Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
4 stars out of 4
Free, the legendary rock blues band, now has one CD available
that encapsulates their career in a more than adequate way. As this
CD will attest, their popularity wasn't an anomaly. As Dave Thompson
notes in his excellent liner notes-In 1968 when the band was conceived,
they were a bunch of inexperienced teenagers, unlike rock heavyweights
such as Cream and Led Zeppelin that boasted seasoned
veterans like Page and Clapton, they had to start from the very beginning.
He makes a very good point. What they did was even more eye opening
when you give all of those facts consideration. His views are very
valid. There is no doubt that Free made a huge impact on blues-rock
and their importance cannot be overstated. "20th Century Masters-The
Best Of Free-The Millennium Collection" will bring your ears to attention
and help to cement these thoughts and feelings.
Right from the opening scorcher "I'm A Mover," Paul Rodgers and company
make a statement. "All Right Now" has been a radio staple since its
release; it has some of the most familiar opening chords in rock history,
and those notes come jumping off the frets of Paul Kossoff's guitar.
"Mr. Big," which is a live version of the song, is as good as it gets
for a live recording, and of course the classic "Wishing Well" always
sounds great. This may not be enough of Free for all the diehards
out there; irregardless this collection sure puts together a lot of
tremendous songs on one CD. It's more than enough to make you realize
what a great group they were, and still are.
Sadly Kossoff became another rock 'n' roll casualty and died at an
early age, succumbing to his drug addiction. Rodgers and Kirke would
go on to form an even more successful band called Bad Company.
The rest is now history.
1. I'm A Mover-2:55
2. Walk In My Shadow-3:30
3. I'll Be Creepin'-3:27
4. Fire And Water-3:57
5. All Right Now-5:32
6. Heavy Load-5:19
7. The Stealer-3:14
8. Mr. Big (Live)-6:10
9. Catch A Train-3:26
10. Wishing Well-3:40
11. Come Together In The Morning-4:38
Credits:
Paul Rodgers-Vocals, electric & acoustic guitar
Paul Kossoff-Lead guitar
Andy Fraser-Bass
Simon Kirke-Drums, percussion, vocals
Tetsu Yamauchi-Bass, percussion
Rabbit Bundrick-Electric & acoustic pianos, organ, vocals
Snuffy Walden-Guitar
Rebop Kwaku-Congas
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