Scanty Representation of an Awesome Group
Blackberries | PA | 07/29/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have no major objection to any of the songs present on this best of compilation, except for unified and free at last, which come from G's worst album, The Electric Mile. The problem with this cd doesn't lie in the songs present, but the lack thereof. G. Love and Special Sauce have released six cds, and in my opinion, a greatest hits disc with a meager 11 songs does a poor job of summing up the oeuvre of a wonderful group. Most noticeably the disc is lacking the following songs: 1. Pull the Wool, an ornate, florid masterpiece from G's best record, "Yeah, It's That Easy." 2. Bye Bye Baby, a shifting assemblage of a million instruments into one uproarious goodtime. It's the best song from "Coast to Coast Motel." 3. Dreamin', a wonderful gem from "Philadelphonic." 4. Writing on the Walls, from the accompaniment cd of "Electric Mile" entitled "Riding High." This song is really one of the catchiest songs the band has ever made, thoroughly enjoyable. 5. Break Away, another amazing song from "Riding High." For people reading this and finding about G for the first time, I recommend the self-titled debut or "Yeah, It's That Easy." Both discs are far more rewarding in quality and quantity."
The Best Of. Period.
Amazonian in Jax | Jacksonville, FL United States | 05/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw these guys in Austin, TX about a year ago. Theres a lot of music in Austin, but while I was watching this group, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. If you haven't at least downloaded some samples and heard this album, you're doing yourself a disservice. G. Love and Special sauce is a unique blend of country, folk, rap and blues. Yeah, it doesn't sound right in words but the music speaks for itself. Buy this CD, put it in your car, roll down the windows and give it a chance. When you're ready for more, get the rest of their albums."
A valiant effort...
j. | 10/11/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Falling somewhere between Jack Johnson and the Beastie Boys, Pennsylvania's "G. Love and the Special Sauce" have been churning out their own brand of acoustic, funky hobo-hop blues for over a decade and developed quite a cult following along the way. Despite their longevity, however,, the group has been more-or-less overlooked by mainstream radio. Instead, they've garnered success through the strengh of their live show and grueling touring schedule.
The key to G. Love's music lies in not trying to analyze it too deeply. The raps are simple and the funky guitar-harmonica-drums instrumentation is about as bare-bones as it can get. Even moreso, as evidenced by songs such as "This Aint Living," the band doesn't seem to care if they're singing a little out-of-tune. In fact, laid back, relaxed grooving is the main theme of their work. Although songs such as "Rodeo Clowns" and "Cold Beverage" have enough pop-flare to attract some new listeners, this album isn't likely to convert any G.Love naysayers. Subsequently, on the flip side, it's likely too sparse of an offering to satisfy any longtime fans.
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