Customer Rating:  
Summary: SKIP THIS FOR THE RAVEN IMPORT, FAR BETTER AUDIO
Comment:
This is, of course, by far the biggest selling Hollies "best of" disc.
However, a much better-sounding alternative import single-disc compilation, On a Carousel, 1963-1974: The Ultimate Hollies, made available by Australia's Raven Records label.
The remastered audio on the Raven disc is far and away superior to this disc, even though it was re-vamped just a few years ago.
The Raven CD has every track on this disc, but has nearly double the music, 25 tracks vs. the paltry 13 here.
The import is a little extra money, but eminently more worth it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: frontporchbanjopicker
Comment: This is basically a snapshot from the Hollies top 40 career, I prefer EMI`s out-of-print mini box set version from a decade ago, even the mastering is better. However, if you want a quick dose of the Hollies, this is the CD to own.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Amazon should TEACH customer service !!!
Comment: First,their software reads my tastes, and recommends this wonderful album, packed with all the Hollies hits from my childhood (49 now), then puts a VERY reasonable price on it, plus the "spend $25 get free shipping" incentive, then ship that bad boy within 3 DAYS !!!! with no cracked jewel case, or any problem whatsoever, then put it in the disc changer, sit back, and SMILE !!! Thank You Amazon ! YOU ARE THE BEST !!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: "Hey Loyal Fan, What's Your Game Now-Can Anybody Play"?
Comment: Time for frivolity I suppose. Me, being at the circus and all. And, as expected, it is not enough that these performers do amazing somersaults - but some in the crowd want them to jump through hoops of fire as well. I am awed by all the chances they take. And don't think, for one minute, that I didn't take a chance too by coming here. Yes. Some kid has already stolen my cotton candy. I can hear the flowing of your tears as we speak. ;)
Welcome to the wonderful world of The Hollies. Pleasant pop-hooks, alluring vocal harmony, one of the more melodic rock bands that came out of the 60's British Invasion. As a calculating Seer I can tell you that time frames present puzzle-piece permutations (3 X fast people!) to fill in the alloted space. Certainly when popular music moved to the psychedelic sound, there was still a need for understandable, relationship pop. The Hollies kept going, and to no one's surprise, very successfully.
The subject matter was creative - but not overly so lest the message bogs down the melody. This group was tantmount to an ocean breeze on a hot summer's day, the jolt of excitement over a new love, and the sadness (but never devastation) over a lost love. No - the Hollies balanced it all and the results were always pleasant, if not downright safe.
To say the Hollies protagonist doesn't wind up everywhere would be an understatement. Finding love at a "Bus Stop" and "On a Carousel". Watching a svelte belly dancer in "Stop, Stop, Stop". And tempting the law with "Carrie Anne". That's about the most controversial they became (without anyone really noticing).
Of course, everything here is so well written and scores on many levels. Whether your preference is animal attration (Long, Cool Woman etc.), spiritual morality (He Ain't Heavy etc.) or aching love confessionals (The Air that I Breathe), it is all included. I should point out the one song that deviates away from the formula and demands more reflection is "King Midas in Reverse". I think it one of their best and more unusual compositions. But, I heartell that the group wasn't fond of it. Graham Nash was, and he soon left for Crosby, Stills and Nash. A wise move, if you ask me.
Now, I have heard many Hollies albums over time. I will tell you that other things they have done are just as well done. That said, it is a difficult thing to sum up a career in one c.d., muchless two at times. However, if you do want a good representation by them, and only have limited space in your archive, this would be the selection to get.
Well, gotta go people. The tightrope walkers are beginning (I feel like that at times) and, what do you know? That kid has come back crying with his mother in tow. She's making him apologize and he's offering me fresh cotton candy! Nice to know that some parents still instill good values. Gee - I wonder if it's brandy flavoured? Hope so.
I walk the line--------Metamorpho ;)
Customer Rating:
Summary: Back In Time
Comment: The Hollies Greatest Hits sends you back in time to the fabulous 60's! The CD is well worth the "trip" back.
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