Search - Bill Wyman :: Compendium Complete Solo Recordings

Bill Wyman is a genius -

Ton | the Netherlands | 10/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Wyman is without doubt the most undervaluated of all current or ex-Rolling Stones members. In fact, his work should be seen totally removed from that band's work, and had he not been known as One Of The Stones his solo-efforts would have had a far better chance to receive the satus they should have.
In the seventies he released two truly wonderful solo-albums (MONKEY GRIP and STONE ALONE) that, due to non-existent promotion by Rolling Stones Records and the fact that no one seemed to understand a Stone playing this totally contrasting music, never received much airplay and remained rather unknown outside the band's fandom - which probably was the least appreciative of audiences for Bills unique talents to begin with. Some years later he (for once in his life and much to Jagger's chagrin) had the biggest hit any Stones solo-project ever reached with "(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rock Star" The song was featured on his third solo-album (BILL WYMAN), that is even better and more inventive than its predecessors and truly exposes him as a remarkable composer with the ability to forget his daily routines and make something he couldn't possibly do in the band where he was employed. After some more solo-releases not widely available and a couple of film soundtrack contributions (GREEN ICE, and some tracks for Dario Argento's PHENOMENA and OPERA) he started a Labour of Love with his Rhythm Kings. With this collection of talented musicians he currently tours with and records, aside from the occasional Wyman original, many an old classic (and a lot of forgotten beauties) from Blues History - a history Bill has enormous knowlegde of and interest in.This handsome 2CD set THE BILL WYMAN COMPENDIUM collects his first three solo-albums in their entirety, and adds no less than eight never-before-released tracks from the 1973/74 period. Not only does this make up for one of the most enjoyable collections my entire collection, but it also gives new Rhythm Kings fans a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with Bill's own roots for a very low price!
To add to the beauty of it all, all tracks have been digitally remastered making them sound like they've been recorded yesterday!! This set is a must have for anyone with interest in Bill Wyman, The Rolling Stones (yes, guys, LISTEN to this for once!!), the Rhythm kings, Blues and good music in general. Buy it and enjoy!"

The Other Side of a Rolling Stone

Birdman | Minnetonka, MN USA | 12/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a great Stones fan and purchased this collection on impulse -- two generous disks at midprice, beautifully packaged. When I listened to these congenial tunes and clever -- often funny -- lyrics first time around, I found a sameness to the material that did not engage immediately. Now, after a day or two, I find that I enjoy most of the package. I particularly like "If You Want to be Happy." The music from MONKEY GRIP and STONE ALONE is feel-good stuff, quietly rebellious, and while I expected it all to smack of the seventies, it's really quite timeless. As another reviewer noted, one wonders what talent might have emerged had Wyman not been a Rolling Stone. Sound is quite good. I award four stars instead of five because some of the tunes and rhythms seem similar, but there is enough pure originality here to keep most adventurous listeners happy. Most important: Don't expect to hear a Rolling Stone here. You won't. But you will hear some of the most original light rock you've ever heard. Recommended."