Search - Alabama :: Livin Lovin Rockin Rollin (Aniv)

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 5/23/2023...

A real disappointment for Alabama even fans!

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A rich, career spanning box set

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 02/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In celebration of 25 years since their signing to RCA, the newly formed RCA/Legacy has issued the group's first triple-disc set. In contrast to 2005's two-disc "Essential" set, this collection is more of a full band biography than a straightforward recitation of their chart hits. There are hits to be heard (including nearly two-dozen #1s, seventeen in their original studio incarnation, and a half-dozen in live or alternate versions), but there's also a good helping of cherry-picked album tracks, and eight previously unreleased sides. Together with the richly detailed 52-page book (which includes a lengthy essay by Robert Oermann, track annotations, a band timeline and a generous helping of rare photos), this is a lot more than a triple-CD set, it's a package that tells the band's entire story, including their chronology, live performances, and, as mentioned, a good helping of their incredible string of hits.



Over the course of their 22 years with RCA, Alabama defined what it was to be a successful country music band. In an industry dominated by star singers and their backing players, Alabama looked to both the '70s Southern rock experience (Allmans, et al.) and the twangy style of Nashville to forge a new country identity. Their electric guitars and drums are topped with pure country harmonies, and their songs (both originals and those picked up from others' pens) were down-home. While the rock world was busy with the purposely artificial sounds of new wave throughout the '80s, Alabama kept the guitars and drums burning, particularly in their live performances, and turned out touching ballads with equal ease. Their '90s hits like "I'm in a Hurry (and Don't Know Why)" are prime examples of how modern country could take in pop influences without becoming crossover mush, and latter-day top-20s like "The Cheap Seats" and "Born Country" are filled with warmth.



Those looking to understand Alabama's chart dominance may be better served by last year's two-disc set, but anyone who wants to learn (or relive) the band's whole story would be well-served by this new set. Longtime fans will enjoy the opportunity to recount select album tracks, listen to several well-known hits in live versions (and in the case of "Face to Face," an alternate studio take), and hear unreleased items that include the one-off 1982 live medley of "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine / Suppertime / Teach Your Children / Don't It Make You Want to Go Home" and the 1973 Randy Owen acoustic demo of "Ripperly O'Tucke." Those who first heard these songs in their original release may find the lack of chronological ordering to be disconcerting, but overall the programming flows smoothly.



This isn't the all-encompassing Alabama box set that will satiate everyone's needs - there are far too many hits missing, or replaced by live versions to be definitive. But as a retelling of the rise and sustained artistry of country music's most successful band - the band that defined success as a country music group - it's a winner. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]"

A listening delight for fans

Meryl K. Evans | Plano, TX | 04/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, just play me some "Mountain Music." It's been 25 years since Alabama signed its first record deal with RCA, and in celebration RCA/Legacy has released the three-disc box set Alabama: Livin' Lovin' Rockin' Rollin': The 25th Anniversary Collection, covering the Alabama phenomenon.



Unlike 2005's The Essential Alabama set, this collection cherry picks songs from across the years. Plenty of hits are to be had as well as eight previously unreleased tracks. The set comes with a detailed 52-page book with photos, band timeline, track annotations and an essay by Robert Oermann. This set tells about the band's legacy and gives you an understanding of why RIAA named them the "Country Band of the Century."



From the get go, disc 1 captures you with "My Home's In Alabama (Live)," "Forty Hour Week (For A Livin')," an anthem for millions of people, and a seven-plus minute medley of "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine/Suppertime/Teach Your Children/Don't It Make You Want To Go Home." This is followed by "Mountain Music," which always gets my foot tapping.



Disc 2 starts out with "Feels So Right," a song that millions (me included) slow danced to many times in the '80s. A song that surprised me was Alabama's version of "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time on You," with 'N Sync doing the harmony vocals. Though 'N Sync made the song famous, Alabama added real feeling to it. Granted, they're different music genres, but it's the quintessential Alabama that has been keeping it "real" all these years while America's popular music tastes have varied widely from the artificial sounding '80s, the grunge '90s and whatever it's called today.



Disc 3 just keeps the good music rolling and finishes off with an interesting trio of songs, the story-telling "Ripperly O'Tucke (Demo)," the name dropping "Hats Off" and ending appropriately with "The Fans."



51 songs including almost two dozen number one songs, over half a dozen live/alternate versions, and eight previously unreleased tracks, Livin' Lovin' Rockin' Rollin' is worthy of anyone's music collection.



"We hope you remember, we are just the boys in the band. And what keeps the fires a'burnin,' is always, you the fans." Many fans remember fondly all right. Alas, the band's retirement from the road won't keep fans from looking forward to more recordings."