Air America

by

Various Artists

Edit

One person called this crap, the other says it is the best soundtrack of all time.

Hold on, first off AIR AMERICA boasts a hand full of classic 60s R&B and Rock gems (SEEDS / FOUR TOPS / MAMAS & PAPAS / TEMPS).

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It also features several tasty (if not great) late sixties / early seventies covers: Many of these have not shown up in these versions on other CDs or compilations by these bands. So, for instance, if you like B.B. KING & BONNIE RAITT and have a yearning to hear an alternate take on Dr. John's hit "RIGHT PLACE WRONG TIME" this is the place to hear that. It won't make you forget the original but it is certainly not 2nd Raitt material either, and let's face it, it's alwasy nice to hear the King of the Blues Guitar team up with thsi Bonnie lass.

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The Edgar Winter Group's "FREE RIDE" has been used in many soundtracks. The version here of dan Hartman's hit, appears to be a remake by Edgar and produced by long time collaberator Rick Derringer. To me it is an interesting take, but pales somewhat to the take on their "THEY ONLY COME OUT AT NIGHT' CD (how could it not?). They may only come out at night, but they don't write 'em like they used to, either.

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Texas protegy CHARLIE SEXTON, had recorded with everyone from DOYLE BRAMHALL to SHANNON McNally and is alwasy pleasnt to hear on any CD. SEXTON takes on the HOLLIES chestnut, "LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS". Once again, it's never easy to recreate a standard, but Sexton aquitts himself just fine here.

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The Amazon Rater that dissed the CD, save for the DOORS cover by AEROSMITH, obvisoly likes Aerosmith. Since his 2000 review, the Song "LOVE ME TWO TIMES" has indeed been released on a CD, as it showed up once again on the DOOR'S Stoned Immaculate Trbute album -albeit in a version with a different growling dog intro. If that sort of thing appeals to you.

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Add to the master pieces from the 1960s and the fine remakes, you can also find a are 5:00 fade version of STEELY DAN's brillaint "DO IT AGAIN".

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Aretha emmulator, FONTELLA BASS, rounds out the collection, to boot. RESCUE ME has one of the all time great BASS GUITAR fade outs at the end of the tune. Worth the price of admission jsut for that cut.

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You can find many of these oldies but goodies in better settings to be sure, but if you can find this discused and inexpensively. And while this does not add up to an indispencible purchase, it is well worth it for the semi-rare adds found with in, IMO. Their ain't a duff track in the mix and at a summer bash, who knows maybe your freinds may even ask you what CD that song is from.