Search - Spencer Davis :: Best Of "The Spencer Davis Group"

Two Versions of "The Best OF" Some Information for Decidin

M. Allen Greenbaum | California | 01/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Apparently, some musical purist felt that the original "The Best Of" wasn't Really "the best of" the Spencer Davis Group, and therefore produced this somewhat pared down version. Maybe someone felt that the stero version of "I'm a Man" was so compelling that it was criminal to leave it off the first one. Or, maybe someone just saw an opportunity to make a quick buck...



In any event, the only difference between the two "Best Ofs" (aside from the above mentioned stereo release) is that this CD omits two excellent tracks, "Goodbye Stevie," and "Stevie's Blues" (maybe Winwood is behind the 2nd "Best Of"!), three "just ok" ones, "Somebody Help Me," "Waltz For Lumumba," and "Trampoline," and including "The Hammer Song." The other difference, of course, is the $3.00 you'll have left in your pockets by buying this less expensive CD.



So, is it worth saving the money? It's obvious that if you're a Spencer Davis fan you'll want as many tracks as you can get. In fact, if you're a big fan, you won't even need a "Best Of" type album. I think one key here is whether you're a fan of mid-1960's British blues, in general. That's because "Goodbye Stevie," and "Stevie's Blues" --especially the latter--are some primo examples of the genre. Although no match for the Yardbirds, the group's performances on these two songs justify buying the pricier version, mainly because of Winwood's vocals and some exemplary guitar solos.



On the other hand, if this is either an introduction or a curiosity to you, or (for some incomprehensible reason) you don't much like mid-1960's British blues, you get the Spencer Davis Group's two biggest hits ("Gimme Some Lovin.'" "I'm a Man") a minor one ("Keep On Runnin'"), and eight other mostly good tracks, including personal faves, I Can't Stand It," "When I come Home," and "Every Little Bit Hurts." (These are reviewed in more detail on the 15-track "Best Of" page. Personally, I'd spring for the longer version with the blues pieces, but, other than that, you don't lose much with this newer production."