Come and Get It: A Tribute to Badfinger

by

Various Artists

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I don't give a lot of credence to Amazon reviews in general for the simple reason that they are generally penned by amateurs (read: fans) and can best be likened to mildly canine drooling over the fan's latest craze, quite likely already forgotten by the time the review is in type (or font or bits or whatever it is these days.) But every once in a while an injustice must be, if not corrected, at least addressed. How clueless is the previous reviewer? 1) Almost everything Badfinger ever released is readily available. So any "big fan" who can't find it is hopeless to start with. 2) Many of the artists on this compilation are giants in their own right. If you've heard of The Knack, but don't know Cotton Mather, Dwight Twilley, The Plimsouls, Aimee Mann, etc, etc. etc., you probably only think you've been listening to Badfinger, it was really the Maroon 5. And secondly (sorry, little George Bush joke there) while no Badfinger lover in their right mind would trade any of these versions for the original (true of any tribute LP I've ever heard), these versions are intelligent, creative, expertly performed, and in many if not most instances, highly enjoyable and inspirational. If you truly know and love Badfinger (and sadly, there ain't anything much new coming from them) this is an excellent purchase.

I consider myself a big fan of Badfinger. I've been trying to get a hold of Badfinger stuff for a little while. It can be difficult since a lot of their music is no longer sold, or is only sold in the U.K. I managed to get a copy of this album which is a compliation of Badfinger covers. Although I loved the concept of the album since badfinger isn't very appreciated, I was extremely disappointed by it. First of all, it was hard to get excited about the bands on the record. When your complilation's most recognizable band is a one hit wonder (The Knack) you know you're in bad shape. For the rest of the tracks they chose sterile and bland sounding groups that no one has ever heard of. All the tracks sound like you'd hear them on some lame mix station. I'm reminded of bands like the cranberries, and songs like "two princes" Music which in it's own right is at least palattable, but when combined with Badfinger's music makes for horrible results. None of the tracks on this album are unique from eachother. I would have loved to hear some Alternative (like weezer) metal, or blues renditions on this album, Just something interesting that would make this compilation fun, i would even be happy with some rap! Instead one is left with what's probably the worst record with badfinger's name on it.