Search - Steppenwolf :: Born to Be Wild: History of Steppenwolf

What a Wild Ride!

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 02/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This double-disc set begins with two 1966 songs by the Canadian band Sparrow that would change its name to Steppenwolf by 1968. "Twisted" is a rocking John Kay original. "Good Morning Little School Girl" is a capable cover of the Sonny Boy Williamson classic with Kay playing harmonica.Steppenwolf's debut is the most liberally represented on this set (seven tracks in all), including classics like "Sookie Sookie," "The Pusher" and, of course, the biker anthem "Born To Be Wild." Frequent personnel changes didn't affect the quality of music. Steppenwolf the Second produced "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" and their second million-seller hit "Magic Carpet Ride."By the release of Steppenwolf 7, the hits had pretty much dried up, but the band was still releasing terrific music. (While in college I caught Steppenwolf supporting this album.) "Snowblind Friend" is a tender anti-drug song. "Who Needs You" and "Screaming Night Hog" are solid rockers. In 1972 Kay formally disbands Steppenwolf. The two solo tracks from this period are a rousing interpretation of Hank Snow's "I'm Movin' On" and the autobiographical "My Sportin' Life," featuring Kay on accoustic guitar and Dobro.In 1974 Kay re-forms Steppenwolf with Jerry Edmonton (drums) and Goldy McJohn (keyboards) from the original band. Their music is as strong as any of their sixties' material. The Jerry Edmonton-penned "Straight-Shootin' Woman" becomes the band's last single when it peaks at No. 29 in 1974. One of the highlights of this set is the previously unreleased "Live Your Life" from 1977 with Lowell George on slide guitar. Another is the inclusion of the live version of "Born To Be WIld" from their appearance at Farm Aid III (which I had the joy of being at). If all you want are the hits, there are some single-disc compilations available that will suffice, but none of them cover Steppenwolf's career as thoroughly as this. RECOMMENDED"

A good overview of Steppenwolf 1966 to 1991

AudioObscurica | United States | 03/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MCA Records has continued to released and re-release tons of Steppenwolf compilations over the years with the same songs, this is the only one that bears any identity in the pile. This 2-CD set is like a Steppenwolf history book, containing two Sparrow tracks from 1966 and covers the "Rise and Shine" album from 1990, and in between the 'Wolf hits and John Kay solo recordings. If you want a good insight, and excellent sound quality (which the current budget series reissues are lacking) and don't want to spend a lot, this is a good starting point. What would make this all complete for listeners is for Epic to re-release "Reborn to Be Wild" a collection of what the 'Wolf did between '74 and '76, then we would have a complete summary in 3 CDs..."

The "Difinitive Collection" 1966-1990

Joan B. Montney | Glendale Az USA | 02/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Born To Be Wild "Retrospective" is a wopping 34 song tribute to Steppenwolf. This is Real Rock !! PowerHouse Rock !! Steppenwolf to this day still dedicate themselves to bringing us Rock n Roll. The style of Rock n Roll that we have craved and thrived on for decades. Steppenwolf Music is the "Rebel Rock" that speaks to all of us free spirited Rebels in the world.

This Retrospective comes with a fact filled booklet that gives an in depth history of Steppenwolf including some Great Photos.

The booklet alone is worth the price of admission. And thats just for starters. The encore presentation in this collection is the music.

Be prepared to get your rocks off with Hits like:

Magic Carpet Ride- Sookie Sookie- Rock Me- Move Over- Everybody's Next One- For Ladies Only- It's Never Too Late-

The Pusher- Screaming Night Hog- Born To Be Wild-

Hey Lawdy Mama- and the John Kay Hit "I'm Movin On".



Steppenwolf "Retrospective" is for everyone and anyone who wants a little wolf in their lives. John Kay calls this an Excellent Collection of the bands music. Today, Steppenwolf operates without any major label financing. They even have their own in house 24 track recording studio and they continue to tour several months out of the year.

Final thought:

There is nothing retro about this Retrospective.

It is as current today as it was back then. "Go For It" !!"