Record Reviews

HOLLIES ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES PARLOPHONE 825646361991 (Barcode: 825646361991) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2014 This Box Set collects the first five albums by the British Pop group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, and includes material recorded between 1963 and 1966, a period spanning just over three years. The core members of the group were Allan ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Tony HicksFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist, all three being superb vocalists, great instrumentalists and formidable songwriters. They were supported by bassists: Eric HaydockFind albums by this artist and later Bernie CalvertFind albums by this artist and drummers: Don RathboneFind albums by this artist and later Bobby ElliotFind albums by this artist. Listening to these five albums clearly illustrates not only their many qualities but also their rapid progress from early American influenced Rhythm And Blues and Rock And Roll to their own individual style, which embraced sophisticated chord changes, multilayered vocal harmonies and complex rhythms, combined with exquisite sense of melody. In order to fully appreciate the group´s incredible journey it is recommended to listen also to the next two albums ("EvolutionFind albums with this title" and "ButterflyFind albums with this title") recorded by the group before Graham Nash left, or even better get a copy of the incredible Hollies anthology "Clarke, Hicks & Nash Years (The Complete Hollies April 1963 – October 1968)Find albums with this title", which includes absolutely everything they recorded while Nash was still in the group. The appropriately titled "Evolution" and then "Butterfly", both recorded in 1967, are absolute masterpieces of Psychedelic / Progressive Pop, which to this day have but a few competitors. As I have been saying for decades, it is painfully obvious, especially now in retrospect that The Hollies were an infinitely better group musically than The BeatlesFind albums by this artist; a statement I have been bitterly criticized for, but which I am ready to repeat any time. This music simply proves my point to anybody who is willing to listen with an open mind. Wholeheartedly recommended! Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 05/04/2024Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend