REO Speedwagon Album: “Extended Versions”

If you already Own "Return to Paradise" don't Waste your time & money on this one. As the previous reviewer points out the tracks are the exact same length as those tracks found on the complete 2 CD "Return to Paradise" because they are indeed the exact same tracks. Another example of record company chislers trying to squeeze the last dime out of an artist by repackaging an existing release and confusing their fans with titles such as "Encore Collection: Extended Versions" when they should have called it "Return to Return to Paradise" so us Styx fans know what we are getting into. A good choice for the casual fan if you don't want to pony up for the 2 CD version. Check out the new "Arch Allies" 2 CD release for some fresh live Styx & Reo from the 2000 tour. I was in the 4th row at that show when they filmed and recorded it at Riverport and it kicked.

I only bought this CD as a collectors item, it is exactly the same as the REO disk in the STYX/REO Arch Allies CD, but with the addition of a video of 157 Riverside Ave. for PC.

Overall a great low cost live CD for any rock fan and a collector's item for any REO fan.

Dennis was already out, when this was released, so the picture on the cover was a little misleading. Plus all the songs on this cd are the exact same songs off of RETURN TO PARADISE. The record company knew that STYX fans would by this, thinking that with the picture of Dennis on front, we would either think Dennis was back in, and this was a new recording of their songs, or this was some live songs that never made it to the light of day.

If you don't have RETURN TO PARADISE, this would be a good live cd to start with. Minus one star for tricking fans, and minus one star for this material already being in print. Still worth the money.

I am very happy with this CD, though I'm sure I'd feel differently if I already owned the 2-CD Return To Paradise from which these songs were taken. The sound quality is terrific for a low-budget collection and the performances are top notch -- Dennis and Tommy are both in excellent voice throughout. There are only ten songs but they are all keepers (Crystal Ball and Suite Madame Blue are missed somewhat, but thankfully there's no Mr. Roboto!!), and the CD still clocks in at close to an hour. Definitely recommended for those who don't already have Return To Paradise.

This CD has 10 songs on it every one is from RETURN TO PARADISE. You really should get that one because it has 17 live songs, 2 discs, as well as some new songs the most important being the song to the late great drummer John Panozzo in "Dear John" so yeah tis is a great CD but buy Return Paradise instead. Trust me you'll be happy that you did.