James Gang - The Best Of (@320)

 

James Gang - The Best Of

The Best of James Gang Review by Greg Prato.

The Best of the James Gang [Repertoire] is the way a career overview should be -- two discs jammed to the limit with the group's hits and strong album cuts. Joe Walsh and company put the "power" in "power trio" as they supplied a smattering of releases from 1969-1971 that were custom-made to be cranked on eight-track while cruising in a Camaro. Walsh's woefully underrated talent for penning some of rock's all-time greatest riffs is evident throughout, especially on the group's two best known tracks, "Walk Away" and "Funk #49," while quite a few lesser-known tracks ("I Don't Have the Time," "Woman") rock just as hard. Additionally, Walsh's chicken-pickin' guitar playing in "Asshtonpark" sounds like a dry run for his later work as part of the Eagles, while the group's melodic and softer side is showcased on tracks like "Take a Look Around." And unlike most other James Gang compilations, this set goes beyond the Joe Walsh years, as tracks from both the Domenic Troiano and Tommy Bolin eras are touched upon. The Bolin-era tracks will undoubtedly prove to be the set's big surprise to fans familiar with just the Walsh Gang, especially on such exceptional tracks as "The Devil Is Singing Our Song," "Standing in the Rain," and "Summer Breezes," all of which would be classic rock radio staples in a perfect world. For a thorough look at the James Gang, The Best of the James Gang [Repertoire] is highly recommended

Tracklist:

Disc 1:

1. James Gang - Take a look around

2. James Gang - Funk #48

3. James Gang - Bluebird

4. James Gang - Lost woman

5. James Gang - I don't have the time

6. James Gang - Fred

7. James Gang - Funk #49

8. James Gang - Asshtonpark

9. James Gang - Woman

10. James Gang - The Bomber Medley

11. James Gang - Walk away

12. James Gang - Yadig?

13. James Gang - Things I could be

14. James Gang - Midnight man

15. James Gang - Madness

16. James Gang - Looking for my lady

17. James Gang - I'll tell you why

18. James Gang - Ain't seen nothing yet

Disc 2:

1. James Gang - One way street

2. James Gang - Had enough

3. James Gang - Up to yourself

4. James Gang - Standing in the rain

5. James Gang - The devil is singing our song

6. James Gang - Must Be Love

7. James Gang - Got no time for trouble

8. James Gang - Ride the wind

9. James Gang - Cruisin' down the highway

10. James Gang - Do it (The way you do it)

11. James Gang - Wildfire

12. James Gang - Summer Breezes

13. James Gang - Merry-go-round

14. James Gang - Watch it

15. James Gang - Driftin' Dreamer

16. James Gang - Shoulda' Seen Your Face

17. James Gang - Heartbreak Hotel

18. James Gang - Red satin lover

19. James Gang - I Need Love

20. James Gang - Feelin' Alright

21. James Gang - Hollywood Dreams

22. James Gang - Pick up the pizzas

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