Stay With The Hollies [Remastered] [Digipak] - Hollies (The)

Advantages: Some memorable tunes, beautifully produced
Disadvantages: Lyrics are occasionally inaudible

...and production techniques. Renee (Hollis) The pace slows and the mood changes entirely for this number, a low-key affair, which suits Mark Hollis’ melancholy voice to a tee. From a percussive intro, subdued verse and backing, it suddenly bursts into a gloriously emotional chorus, which you feel is truly heartfelt and born of truth. I do not know if Renee actually existed or is a figment of the writer’s imagination, but the lyrics and tone of this piece seem to point to a lost love, a lost friend or lost youth. There is some wonderfully down-at-heel, muted trumpet in the instrumental break, and doom-laden electronically produced church bells which reinforce the melancholy feel to this track. It’s My Life (Hollis – T. Friese-Greene) Arguably the best track on the album, this is one of those songs that will stay with you... Read review

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Advantages: Songs for every mood, even funny songs
Disadvantages: None whatsoever

...Hot August Night is my favourite CD, although I love all of his albums. You have to hear this. The words to these songs are indescribable. The one Particular Track – “Morningside” is very touching. Very Powerful music this is. My parents used to have quite a few parties and Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley and Shirley Bassey were among their favourites. That music has always stayed with me and as soon as I was able I started to make my own collection. This is excellent music for Hot Summer evening barbeques. There is nothing old about it. If you have never listened to this you really should. You won’t be disappointed. But buy the original. His recent redone versions have lost the power and essence that he put into the first albums and they sound a bit flat. Track Listings CD1 Prologue Crunchy Granola Suite... Read review

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Advantages: It's Buddy Holly - Enough Said!
Disadvantages: Unfortunately, Buddy's guitar disappears behind the over dubbing

...Unfortunately after Buddy's death, his Manager, Norman Petty hired the Fireballs, who overdubbed much of the original guitar and music by Buddy & the Crickets. The result is that the original music is so far back in the mix, they might as well have not bothered! Buddy Holly was without doubt a musical genius, he was experiementing with elementary overdubbing before his untimely and tragic death. Therefore it is a great shame that Norman Petty treated his music this way. If you want to hear the real Buddy Holly, then there are available collections which have the original undubbed music on them, but you may have to shop around. Buddy's music is far too important and indeed, enjoyable to be treated this way, and you the listener deserve the real thing, rather than a heavily overdubbed version.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful