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Hollies B-sides Excel Over Most People's A-sides

Randall E. Adams | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When the Hollies first started recording, single b-sides were typically a place where the artist (or frequently record producer) copped some record-sale royalties by writing the song used there. In the case of a young promising group of talents like the Hollies, these b-sides became the place for them to cut their teeth as songwriters. As a consequence, ALL of the b-sides on here were written by the Hollies. Because singles were regarded as very important to the Hollies' commercial career, nearly as much loving care was lavished on the b-sides as on the a-sides. As a consequence, most of the tracks on here are very good indeed, exceeding the quality of a typical Hollies album track from the same era. Some of them, such as "Baby That's All," "Come On Back," "Cos' You Like to Love Me," and "Row the Boat Together," probably would have done just as well in the radio sweepstakes as their respective a-sides. This set is a great non-hits journey through the Hollies' most exciting years, from 1963 to 1971.The only real gripe is that most of the tracks are presented here in mono. If possible, buy the 3 disc 30th Anniversary Collection (on Imperial) which includes many of these same tracks mixed into stereo from their original 2,3 and 4 track masters, as well as similarly remixed hits and rarities."

Finally!

PJD | San Antonio, TX United States | 05/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1964 I was given a 45 after mom and I had just bought a new pair of saddle shoes for school.The word DEMO was on the 45, and it was my first rock and roll record. It was the Hollies. One side was "Yes I Will", later covered (badly) by the Monkees under the name "I'll Be True To You."

The b-side was a funky little tune that I always related to : "Nobody."

I figured it was such a rare cut, and so early in their career I would never ever see it on CD. I am in heaven to find this CD.

What a killer rock and roll tune!"

The rest is the best

holly moors | haren gn, gn Netherlands | 06/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Allan Clarke, leadsinger of the Hollies, is one of the most overlooked singers in popular music. And the Hollies... Well, I think they were not taken very seriously, especially after Graham Nash left the group saying they were too shallow for him. (That is the same Nash who wrote Butterfly, flutter by, etc). This superb collection of B-sides proves otherwise. Most of the songs you'll find here are selfpenned, and the deliverance is very inspired indeed. They are actually just as good, and sometimes better than the original A-side. Listen to "I've got a way of my own" or "You know he did" and you hear why the Hollies were the best band of the sixties (and seventies, I dare to say). A truly great album, every song a gem!"