Eagles - Eagles : The Very Best Of (2CD)

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Free Music Notes for Eagles : The Very Best Of (2CD)

Free Music Review: Worth the wait! These songs sound better than ever.
Hit: 5 Stars

This 2 CD collection comes with a generous (42 page) insert written by Cameron Crowe (writer of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", director of "Jerry McGuire", and a lover of all that is Eagles). Crowe asks Don Henley and Glenn Frey questions about the origin of each and every one of these classics and having them give us a peek into their world. At times Don Henley can get a little pedantic, but the music speaks for itself. So many greatest hits collections (even box sets) come with sorry excuse for inserts while this one is unusual in depth, especially when one considers that even the manufacturers' suggested price is one of the lowest that I've seen for a 2 CD release.

Listening to these great songs reminded me of how much their sound and lyrics evolved during their prolific career. The group that put out with "Take It Easy" and "Best Of My Love", which can be seen as the ultimate ode to the hope/love that existed in the US and particularly California in the 1970's (pre-Ahhhhnold) also put out "Hotel California", which has so many layers and to me speaks of a loss of innocence that we all experience at some juncture.

The Eagles was one of the most influential bands in what is now known as "classic rock". I really hate these bumper-sticker labels as this is music, and although it is classic, it has pejorative connotations in my head. Like Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles were a staple of the FM generation when you could hear awesome non-single edits of hits as well as all your favorites, especially late at night. Even though I am sometimes a pessimist, I hope that we can move forward and adopt formats that worked and discard what didn't as it would be a pleasure to hear a 6 1/2 minute version of "Hotel California" or (_______ pick your favorite Eagle non hit) on the radio, followed by D'Angelo or any other current artist that you enjoy.

Remember how great it was to play the radio late at night and hear these amazing songs as you were starting to discover the world? The beginning to "One Of These Nights" still makes the hair on my arms stand up as it's a feeling that I can't describe. These days the radio might as well be removed from cars as listening to the same 5 "hits" songs over and over, or the same "classic" hits is depressing; notwithstanding you can put these two disks in your car and it will take you back to a time when in my mind mainstream music was so much better. In not knocking today's music as I have many favorites that are out of this world, but the world is a different place and the industry has changed so much that it would not recognize itself circa 1975.

Although it's not a big deal, the Bonus DVD did little for me and at worst reminds me that no matter how great this music is, these guys are also about business and this release is another step to try and squeeze the most of their brand name. Notwithstanding the new song "Hole In The World" sounds really good and is classic Eagles! I won't fault them for trying to make more money but this is all the Eagles that I need. No bloated reunion tours for me, but these songs are a testament to the amazing shelf life of good music and how technology can make them sound better than ever. Just give in to the sound....

Eagles : The Very Best Of (2CD) Poster