellent, if just for a few songs
Christina V. Spangberg | San Jose, CA United States | 05/13/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Getting this album is second best to waiting (maybe in vain) for their first self-titled album to be re-released. It's pretty good to get 6 out of its 10 tracks represented on this compilation. Back when it came out, I was totally blown away by each track. They were my second favorite group for a long time, just because of that one album. When Without Love came out, I quickly shelled out the money for the record and I was sorely disappointed. Then came Nasty Nasty, which had only one or two decent songs on it and I gave up on them ever returning to their glory days.
As far as this collection goes, it's worth picking it up just for those six songs and I guess "Rockin' on Heaven's Door" is better than average. But the rest of it is simply bubble gum, beach rock, Def Leppard wannabe stuff. If they kept to the caliber of their first album, their career would have had a lot more longevity than it did."
[Darn] good 80's metal
patrick j mitsdarfer | Williamsport PA | 02/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I couldn't believe I could finally get this band on disc. I do have the debut, Without Love and In heat on cassette but had to upgrade to disc. This is well worth the money for this truly talented,underated 80's band. I liked the idea of getting a good mix of some of their best tunes like Hold on to 18, I'm the king, Nature of the beach, Nasty,Nasty and Does she or doesn't she (one of my personal faves). This band should've been as big as Ratt,Crue, Bon jovi etc. Musically and lyrically (these guys could really write some catchy hook laden tunes) they were a cut above the rest. I saw them open for KISS in 1985 (Philly) and they rocked. A shame it was pretty much over after Without love. I remember good times when I put this baby in and crank it. Hey, you will too, I guarantee it!! This is a must addition to any catalog. So open up a cold one and turn it up.....Enjoy!!"
By far the most under-rated AOR band from the 80s`
Jesse | Winsted, CT | 07/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'd like to begin by saying that this is a great compilation of the 4 Black 'N Blue albums from the 80s. If you're looking to re-live the glory days when music was still good, this collection is a must. Maybe it's just me, but I don't care as much for the Gene Simmons produced albums as it appears their style had changed significantly and not for the better. Overall, there isn't a bad song on this compilation. My favorites include "Rockin' On Heaven's Door", "Hold On To 18", "Wicked Bitch", "Without Love", "Miss Mystery", and "Chains Around Heaven." All of those are from the first 2 albums, self-titled and "Without Love." Don't miss out on this one...it's solid rock all the way."
Very underrated band
chris casarcia | cincinnati, ohio | 12/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cannot lie. I bought this album back in the 80's only because the album cover was so cool and they looked like they could really jam. And you know what I was right this band is the of the best bands I have ever heard, and I cant believe they really never went as far as they should. Shows you how little the record companys know about music. Anyway its here and I stongly suggest purchasing it. If you liked the bands from the 80's you'll definitly love this band. I promise"