Long Live Rock 'N' Roll Indeed!
343853
One the best albums/CDs of the 1970s, and the only reason that this album/CD is not the best of the Rainbow catalog is because its predecessor, Rainbow Rising, is one of the best rock CDs ever produced and released. Kill the King, Lady of the Lake, and Gates of Babylon are superb, more complex rock tunes; Long Live Rock 'N' Roll and Sensitive to Light are great rock tunes with more infectious beats, and Rainbow Eyes is a beautiful piece of music that features an amazing vocal performance by the late Ronnie James Dio. If you don't have this CD, buy it!
4398549
The incomparable Earth, Wind & Fire have been going strong for almost 30 years.  The recent Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees released this concise overview of their greatest hits in 1998, and it is a 70-minute  funkfest!  From "Shining Star" (a #1 hit in 1975) to "After  the Love Has Gone," all of their classics are here, even if they  aren't presented in chronological order.  EWF have consistently maintained  a sound characterized by a big horn and brass section, incorporating  African and Latin rhythms.  Their music continues to be played on AM and FM  stations because it has a timeless, universal appeal. So go buy this CD,  and let the party begin!
4960233
Quiet Riot brings back real, FEEL GOOD Rock and Roll with "Guilty Pleasures".  "Rock the House" the first single to hit radio (Request it often) is the uncontested Rock ANTHEM of the 21st Century. As well, Vicious Circle, Feel the Pain and Blast from the Past are great ROCK songs.  "I can't make you love me" may be the best ballad by Quiet Riot or anyone in years -it is destined for a movie soundtrack. All in All an extremely SOLID CD.  Kevin Dubrows vocals are still unique and incredible.  Frankie Banali's Drumming is pure Thunder. Rudy Sarzo is the undisputed BASS master of the World and Carlos Cavazo pulls more emotion out of a guitar than most people ever dream of.
For a Rocking Good time - make sure you add "Guilty Pleasures" to your collection.  A couple listens and you will be "Rockin the House"!
3566358
NOTHING BEATS THE CLASSICS!
One of my favorite Rock & Roll albums from a live concert.
2834443
It's strange what happened around 1978..1980, really. Country rock was suddenly completely out of fashion, which meant two things. Some bands returned to country music - and others, like Poco, Firefall, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band turned to rock. Hard. Some, like Poco made their probably best ever albums, some were less successful. But most of those albums recorded between 1978..1982 both rocked hard and had amazing songs!

The (Nitty Gritty) Dirt Band's 1980 work "Make a Little Magic" is a nice effort, having both very good songs like "Anxious heart" and "Badlands" (not forgetting the title track with Nicolette Larson) and less memorable works. But it was "Jealousy" which really became this band's rock masterpiece. It reminds me a lot of Poco's absolutely powerful "Under The Gun" album - perhaps even on purpose. Most songs are strong, sometimes even fierce ("Crossfire"). Still, there are softer, even funny moments ("Forget it!") and great melodies everywhere. And, of course, Steve Lukather (Toto) blasting out in the title track...  (he remembered this album when I met him in Helsinki a couple of years ago)

A wonderful collection of everything this band has been about, from folkish country to fierce rock. Recommended! Next, I just hope we'll see a re-release of their next album "Let's Go"!
899288
Classic Bad Co. Well Produced , Crunching Guitars though a Little more Polished . With Paul Rogers , one of the best Singer songwriters in Rock and Roll . This Band has stood the test of time . From the Golden Age of Rock and Roll , the 70's was the Decade for Popular Music of all Kinds ! A Good Solid Record from this Group who was Signed to Swan Song ( Led Zeppelins Label ) . You Know They Had to Be Good ! The Big Hit - Rock and Roll Fantasy , Nuff' Said !
3339115
I have known this band all of my life and am truly thankful that they have been a major cornerstone in the soundtrack of my life! Perhaps the endless radio play and the years of listening to so many of their many contributions to classic Rock N Roll over and over again can lend some level of saturation to the emotional impact of the essence of their music. But then I grab on to this DVD, pop it in, turn it up and return to what is without a doubt a finest of performances by clearly the heart and soul anchor of pure Rock! Most notable is Jason Bonham! Without him this DVD would not have been possible. As Page straps on and rides at full speed, John Paul Jones shows how integral he was to every single song. At first I wasn't sure how Plant would find a way to be perfect and he really did not disappoint.  So forgive all of the metaphors and listen up. The intro is as expected, Zeppelin the gods of rock and all those who come after have listened and the good ones have learned. Classic gems for about the first 10 songs until you finish up with Stairway To Heaven. Ok, I am happy, but then we jump in to Song Remains The Same with Jason in full command and everyone clearly enjoying the ride, because they rock you like no other than Zeppelin can for the rest of the show. Buy this DVD and take it out whenever you need to return to the roots of greatness in the history of rock n roll. It will fill those shoes for sure. This is the other greatest band of all time along with the Beatles. Buy it and watch it over and over because you will realize it is true.
79016
In the 1970s, rock and roll live records were at their peak. Peter Frampton was acheiving huge success with his 'Frampton Comes Alive!' record, which documented a concert he gave in San Francisco. Led Zeppelin was acheiving commercial success with the soundtrack to their concert film, 'The Song Remains The Same.' And of course, Lynyrd Skynyrd had 'One More From The Road.'

But, what always puzzles me is the fact that Scorpions' incredible live record 'Tokyo Tapes' is always left in the dust.

This is an essential record documenting the legendary heavy metal band's shows recorded in Japan in late 1978. The record was released in 1978 on the RCA label, but I see Hip-O has remastered it.

I still own the vinyl of this, and I have looked at the track listing and noticed that 'Polar Nights' was left off. But I'm not bothered at all; as the previous reviewer pointed out, that appears on the reissued version of 'Taken By Force.' And, that wasn't one of the highlights (to me) on this disc anyway.

I have listened to the tracks and I am shocked with how well Hip-O did at remastering this. 'In Trance' sounds better than it ever had before; 'Steamrock Fever' still has the same charm it had 30 years ago, and the cover of the legendary Japanese folk song 'Kojo No Tsuki' is really interesting.

Overall, if you're a Scorpions fan who hasn't invested your money in one of their live records, than this set is highly recommended. Buy it with 'World Wide Live!' and you have a great Scorpions live collection.

A great live record and a must-have. Highly recommended. ENJOY!!!
1122545
Being originally released in 1975, I still own my vinyl copy as well as the CD reissue. Tend to agree with MOST fans that say this is simply one of the best live hard rock albums ever made. The tunes like "Hotter Than Hell / Firehouse", "Parasite", "100,000 Years" (w / it's killer drum solo), "Black Diamond", "Cold Gin" and "Rock And Roll All Nite" never really do grow old, do they? That photo on the back with two young girls holding up a home-made Kiss banner MORE than brings back several pleasant memories. A possible suggestion for the next label that reissues this title: ever consider maybe putting the entire 2-CD / record on just one disc? I figured the total of both CD's at 79 minutes. Maybe edit out,say a minute of the encore crowd noise. It's just that we're busy people and some of us don't like having to take our 'valuable' time to step over to the stereo to change discs. A true keeper.
977998
I was just nine years old when Styx embarked on their nine-year hiatus in  1984, so I was not privileged enough to be heavily exposed to them while  growing up. However, years later, when it was more fashionable to listen to  everything from Guns-N-Roses to Run DMC, this cassette remained in my tape  deck for years after my older sister recommended I listen to it. Dennis  DeYoung, Tommy Shaw and James Young harmonized as well as any trio of  singers in any rock band to date. A bold statement ... but one I stand by.  That could not be more evident than listening to the live versions of  Crystal Ball, Best of Times and Snowblind ... among others. Unfortunately,  this album is inexplicably missing the stand-out singles Lady and Renegade.  Nevertheless, I'd consider this to be the best modern day rock live album  second only to Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band's "Live  '75-'85." It's simply that good!
4646569
YOU WANTED THE BEST BAND! YOU GOT IT!THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE LAND!KISS!!!
Admidst the loud cheers of the crowd,Eddie Balandas uttered that famous introduction. KISS took the stage and performed to sold out crowds everywhere in the Good Old U.S.A.Little did the crowds realize that they were being documented to an album that would be considered by many to be "One of the Greatest Live Albums of all Time!" ALIVE! was released before the end of 1975. It quickly climbed to #9 and became their third to go gold. Their first top ten album ever.
The songs on ALIVE! are from their first three studio albums. All of them performed with savage fire and intense energy. Paul Stanley proudly declares "We're Gonna Have Ourselves a Rock and Roll Party Tonight!"KISS kept that promise in more ways than one. Their concerts are rock and roll parties. The music is the key factor alongside the theatrics. The audiences were not disappointed. In fact,before the end of this album,the audience shouts for "MORE!!"The band obliges with Paul displaying some of the best showmanship by saying "I Wanna Tell You ALL,You've been a DYNAMITE audience! And You Deserve to Give Yourselves a Round of Applause!"I can't even remember any other rock band showing this to any of their audiences.
Casablanca even released the live version of Rock and Roll All Nite as a single. It quickly became their first top forty single reaching #12(previously the original studio version hit #65. The studio version is the B-side of the live version).
This newly remastered CD reissue of this album actually makes you feel like you are there watching the band perform. If you ever wanted to get closer,you'd have to build a time machine and  set the coordinates to 1975. This whole album shows the audiences paying tribute to the new gods of rock and roll.
So fans everywhere. Rock and Roll All Nite long with ALIVE! You'll be glad that you did. This is another essential album that no fan should be without.
3385122
Never in the history of rock n roll has one mega group produced such inovative and creative music that is as fresh today as it was 35 years ago.  Hit after hit after hit after hit is the line up of Led Zeppelin I and II.  CD's I and II are worth the $100 in itself in my opinion.  How can you put a price on John Bonom's drumming or Robert Plant's incredible vocal range.  I really would have paid over $500 for this collection.  Without a doubt.  There are a few groups I need on a deserted island, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin.  When you need timeless real rock, however, Zeppelin stands alone.  For your mental health, for humanity, please...buy this and enjoy.

ST
4884707
Just the incredible degree of quality (vocals, composition, musicianship, etc.) I'd have expected from one of Rock's greatest ever bands!

These guys are one of the few bands that I own the entire collection of (including Henley's' solo efforts as well); and after seeing them live in San Jose in 2003, it's no surprise: they are every bit as great on stage as in the studio and this album just proves their staying power.

But, come on guys, please don't wait 28 years for the next/last one; I'm your age group and we're all getting' a little "long in the tooth..." to wait too long!  :0)

GREAT JOB!
2298614
That's how much I love this kick A$! rock and roller of an album! There are, however, about four songs that I don't really care for and that I usually just skip, ie. "Blues Power", and "Let It Grow". But my God how can one deny "Bell Bottom Blues", "Cocaine", "Hello Old Friend", "Presence of the Lord" and of course the KILLER "Layla". If you don't dig classic rock, put this album on and you soon will.
1325538
I bought the Original Master Tapes cd a few months ago to fill a major gap in my early rock n' roll collection. I found it to be even more fantastic than I anticipated and after some thorough research, I realized I still was missing many of his important sides pre 'Rock Around the Clock' and even some of his later hits. My research uncovered that Bill was originally a noted yodeler and played western swing before he turned to what was arguably the first example of rock n roll in the early 50s. I discovered that he indeed had the first rock n roll 'hit song' with 'Crazy Man Crazy' (#11 Billboard) in 1953 followed by 'Fractured' (#24) and 'Live It Up' (#25) later that year. 'Rock Around the Clock' would come out in 1954 and essentially flop (charted for just 1 week at #23) before 'rocketing' to #1 the next year.

Absolutely Essential has these early hits that weren't on the Original Master cd, as well as other key early rock n roll sides and some later hits not on Original Masters ('Skinny Minnie' #28 in 1958, 'Joey's Song' #46 in 1959 and some other lesser hits). It, in fact, contains all 20 tracks from the Original Master cd.

I found the sound on these cds to be similar to that on the Original Master cd; warm and cozy and not highly compressed like modern cds often are.

There are no liner notes and a few early sides are missing such as Haley's almost immediate cover of 'Rocket 88' and 'Green Tree Boogie'.

The 'From Western Swing to Rock' box covers his early swing days but does not delve as far into his rock n roll years as this set.

The Bear Family boxset Decca Years and More would undoubtedly be a great investment but this would be an amazing alternative value wise for those just looking for the music; and Absolutely Essential covers the pre-'Rock Around the Clock' rock n' roll sides that the Bear box doesn't!

If you want the early swing stuff, the Western Swing to Rock box and other select cds will fill the bill for you!

I have included the track list below so that you can make your own decision on whether this is the set for you!

DISC 1:
1. (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock
2. Thirteen Women (and Only One Man In Town)
3. Stop Beatin' Around the Mulberry Bush
4. Crazy Man Crazy
5. Real Rock Drive
6. What'cha Gonna Do
7. Pat-a-Cake
8. Fractured
9. Live It Up
10. So Long, Goodbye Farewell
11. I'll Be True
12. Ten Little Indians
13. Chattanooga Choo Choo
14. Straight Jacket
15. Dim the Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere) Dim
16. Happy Baby
17. Yes Indeed
18. Mambo Rock
19. Birth of the Boogie
20. Two Hound Dogs

DISC 2:
1. Shake Rattle and Roll
2. ABC Boogie
3. Razzle Dazzle
4. Burn That Candle
5. Rock-a-Beatin' Boogie
6. The Saint's Rock 'N' Roll
7. R-O-C-K
8. Hot Dog Buddy Buddy
9. Rockin' Through the Rye
10. Goofin' Around
11. Rudy's Rock
12. Hide and Seek
13. Hey Then There Now
14. Tonight's the Night
15. Line and Sinker Hook
16. Blue Comet Blues
17. Calling All Comets
18. Choo Choo Ch'boogie
19. A Rocking Little Tune
20. Don't Knock the Rock

DISC 3:
1. See You Later Alligator
2. The (On Main Street, USA) Paper Boy
3. Rip It Up
4. Teenager's Mother
5. Forty Cups of Coffee
6. (You Hit the Wrong Note) Billy Goat
7. The Dipsy Doodle
8. Miss You
9. Rock the Joint
10. Mary Lou Mary
11. Skinny Minnie
12. Lean Jean
13. Corrine Corrina
14. One Sweet Letter From You
15. Where Did You Go Last Night?
16. Shaky
17. Caldonia
18. Joey's Song
19. Skokiaan
20. Tamiami
56181
As a longtime, 'old skool' 51 year old KISS fan(atic), having first seen them live for the 'Destroyer' tour in NYC, I was initially dissapointed upon first listening to this release. I wanted to say something along the lines of "they should hang it up already", but then something interesting happened- I listened to it a 2nd and 3rd time, without my pre-concieved notions of what they SHOULD sound like, and lo and behold- I liked it! 'Monster' ROCKS! The songs are heavy on riffing and soloing, and Tommy Thayer shines with great playing, hooks, and chops! Eric Singer's drumming is world class, and what can you say about Paul and Gene; they are timeless rock greats still doing what comes naturally! In summation, of course old KISS is classic and phenomenal, but the present incarnation of KISS clearly still means business (and I don't just mean in the 'Gene sense' of making big $$$). In this day and age of 'the dumbing down of rock and pop', given the dearth of great bands (compared primarily to the 60's through 80's), it's great to see bands like KISS, RUSH, DOKKEN, OZZY, AEROSMITH, SCORPIONS, etc. releasing QUALITY 'no holds barred' world class rock well into the 21st century!
2324706
The LATE GREAT John Lennon, himself said,  another word for Rock n' Roll Music is Chuck Berry. That sums  it all up!!! Like the Beatles, Chuck Berry's music and style will live  $ ever!!!!