1970s: Classic Rock's Greatest [Compilation]

This generous collection (clocking in at a disc-stuffing 76:55) is filled with the radio candy that kept ears glued to the dial throughout the 70s. It may very well represent the last great gasp of top-40 radio, wherein the experimental sounds of 60s FM progressive rock were strained through the pop sensibilities of the AM hit single machine. These twenty selections focus on the rock hits of the 70s, eschewing other movements like disco, teen pop, and singer/songwriters (some of which are covered on other volumes of this series).

From Boston's intricately layered "More Than a Feeling" to Lynyrd Skynyrd's anthemic "Sweet Home Alabama," the electric guitar was rock radio's focal point, with outsized riffs (courtesy of Mick Ralphs, Paul Kossoff, Steve Miller, Carlos Santana, and Duane Allman, among others) topped by swaggering vocals from the likes of Paul Rodgers (Bad Company and Free) and Lou Gramm (Foreigner). The result filled arenas and summer days-on-the-green around the world.

Even acoustic numbers like Kansas' "Dust in the Wind" and novelties like Brownsville Station's "Smokin' in the Boys Room" resound with the era's allegiance to the overboard. Covers by Santana ("Black Magic Woman," originally waxed by Fleetwood Mac) and Nazareth ("Love Hurts," originally a hit for the Everly Brothers) became amped-up icons that buried the earlier incarnations for many listeners.

Though twenty tracks barely scratches the surface -- even in this relatively narrow swath of 70s hit music -- this is a solid hour-plus of party music that's sure to revive a few memories. It's like listening to your favorite Classic Rock station without the commercials!

Casey Kasem Presents: America's Top Ten - The 70's Classic Rock's Greatest Hits certainly doesn't have every classic rock hit from the 1970's; and for that reason I can't quite give this five stars. However, this is one of the better single CD retrospectives; these are very, very famous rock tunes that got a lot of attention when they were originally released. The quality of the sound is excellent. The artwork is good although it is somewhat standard for this "Casey Kasem" CD series.

Boston's "More Than A Feeling" begins the album with one of their biggest hits; the guitar work enhances the number considerably and the drums work well, too. Boston turns this out without a hitch and I love it! There's another gem in Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough;" "Can't Get Enough" is a rock tune that is infectiously catchy and I will never tire of hearing Bad Company do this one up right! The electric guitars on "Can't Get Enough" sound great. Santana's "Black Magic Woman" still sounds every bit as good today as it did when it first came out; Santana was and remains quite the talent. The percussion on "Black Magic Woman" really brings out the best in this tune.

The Steve Miller Band does "Fly Like An Eagle" really well; I always liked this number and The Steve Miller Band performs it without letting go of a superfluous note! One of my very favorite rock tunes from the 1970's would have to be "Come Sail Away" by Styx; Styx was a very popular band and they deserved all the attention they got and still receive today. "Come Sail Away" is not just classic rock; this is a classic ballad with a lush musical arrangement that could never be forgotten. "We're an American Band" by Grand Funk has an incredible sound; and listen for "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple. "Smoke On The Water" was a masterpiece for Deep Purple and it remains one of the best rock songs ever.

Looking Glass does "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" with a lot of style and feeling; I really like "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)." The Allman Brothers Band also gives us a very special number, "Ramblin' Man." "Ramblin' Man" made the airwaves sizzle when it came out and just one listen will tell you why! "Ramblin' Man" also has a side dish of country that makes it very strong. In addition, "Smokin' In The Boys' Room" by Brownsville Station brings back memories; wow, how they played this on the radio! "Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues has quite a poignant flavor to it; and "Hold The Line" by Toto is another stunner that stands the test of time.

Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show do "Cover Of The Rolling Stone" with lots of energy; and "Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra lacks nothing--it's all THAT good. "Don't Bring Me Down" has an excellent beat and the musical effects are excellent. Nazareth does "Love Hurts" with true passion; and the CD ends very strong with Lynyrd Skynyrd's timeless "Sweet Home Alabama." "Sweet Home Alabama" has great guitar work for this southern rock tune and Lynyrd Skynyrd couldn't have done this any better.

This CD has 20 classic rock tunes from the 1970's that showcase just how great rock was at that point in time. I highly recommend this CD for people who like 70's classic rock although the diehard fan may already have these hits in their collection. Diehard fans of 70's rock would do well to look for CD box sets of this type of music.

Great music collection. Many good songs and put together in only Casey Kasem style. Good listening and great album. Highly recommend this CD to anyone that enjoyed the era. Extremely satisfied.

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