Southern Rock Gold

I really couldn't imagine a better Southern Rock compilation than this and it's damn near perfect. Most compilations disappoint and leave out essential cuts, feel incomplete, or reissue the same old reheated tracks that you've heard a million times. This CD shows how to present the high points of Southern Rock by placing them in their proper context and in a compatible and sufficiently broad sweep of the vaults that makes the familiar shine ever more brightly. Old warhorses like Freebird, Whipping Post, Sweet Home Alabama etc sound even better when placed back into their historical roots and origin, rather than cherry picked for some superficial 70's rock 'best of' or the tired playlist of some slick and anodyne FM station. This here is how they should be heard, and to hear The Allman's magnum opus Whipping Post, in all its epic glory close out this CD is to be uplifted and renewed by its power. There are too many highlights to mention them all but it fills your heart to hear Jimmy Hall once again belting out Keep On Smiling; the much missed Toy Caldwell on the Marshall Tucker Band's aching Can't You See; Elvin Bishop Foolin' Around and Fallin' in Love, and Greg Allman's Southern Gothic masterpiece Midnight Rider. In between all your favourites there are surprises galore that, if unfamiliar, grow on you with repeated listening and sharpen your appetite for the classics. It's a real education too, and there are multiple points of entry into a genre that hid some of its talent away from the bigger spotlight, bands who were known only to their initiates and perhaps a regional audience. There's so much more to Southern Rock than the popular image suggests, and it is a rich and varied musical seam that produced some of the finest music in America's cultural heritage. It is also part of the history of the South, and one of the ways in which its young people addressed its own past. Marvellous, beautiful music for the heart and soul.

I got this for Christmas a couple of years ago and I'm currently in the process of ordering it for my dad.I was aware of some of the artists already, I had albums by Lyrnyd Skynyrd and the Outlaws and I was aware of some of the other bands but this CD really opened my eyes to Southern rock. Lots of long outro solos, harmonicas etc. I have since invested in albums by several of the bands on this album and will probably get some by other bands featured on this album. Mindbender by Stillwater is a very popular request from the kids while I'm driving.

Great cd

I have always loved the the Southern Rock of the 70s, but was only aware of the well known select few of the artists.This is a marvellous introduction to the lesser known bands, as well a reminder of the top quality music we will all be familiar with. There is an obvious recognisable theme running through 160 minutes of playing time. If you like Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, Little Feat & the Outlaws you will love this. At less than a tender it is great value, which you will keep coming back to. I am reliving my younger days with every play. Buy it!!

Excellent mix of groups knowned and unknowned worth to dig further into.

Unless you are a Southern Rock fan with specific band likes and dislikes then this is just about the perfect compilation.All the big names are here along with some excellent lesser known picks.Obviously chosen by someone with real knowledge and love of the genre.

I wish I had not bought this because it is so brilliant I want to purchase so many albums by nearly all bands Just struggling to know where to start Marshall Tucker Outlaws Georgia ..... etc etc Please someone help me !

What a great collection of tunes. Some Southern Rock, some a little more Country. A couple of bands missing but this is as near as perfect to a greatest Southern Rock classics album you will ever purchase.