Search - The Fortunes :: The Very Best of the Fortunes (1967-1972)

Original Fortunes for not a fortune

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 12/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Many Fortunes compilation CDs have come and gone. Much of what is still or currently available is b-a-d, often dodgy rerecordings hoisted on the unsuspecting buying public by companies trying to make a fast buck who have no interest in offering genuine product. Fortunately (pun intended) this compilation from the small but potent Taragon label presents a collection of original hits from the Fortunes' revival in the early 70s. By necessity, the title, "Very Best Of..." is qualified with "(1967-1972)", indicating that this collection does not capture the earlier "You've Got Your Troubles" era recordings. Included here are their three top-100 charting singles, some album cuts and some tunes that were big chart successes in the U.K. but failed register in the U.S. Many of their recordings were compositions by the prolific songwriting team of Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway who contributed many hits to several British artists during that time. As has come to be expected from Taragon, sound quality is top-notch with all tracks except "The Idol" in stereo and having been taken from session masters or original stereo mixdown tapes. Liner notes include a relatively brief but informative one-page musical backround on the group focused on the period covered by the CD. This piece represents a condensed but excellent treatment of this group's later period recordings, one of the few quality ones currently available in the marketplace. Earlier recordings from their "You've Got Your Troubles" era were available on a quality import compilation that has since been deleted. Had this Taragon piece gone back for those sides, it would have garnered it a five-star rating."

Fine album of hits by The Fortunes--even if it is a bit brie

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 06/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Very Best of the Fortunes (1967-1972) highlights some of the best work by this very, very talented group. The Fortunes could take a tune and make it sound like the most beautiful of symphonies; and that's grand. The quality of the sound is excellent and I really like that artwork, too.



"The Idol" starts the CD off with The Fortunes singing and playing this tune with lots of feeling; The Fortunes sing very well and they harmonize to perfection! That electric guitar work enhances the musical arrangement and the other instruments combine to form a melody that fits in well with the lyrics sung by this group. Great! "Fire Brigade" has a late 60s rock and roll flavor to it that also smacks of pop music from back in the day. The Fortunes handle complicated tempo and key changes like the pros they always were; and this impresses me greatly. I love it! There's also "Lifetime Of Love;" this very pretty torch song moves me with its beauty and I always enjoy hearing this tune from The Fortunes. It's also clearly a major highlight of this album; and that's excellent.



"That Same Old Feeling" has that 60's rock/pop flavor to it and The Fortunes perform this really well. The percussion sounds great and the beat is very catchy. "That Same Old Feeling" really makes me smile and I predict that you're going to like this tune as well. It's an excellent tune. "Whether You Like It Or Not" is really a great hit from The Fortunes; they sound wonderful on this track and they perform this to perfection--and beyond! The key modulations create a moving melody and the lyrics are very well written. The Fortunes could really turn out a song that made you pay attention!



"Here Come That Rainy Day Feeling Again" is my very favorite tune from The Fortunes; and I believe that it's the best song on the entire album. "Here Come That Rainy Day Feeling Again" stuns me with its natural beauty and The Fortunes never skip a beat--nor do they sing a superfluous note! "Here Come That Rainy Day Feeling Again" shows what The Fortunes could do when all the stars were aligned just right in the heavens to make them shine their very best. In addition, "Freedom Come, Freedom Go" has a folk rock flavor to it and the percussion helps to mark the beat very nicely. "Freedom Come, Freedom Go" is easily another major highlight of this album.



"Four And Twenty Hours (Seven Days Of Every Week I Love You)" has a very sweet melody and this love song is clearly a major hit for The Fortunes. This love song is timeless and it sounds every bit as good today as they day they first released it. The CD closes well with The Fortunes performing "Wait Until September;" "Wait Until September" is terrific and it leaves you wanting more. "Wait Until September" tells of a young man who's planning and working hard to enjoy life with his one true love.



The Fortunes made just about every song they ever sang a masterpiece; and this CD proves it. I highly recommend this CD for fans of this genre of music.

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