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Music : Have A Nice Decade: The '70s Pop Culture Box
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Rating: 
- Much to love (and loath) from the frivolous decade
Well, Rhino Records did it again....big time. Not merely content with releasing the 20+ volume "Have a Nice Day: Super Hits of the '70s" series throughout the Nineties, the quirky label has given us a total overview to add as a huge exclamation point with the boxed set.
To break down such a monumental set is not easy, so it behooves me to be as brief as possible. First, let's examine the set's finer points:
(1) The secondary title, "The '70s Pop Culture Box," should give the potential buyer some insight into what this collection is all about: a celebration, but also a sobering, view into what the '70s was all about. There are numerous soundbites spread throughout the discs to not only give a historical significance to the decade, but also are placed in front of certain songs to act as apt lead-ins. For instance, before Ray Stevens' "The Streak," a newscast story about the streaker who invaded the Oscar ceremony of 1974 introduces the novelty song.
(2) For the hard-core collector, there are a lot of tracks simply not to be found anywhere else. Whether from the Motown era, novelty department, funk, soul, disco, or just plain schlock, one can find just about anything of interest.
(3) The 89-page booklet (complete with a picture of a tacky, pine-green shag carpet with the ubiquitous smiley faces dotting the surface) contains a great article by Lisa Sutton on what the Seventies were all about. Each song features some excellent background on each song, helping to shed some light on the more obscure artists represented.
Now, for the lowlights:
(1) The tracks available are the 45 versions, not the full length. The three live tracks that begin Disc Seven ("Do You Feel Like We Do," "Free Bird" and "Ridin' the Storm Out") are expurgated; this was a source of irritation for me, as the full scope of these songs are rendered useless. Some songs (like "Ride Captain Ride" and "Signs") have the endings literally chopped off, even though the under-four-minute rule of 45 length is unaffected. VERY disappointing, as Hacksaw Reynolds would say. Some have the lousiest edits I've ever heard; ELO's "Evil Woman" and Jefferson Airplane's "Miracles" are just absolutely butchered.
(2) There are just so many flatulent songs here that are best left forgotten. A radio station in Boston once attacked a rival in an ad because the other station had a Sunday night program called "Lost 45's," hosted by Barry Scott. The ad summed up my point here by saying, "Those 45's aren't lost; somebody HID them."
Please, how many of you out there really want to hear Morris Albert's "Feelings," Helen Reddy's "I am Woman," Wayne Newton's "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast," or Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" ever again?
Still, the good outweighs the bad. For those who don't mind the editing, or really just liked the sound of AM radio anyway, you'll find so much to enjoy. Most artists who were representative of the period are not here, but as the booklet states, you probably have those songs on other collections. Agreed, but there were certainly tracks included that could have been just as judiciously left off (allowing, perhaps, more room on the discs for the full-length versions).
Keep in mind, too, that some other songs of value have been left off the boxed set, but may be found on the aforementioned "Have a Nice Day" series. Before spending too much on this boxed set, finding a few individual songs on collections like "Nice Day" makes better sense; besides, the price is reasonable for the individual volumes. Should you be willing to shell out the bucks for this extravaganza, you might find that the booklet, with a number of awesome pictures, illustrations, and beaucoup liner notes, will justify much of the expense.
Caution: This product may cause repeated flashbacks for listeners over the age of 40.
Rating:
- Takes me back to my teenage years.
Wow! This is the '70s in a nutshell. A whole lot of music for the money. When I am listening to this, it is as if I am eleven years old again and at a roller-skating birthday party (remember those?), circling the rink to tunes like "Tell Me Something Good" and "Billy, Don't Be a Hero." The memories are priceless. I just LOVE this CD set and give it as gifts to '70s fans. Get the '80s Pop Culture Box (also produced by Rhino), too, and you'll have two decades of memories at your fingertips. Too, too good!
Rating: - Decent Overview for Casual 70's Fans
"Have A Nice Decade" is a solid sampler for folks who are looking to recall some of their 70's music heydays. Virtually all of the selections are the radio edits, but the shorter song lengths won't bother the target audience for this collection. The little news blurbs in between some of the songs are an OK touch. Overall, a fun collection for casual fans. More comprehensive collectors will want to dig more deeply for full-length tracks and broader selection from many of the artists (although there are a number of one-hit wonders here that are likely exempt from that search).
However, I'm docking this box 2 stars for the travesty that is Disc 7. What was Rhino thinking by including the radio edits of "Do You Feel Like We Do", "Free Bird (live)", and "Ridin' The Storm Out (live)"? In the cases of the first two songs, while these were ubiquitous 70's tracks, they were absolutely definitive in their unabridged album form, and very few people who enjoy these songs could possibly want to hear the radio edits. Why not save some CD space for addtional songs by including "Show Me The Way" and "Sweet Home Alabama", songs from these artists that were much more popular on Top 40 radio anyway, and wouldn't need abridgement. As for the REO Speedwagon tune, it is also cut significantly, but, even more important, when it comes to Top 40 radio hits, REO Speedwagon just doesn't belong on a 70's collection (80's - absolutely). This is not to knock their 70's output, just saying that from a Top 40 perspective, the 70's weren't their era. Thus, nearly 16 minutes of Disc 7 are wasted needlessly.
Rating: - The Greatest Box Set Ever Compiled By Man Or Beast!
If you have ANY memory of listening to pop music during the '70's, this box set is a must-have. I was a pre-teen back then...I remember going to Day-Care and bringing 45 RPM singles on Fridays and jamming out...I remember teachers in embroidered bell-bottom blue jeans and Marcia Brady haircuts taking us to go roller skating, hearing Grand Funk's version of "The Loco-Motion" (which, regrettably, isn't included) and Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" (which, thankfully, is). Who knew life could get better than that?
>
Of course there will be always be some issues about what wasn't included (with the live tracks included, SURELY Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" could've found its way on board, and how can you have a '70's compilation with no KISS track? At LEAST "Beth" or even "I Was Made for Loving You" would've been perfect)...but these are small gripes. This is such a perfectly well-rounded collection of music before radio formats turned all listeners into selectively musically ignorant consumers instead of proper music afficianados. You can buy this collection and never worry about having to pick up another soundtrack from a Quentin Tarantino film AGAIN. It's all here...the good, the great, the relatively obscure, and yes, the hopelessly cheesy. But it is for me a tremendous experience, listening to music that was actually written and performed as music, rather than music that was actually produced for mass consumption ... Grab this fantastic collection at once...you'll never be sorry you did.
>
ONE LAST THING: The "shag carpet" packaging only appears on this collection's first edition release...and since that happened over 4 years ago, most likely the edition you order online will include standard packaging. I don't know how collectible music compilations (even those as awesome as this one) are, but if you are specifically in the hunt for the ultracool "shag carpet" packaging, you are best advised to try finding a used copy instead of ordering it new.
Rating:
- 70's compilation. The Good, the bad, and the nostalgic.
This is a great compilation of 70's "top 40" that will remind
you of your days growing up. It is a mixture of great songs,
songs that just plain 'bit', and songs that make you say "oh yeah,
I forgot about that one!!"
One may contest the lineup, wondering why they didn't have
"The Way of the World" by Earth Wind and Fire, or "Breaking
Up is Hard to do" by Neil Sedaka. One might also figure the
collection should have included "Dazz", "Disco Lady", or
"Undercover Angel", but I guess it can't include everything.
Still, what 70's compilation would be complete without some
of the WORST songs in recording history, such as "I am Woman",
"Feelings", and "Disco Duck"??
Advertising itself as the "70's Pop Culture Box", it also
includes a book that says something about each song and group
included on the CD's, as well as a timeline of significant
events of the 70's.
THE BIG PLUS--Yes, they are the original recordings by the
original artists...
THE BIG MINUS--Many of the songs begin with inserted news
bites (Nixon saying "I am not a crook", Ali saying "I'm the
greatest, Patty Hearst, etc.). These are REALLY REALLY
ANNOYING intrusions when you are trying to listen to the
music...
- Much to love (and loath) from the frivolous decadeWell, Rhino Records did it again....big time. Not merely content with releasing the 20+ volume "Have a Nice Day: Super Hits of the '70s" series throughout the Nineties, the quirky label has given us a total overview to add as a huge exclamation point with the boxed set.
To break down such a monumental set is not easy, so it behooves me to be as brief as possible. First, let's examine the set's finer points:
(1) The secondary title, "The '70s Pop Culture Box," should give the potential buyer some insight into what this collection is all about: a celebration, but also a sobering, view into what the '70s was all about. There are numerous soundbites spread throughout the discs to not only give a historical significance to the decade, but also are placed in front of certain songs to act as apt lead-ins. For instance, before Ray Stevens' "The Streak," a newscast story about the streaker who invaded the Oscar ceremony of 1974 introduces the novelty song.
(2) For the hard-core collector, there are a lot of tracks simply not to be found anywhere else. Whether from the Motown era, novelty department, funk, soul, disco, or just plain schlock, one can find just about anything of interest.
(3) The 89-page booklet (complete with a picture of a tacky, pine-green shag carpet with the ubiquitous smiley faces dotting the surface) contains a great article by Lisa Sutton on what the Seventies were all about. Each song features some excellent background on each song, helping to shed some light on the more obscure artists represented.
Now, for the lowlights:
(1) The tracks available are the 45 versions, not the full length. The three live tracks that begin Disc Seven ("Do You Feel Like We Do," "Free Bird" and "Ridin' the Storm Out") are expurgated; this was a source of irritation for me, as the full scope of these songs are rendered useless. Some songs (like "Ride Captain Ride" and "Signs") have the endings literally chopped off, even though the under-four-minute rule of 45 length is unaffected. VERY disappointing, as Hacksaw Reynolds would say. Some have the lousiest edits I've ever heard; ELO's "Evil Woman" and Jefferson Airplane's "Miracles" are just absolutely butchered.
(2) There are just so many flatulent songs here that are best left forgotten. A radio station in Boston once attacked a rival in an ad because the other station had a Sunday night program called "Lost 45's," hosted by Barry Scott. The ad summed up my point here by saying, "Those 45's aren't lost; somebody HID them."
Please, how many of you out there really want to hear Morris Albert's "Feelings," Helen Reddy's "I am Woman," Wayne Newton's "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast," or Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" ever again?
Still, the good outweighs the bad. For those who don't mind the editing, or really just liked the sound of AM radio anyway, you'll find so much to enjoy. Most artists who were representative of the period are not here, but as the booklet states, you probably have those songs on other collections. Agreed, but there were certainly tracks included that could have been just as judiciously left off (allowing, perhaps, more room on the discs for the full-length versions).
Keep in mind, too, that some other songs of value have been left off the boxed set, but may be found on the aforementioned "Have a Nice Day" series. Before spending too much on this boxed set, finding a few individual songs on collections like "Nice Day" makes better sense; besides, the price is reasonable for the individual volumes. Should you be willing to shell out the bucks for this extravaganza, you might find that the booklet, with a number of awesome pictures, illustrations, and beaucoup liner notes, will justify much of the expense.
Caution: This product may cause repeated flashbacks for listeners over the age of 40.
Rating:
- Takes me back to my teenage years.Wow! This is the '70s in a nutshell. A whole lot of music for the money. When I am listening to this, it is as if I am eleven years old again and at a roller-skating birthday party (remember those?), circling the rink to tunes like "Tell Me Something Good" and "Billy, Don't Be a Hero." The memories are priceless. I just LOVE this CD set and give it as gifts to '70s fans. Get the '80s Pop Culture Box (also produced by Rhino), too, and you'll have two decades of memories at your fingertips. Too, too good!
Rating:
- Decent Overview for Casual 70's Fans"Have A Nice Decade" is a solid sampler for folks who are looking to recall some of their 70's music heydays. Virtually all of the selections are the radio edits, but the shorter song lengths won't bother the target audience for this collection. The little news blurbs in between some of the songs are an OK touch. Overall, a fun collection for casual fans. More comprehensive collectors will want to dig more deeply for full-length tracks and broader selection from many of the artists (although there are a number of one-hit wonders here that are likely exempt from that search).
However, I'm docking this box 2 stars for the travesty that is Disc 7. What was Rhino thinking by including the radio edits of "Do You Feel Like We Do", "Free Bird (live)", and "Ridin' The Storm Out (live)"? In the cases of the first two songs, while these were ubiquitous 70's tracks, they were absolutely definitive in their unabridged album form, and very few people who enjoy these songs could possibly want to hear the radio edits. Why not save some CD space for addtional songs by including "Show Me The Way" and "Sweet Home Alabama", songs from these artists that were much more popular on Top 40 radio anyway, and wouldn't need abridgement. As for the REO Speedwagon tune, it is also cut significantly, but, even more important, when it comes to Top 40 radio hits, REO Speedwagon just doesn't belong on a 70's collection (80's - absolutely). This is not to knock their 70's output, just saying that from a Top 40 perspective, the 70's weren't their era. Thus, nearly 16 minutes of Disc 7 are wasted needlessly.
Rating:
- The Greatest Box Set Ever Compiled By Man Or Beast!If you have ANY memory of listening to pop music during the '70's, this box set is a must-have. I was a pre-teen back then...I remember going to Day-Care and bringing 45 RPM singles on Fridays and jamming out...I remember teachers in embroidered bell-bottom blue jeans and Marcia Brady haircuts taking us to go roller skating, hearing Grand Funk's version of "The Loco-Motion" (which, regrettably, isn't included) and Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" (which, thankfully, is). Who knew life could get better than that?
>
Of course there will be always be some issues about what wasn't included (with the live tracks included, SURELY Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" could've found its way on board, and how can you have a '70's compilation with no KISS track? At LEAST "Beth" or even "I Was Made for Loving You" would've been perfect)...but these are small gripes. This is such a perfectly well-rounded collection of music before radio formats turned all listeners into selectively musically ignorant consumers instead of proper music afficianados. You can buy this collection and never worry about having to pick up another soundtrack from a Quentin Tarantino film AGAIN. It's all here...the good, the great, the relatively obscure, and yes, the hopelessly cheesy. But it is for me a tremendous experience, listening to music that was actually written and performed as music, rather than music that was actually produced for mass consumption ... Grab this fantastic collection at once...you'll never be sorry you did.
>
ONE LAST THING: The "shag carpet" packaging only appears on this collection's first edition release...and since that happened over 4 years ago, most likely the edition you order online will include standard packaging. I don't know how collectible music compilations (even those as awesome as this one) are, but if you are specifically in the hunt for the ultracool "shag carpet" packaging, you are best advised to try finding a used copy instead of ordering it new.
Rating:
- 70's compilation. The Good, the bad, and the nostalgic.This is a great compilation of 70's "top 40" that will remind
you of your days growing up. It is a mixture of great songs,
songs that just plain 'bit', and songs that make you say "oh yeah,
I forgot about that one!!"
One may contest the lineup, wondering why they didn't have
"The Way of the World" by Earth Wind and Fire, or "Breaking
Up is Hard to do" by Neil Sedaka. One might also figure the
collection should have included "Dazz", "Disco Lady", or
"Undercover Angel", but I guess it can't include everything.
Still, what 70's compilation would be complete without some
of the WORST songs in recording history, such as "I am Woman",
"Feelings", and "Disco Duck"??
Advertising itself as the "70's Pop Culture Box", it also
includes a book that says something about each song and group
included on the CD's, as well as a timeline of significant
events of the 70's.
THE BIG PLUS--Yes, they are the original recordings by the
original artists...
THE BIG MINUS--Many of the songs begin with inserted news
bites (Nixon saying "I am not a crook", Ali saying "I'm the
greatest, Patty Hearst, etc.). These are REALLY REALLY
ANNOYING intrusions when you are trying to listen to the
music...