Disco de Eagles: “Very Best of the Eagles [2001]”

In terms of coverage of the Eagles' principal hit singles and other best known songs, this compilation (actually only a slightly rehashed version of that issued some five years ago) can't be faulted. It epitomises the band's trademark country-rock sound of harmonious vocals and guitar backing, and will be ideal for the interested, although not dedicated fan. It's archetypal West Coast rock, with many memorable songs which have stood the test of time and become minor classics - and which even brightened up the west coast of Lancashire throughout the mid 70s, courtesy of the bands I and my friends played in!

However, as with most artists their greatest hits are not their very best records, and the Eagles are no exception. This collection probably just about manages to prevent the band being stereotyped as the epitome of every country rock cliché. Thus for every track that veers towards C&W (such as Tequila sunrise, Peaceful easy feeling, Take it easy or Lyin' eyes) there is another which is an orchestrated ballad or hints at R&B, soul, or even reggae (try Take it to the limit, One of these nights, I can't tell you why, or Hotel California). Overall, therefore, a reasonable balance is achieved and the result is very pleasant listening, although chronologically the tracks are all over the place and do not show the band's stylistic development over time. I'm also mystified as to how the rather jarring and forgettable James Dean made it into this collection.

For this to have truly been a Very Best compilation, however, a second CD would be needed, including more obscure but indispensable songs selected from all six original albums (Make your own list but don't hold your breath - such a compilation will never be issued). Instead, we committed fans will have to keep playing all the original albums to really hear the very best of the Eagles.

I wore out the record, 8 track and cassette as a kid. I had to have this work or perfection in my music library once again.

This CD was purchased for my father's Christmas gift. The music is great, but the case arrived crushed. I have to replace the case on my own as it is less hassle than returning it.

I got the earlier compilation four years ago - The Very Best Of The Eagles, because at the time none of their stuff had been remastered, and I was glad I did, though the absence of more tracks from On The Border is a disappointment. Indeed, this is the album from which less songs were selected for this compilation, while it's one of the best.

Heard this new one, shows some improvement on both volume and sound quality, but they've screwed up by messing with the chronological order of the songs. The one compilation I have is sequenced by year, except by the song I Can't Tell you Why, that is among James Dean and Lyin' Eyes, but somehow makes sense.

Since The Eagles will never make a new album, no matter how many greedy tours may come, this new compilation will not be the last, it's easy to predict. These guys must not be wealthy enough when they still keep touring from time to time and 'only' charge their fans 100 dollars per ticket, let alone if their songs continue to be repackaged in compilations over and over again - their record company is not a sister of mercy either!!!! This is called Jumping Jack Cash.