Peter Frampton - Shine on A Collection (30 tracks) +Album Reviews

A good overview but with some glaring omissions

Hindburn | Church Stretton, Shropshire, England | 08/03/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"'Whatever happened to Peter Frampton?' is a question which has no doubt been asked by more than a few who recall his meteoric rise to fame with his live album in 1976. His descent into obscurity was almost as fast, but Frampton was certainly no flash in the pan and this compilation covering nearly 20 years of solo recording demonstrates how his song writing and distinctive lead guitar work developed over that time. There are many quality tracks included, as well as two previously unreleased collaborations with former colleague Steve Marriott, made just before his untimely death.It's understandable that Frampton's better known first five albums are better represented than those from the late 1970s and the 80s, since after 1977 his success rapidly declined. So whilst for dedicated fans it would be nice for more material from these later albums to have been included, the constraints of 2 CDs must be accepted. At least they're stuffed full, with about 75 minutes of music on each disc. Peter gives a brief commentary on all the material in the booklet, which has several interesting archive photos.What is very unfortunate, however, is that 14 precious minutes of the 'Shine on' compilation are given over to the rambling 'Do you feel like we do' - yes it was good live, but when space was limited it should not have been included here, as it caused several other shorter tracks to be left out. Some of the other selections are pretty questionable too, with several run of the mill rock tracks like 'It's a plain shame' being included at the expense of more interesting and melodic songs from the same time period such as 'Fig tree bay' and 'One more time'. And perhaps the most glaring omission of all - 'Waterfall', which along with the live version of 'Lines on my face' (also excluded in favour of the weaker studio version) was one of the most lyrical examples of Peter's lead guitar work.If you only want a good general overview of Frampton's work, this is the best compilation available. However, for the dedicated fan the individual early albums, now recently re-released in remastered form, are essential. Even so, there is still a place for this album since a small number of tracks are not otherwise available on CD at present."

Excellent Retrospect

James Choma | 03/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In a career with as many ups and downs as Peter Frampton - it's hard to pick everybody's favorite to include on one album. In this case, the archivists did a very good job pulling tunes from a career that has spawned almost four decades. My only reservation for not giving the album five stars was its exclustion of any "The Art of Control" songs. The B Side to "Sleepwalk," "Nivarm's Song" is included, but why the rest of the album didn't make its way on is a mystery.Since most of Frampton's work is not on CD - this is a good alternative to add to your collection."

This is one of the better collections out

Blast O'Malley | Dallas, TX United States | 08/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was given the previous one, The Very Best, and it wasn,t. There are a lot of songs that Peter does a great job on that the radio didn't pick-up on. He has always had some gems tucked in amongst the the grooves. This has more songs and a better cross section of material. Of course, when the individual albums (cd)get released, that will be an answer to everybody's prayers. This would be in my top-10 got to have."

Do you feel like we do?

Doug | United States | 11/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I guess that would be a "yes", because after all, you're here checking out Frampton.

With his vast catalog, this is the most complete collection available. The popular 'Greatest Hits' album simply lacks the offering made by 'Shine On'.

Such as the cut 'Lying' (from 'Premonition'), with its excellent hard edged guitar playing.

Or 'More Ways Than One' (from 'When All the Pieces Fit'), which still sounds fresh with its modern guitar tone.

As well, the 'Theme From Nivram' is here (from 'The Art Of Control Sessions'), as a tribute to Frampton's main inspiration - Hank Marvin.

As a fantastic bonus, 'The Bigger They Come' and 'I Won't Let You Down', has Peter joining forces for a final time with the late great Humble Pie frontman, Steve Marriot.

And of course all the great live stuff is here, 'Show Me the Way', 'Shine On', and 'Do You Feel Like We Do'; along with all the studio classics that Frampton fans know so well.

Are there omissions here? Probably. But the hard core Frampton fan will own his catalog in its entirity. This collection simply offers one an economic incentive to gain an excellent overview.

For Peter Frampton is a premier songwriter and musician, who's guitar playing is on a parrallel with any of the greatest. This album encapsulates his greatness in the most compact package available. Which makes it an excellent value deserving of my highest rating."

Respectable collection of Frampton

R. Gorham | 07/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"THE BAND: Peter Frampton (vocals, guitar, bass, dulcimer, talkbox, drums, piano/organ, harmonium)... and over the years Frampton's had many bandmates featured on this set - Frank Carillo (guitar), Rick Wills (bass), Andrew Bown (bass), Stanley Sheldon (bass), Mike Gallagher (piano), Bob Mayo (organ, bass), John Regan (bass), Mike Kellie (drums), John Siomos (drums), Steve Ferrone (drums)... guest appearances include Ringo Starr (drums), Jeff Porcaro (drums), Anton Fig (drums), Steve Marriott (guitar) and Steve Lukather (guitar).

THE DISCS: (1992) 2 discs clocking in at approximately 145 minutes (disc-1 at 73:35 minutes, disc-2 at 71:10). Included with the discs is an 18-page booklet containing song titles/times/credits, black & white band photos, tidbits on each song, a 2-page intro from Cameron Crowe, and what songs came from which albums including the year released. This compilation follows Frampton's career from 1972-1992. Label - A&M Records.

ALBUM REPRESENTATION: Wind Of Change (5 songs), Frampton's Camel (4), Something's Happening (2), Frampton (5), Frampton Comes Alive (3), I'm In You (3), Where I Should Be (1), Breaking All The Rules (1), The Art Of Control (1), Premonition (1), When All The Pieces Fit (2), Unreleased (2).

COMMENTS: This is a very good sampler of Peter Frampton's career. Peter's gone through some rough times... a bad car accident in the Bahamas, the "Sgt. Pepper Movie" - which almost single-handedly ruined his career, and several albums that just wouldn't sell. Frampton's been around long enough to fill 2 discs easily. He does have some great songs... and he covers the spectrum with powerful arena rock songs, ballads, acoustical moments and just plain fun pop tunes. One of his best claims to fame - his '76 LIVE album is the best selling live album of all-time. Some of his material, especially from the pre "Frampton Comes Alive" period, sounds extremely dated. This collection is great in the gathering of all these tunes - you get songs like "I'm In You", "Lying", "I Can't Stand It No More", and Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" all on one disc - and you don't have to buy the latter day individual discs that were for the most sub par. The only strike on this compilation is that there's only 3 songs from his classic "Frampton Comes Alive" album. Peter Frampton has some classic material and this is the most extensive place to start (4+ stars). *Footnote: I saw Frampton play at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix a few years ago. Easily one of the best shows I've seen in years... he played all the old classic tunes from "Frampton Comes Alive", plus a few new ones... sounded awesome - he is still a master at his craft... it was like I was back in 1976 again."

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