Search - Flash & The Pan :: Ayla: The Best of Flash

Most Satisfying Compilation!

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 03/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Flash and the Pan" was a studio-project by songwriting team and producers Harry Vanda and George Young that helped by ( unexpected ? ) chart succes turned into a regular 5-piece band. With some line-up changes the band recorded 6 albums during 1978-92 - all with the duo Vanda and Young as songwriters and producers. The duo had also been key-members of 1960's band the Easybeats, who had a world-wide hit with the single "Friday on my Mind".



Though the chart-success of Flash and the Pan was relatively short-lived, most of their albums have been continually available and various compilation have also been released.



Maybe apart from the final ( so far ) album, all their original records feature consistent great catchy original songwriting, skilled musician-ship, clever production and a lot of charm and humour. So obviously if you're unfamiliar with the group any compilation will be attractive.



This most recent compilation I'd consider the most satisfying; not least because it features no less than 19 tracks.



The music is great, but maybe I was little disappointed that one of their finest songs, "Nights in France" still hasn't not been picked out for a compilation; in fact it seems that it's the same tracks that tend to be chosen; the hits are logical choices, but there are overlooked songs from their last 3 albums which would have made fine additions. Moreover the rare b-side "Your Love is Strange" still hasn't made to a CD release.



The liner-notes are relevant but sparse.



Still, conclusion: If you're unfamiliar with this group this CD is highly recommendable."