Search - Loggins & Messina :: B.O. Friends (Mlps)

A good primer - but you'll want more

B. Huck | Sacramento, CA | 10/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There have been some comments in previous reviews regarding this album's length/number of songs, and about the "Angry Eyes" "edit".



First, this was originally a vinyl album, which explains its length, and as a "Greatest Hits" album, it does contain the songs that L&M were most known for at the time, at least to casual radio listeners.



Second, the notes on the album jacket explain that "Angry Eyes" was, in fact, NOT edited (cut) for this album. Rather, the version on this collection is an alternate "short" version that was recorded at the same time as the original "long" version for their second album. I, too prefer the full version, but at least this short version has a more cohesive feel than most songs that get cut down (by engineers) for time.



Anyone who is really into L&M, of course, won't be satisfied with just this collection, but it has a few things to recommend it. It IS, after all, a collection of L&M songs, and you can't go wrong with that - no matter how you slice it. If (as was my case many years ago) a casual listener buys this collection and then seeks out more L&M albums, then it has done its job. After all, I didn't become the really avid L&M fan that I am until I started listening to and appreciating the entire "Loggins & Messina" album, which I had bought specifically for the full version of "Angry Eyes".



Also, this album contains a stand-alone "single" version of "Peace Of Mind". The song here is identical to what's on their "Sittin' In" album, except that it begins on its own, rather than beginning as a segue from "To Make A Woman Feel Wanted". Having this version is handy if you wish to make your own expanded "best of" compilation, but don't wish to include the entire "Trilogy: Lovin' Me/To Make A Woman Feel Wanted/Peace Of Mind".



At any rate, this is a good taste of Loggins & Messina's (and their band's) fine songwriting and musicianship, and it whets the appetite for more.

"

If you love '70s pop, look no further.

John Candy | Silver Spring, MD | 05/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every song on this disc is memorable, such great songwriting. They also are great singers. If you would like an introduction to Loggins and Messina, here's the perfect place. "Peace of Mind" is a beautiful song and one of my favorites. P.S. Get the original album for "Angry Eyes" if you've never heard the entire song, you are really missing out. This is an unforgettable jam."