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 review May 31, 2009
this new way of reviewing is very time cunsuming and irritating.
the product and seller are outstanding but amazon's review set up
is a borish time waster!!!!
 "God, Love, and Rock & Roll," and the lack of that track in this collection Jan 23, 2009
When I saw this CD for the first time back in 1990, it was one of Rhino's first five releases of the eventually 25 volumes yet to come. Volume One is fantastic, but when I saw this line-up of volume two, I got pretty excited. I remember, even to this day, which Tower Record store I was in, and everything I did that day when I brought these five CD's home that day. I totally changed my plans and stayed home listening to these CD's over and over.
On this volume two, right away, I saw "Ma Belle Amie" by The Tee Set and "Little Green Bag" by the George Baker Selection. I remember having a 45 when both these songs were back to back. I remember how unusual it was to have a 45 single back to backed by two different artists but they were both released by the same record label and both came from Holland. Unfortunately, this version is a shorter version than I remember. My 45 had a longer version of "Little Green Bag". But for not hearing this song for nearly 20 years I was happy to have it any way I could.
Other great one hit wonders from this volume include "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum, which is probably the most popular semi-religious song to ever hit the Top 10. At this time of the early seventies, many of the hippies, and the war protesters which actually into love and God and things about "peace." We had "Jesus Christ Superstar", and "Godspell" and various other movies and albums pushing the theme of "God, Love, and Rock & Roll," (too bad that song wasn't included in these "Have a Nice Day" CD's. I know it was a low charter by Teegarten and Van Winkle, but it would have fit in here just nicely).
The "sugary" pop ditties on this volume are "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by Edison Lighthouse, "My Baby Loves Lovin" by White Plains, and "Lay a Little Lovin' On Me" by Robin McNamara. These songs definitely define the era, but I've come to love the big records of the year that somehow just seemed to fall off the face of the earth. Many people may have forgotten (but I never did) these excellent tunes: "Reflections of My Life" by The Marmalade, "For The Love of Him" by Bobbi Martin (which seems to sound like something that belongs with the lounge music of the mid sixties), and "Everything is Beautiful" by Ray Stevens which shows that Ray is more than just a comedy writer, he can still see the beauty of life, even though there was so much discourse going on because of the Vietnam war. Even The Brotherhood of Man's "United We Stand" offered some hope that we were either supporting that war, or we were united together protesting it. Some things never change, huh?
"Hitchin' a Ride" is the bigger of the two main hits from Vanity Fare. I remember that I use to have the 45 single of this song too, but I only bought this single because their other hit "Early in the Morning" was on the flip side. I didn't really concern myself with "Hitchin' a Ride" till I flipped over the record just to see that their other hit was definitely on the same 45 single.
On this review, I saved the best for last. "Which Way You Goin' Billy?" by The Poppy Family was the highest charted single for Terry Jacks before he did "Seasons in The Sun" four years later. But, a friend of mine, another nostalgic record collector, agrees with me that their songs "That's Where I Went Wrong" and the sub-Top 40 "Where Evil Grows" should have also been considered for the "Have a Nice Day" series. Oh well, we can't have everything, but this CD from "Have a Nice Day" was the first one that changed my direction of how I was enjoying the new CD format that began in the eighties. I was really drifting away from pop music by listening to a lot of eighties new age and various instrumental artists because after 1985, I didn't really care much about radio anymore, and the eighties music that I loved, wasn't really getting any attention from Rhino Records yet. Even though the "Have a Nice day" CD's were released nearly 20 years ago, I do believe that they have to still be considered Rhino's greatest success in releasing various artists collections. Many of them are becoming hard to find, even to order on line, so if you still want to get all 25 volumes, you better start ordering them now, even if they are used.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
good album of some pretty awesome retro tunes Dec 18, 2007
Have A Nice Day Volume 2 is a good installment in this 25 CD series. I like the music and the sound is very crisp and clear. I wish the album came with more than twelve songs on it; but overall the high quality control makes this a good CD for fans of `70s music.
The CD starts with a very strong, upbeat number by Edison Lighthouse entitled "Love Grows ( Where My Rosemary Goes)" This somewhat innocent love ballad celebrates the joys of love and Edison Lighthouse harmonizes very well. The melody is great. "Spirit In The Sky" rocks harder as Norman Greenbaum sings perfectly. The ladies on backup vocals sing well to bolster Norman's performance, too. "Spirit In The Sky" is sure to bring back memories.
The Marmalade switch to a much more reflective, pensive ballad with a hauntingly beautiful melody; and the group harmonizes well. The electric guitars really enhance the musical arrangement; and the strings work well, too. In addition, listen for White Plains to score a hit with their classic rock hit, "My Baby Loves Lovin';" they never miss a beat and the peppy tune always makes me smile.
The Brotherhood Of Man easily ranks high on the list with their sweet ballad entitled "United We Stand." This number reminds us that the need for peace is important and urgent. Ray Stevens makes a strong contribution with his stunning "Everything Is Beautiful." "United We Stand" and "Everything Is Beautiful" are more than worth the admission price alone!
The liner notes add some information about the album; and the artwork is excellent. My only complaint is that the album should have had more than just twelve songs on it. I give this album a four star review because it runs a bit too short.
Overall, if you want to hear some awesome classics from the 1970s scene, this CD is a must-have. People who are just getting into this type of music will also enjoy this album.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
"Reflections Of My Life" and yours too! Enjoy! Jul 02, 2007
As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.
Volume 2 tries to equal the predecessor. While Volume 1 has better consistency, there are enough essential tracks here. Spirit In The Sky - Norman Greenbaum is still getting airplay today not only on the oldies stations but on classic rock. Reflections Of My Life - The Marmalade with some of the most intense lyrics ever presents a song of both beauty and articulation.
"Hitchin' A Ride"- Vanity Fare is an example of the great days of Top 40. There would be a plethora of memorable tunes that we would call on decades later.
As you give each of the twelve songs a listen see if it brings you back to a specific event or time in your life. Excluding the CD not being filled to capacity, you'll LOVE THE 70's!
Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Tony Burrows Correction Dec 07, 2006
All in all a great anthology. Minor correction on the Tony Burrows comments; he had nothing to do with Hitching A Ride (by Vanity Faire). However, he was also the lead vocalist on Beach Baby (First Class) and My Baby Loves Lovin' (White Plains).
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