Greatest Science Fiction Hits, Vol. 3
Artist: Neil Norman

Like its predecessor, Greatest Science Fiction Hits, Vol. 3 is a collection of 13 familiar sci-fi themes from movies and TV, as arranged and performed by Neil Norman. While serious fans of the films will prefer the original soundtracks, these versions are pretty good and quite entertaining. Among the highlights on the disc are themes from... Read More

Johnny Rivers Rocks the Folk/Meanwhile Back at the Whisky A-Go-Go
Artist: Johnny Rivers

Johnny Rivers' two 1965 albums have been released together in a double-disc package. Though neither Meanwhile Back at the Whisky A Go Go or Rockin' the Folk were commercial disappointments, they weren't the singer's most popular records, either. Rivers' first album was also recorded live at the Whisky, so Meanwhile represents something of a... Read More

The Very Best of Steve Miller
Artist: Steve Miller
Hits
Artist: Jimmy Barnes

Although it may be a little bit too much for casual fans, Hits is an excellent set that contains all of Jimmy Barnes' hit singles, several album tracks, his hit duet with INXS ("Good Time"), several B-sides and a handful of outtakes. For collectors, all of the rarities are worthwhile, even if they reveal no hidden gems. For less dedicated... Read More

Coming up Close: A Retrospective
Artist: 'Til Tuesday

Just how radically 'Til Tuesday evolved during its three-album run is illustrated by Coming Up Close: A Retrospective. The superb CD kicks into high gear with three sleek, heavily produced new wave gems from the band's debut album of 1985, Voices Carry: "Love in a Vacuum," "You Know the Rest," and the hit title song. But as fresh-sounding and... Read More

All I Ever Need: The Kapp/MCA Anthology
Artist: Sonny & Cher

A single CD of the dozen or so key tracks from Sonny & Cher's second era of success (1971-74) on Kapp Records will probably be preferable to all but the biggest fans. What's more, even this set, which starts with the first failed Kapp singles ("Classified 1A," etc.) is missing five cuts available on the Cher greatest hits package, as well as... Read More

What Goes Up: The Best of Blood, Sweat & Tears
Artist: Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears' 11-track Greatest Hits album, released in February 1972, contained all of the group's six Top 40 singles, plus notable tracks from its two best albums, Child Is Father to the Man and Blood Sweat & Tears. Almost 24 years later came this 32-track, 138½-minute, double-CD expansion, much of it extraneous. Where Greatest Hits... Read More

The Forbidden Songs of the Dying West
Artist: Jackie Leven

Over the years, so many great musical talents have allowed their demons to destroy them. From Charlie Parker to Hank Williams, Sr. to Kurt Cobain, you could write a book about all of the musicians or vocalists who were hell-bent for self-destruction. But there are also many artists who have successfully conquered their demons, and when Scottish... Read More

Soul Deep
Artist: Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes did a funny thing when he released Soul Deep. Gone was the long hair and leather jacket. Barnes was now a soul crooner, complete with '50s suits and slicked hair. He performed soul standards like Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," Sam and Dave's "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby," and Ike and Tina... Read More