Saturday, September 17, 2016
Artist : Lynyrd Skynyrd
Country : USA
Release : Street Survivors [Deluxe Edition]
Year : 1977
Genre : Hard Rock
File Type : mp3 320
Info:
True Skynyrd fans already own this "deluxe edition." For the casual fan, the one who owns the box set or any of the many "greatest hits" compilations, it's worth noting what is actually here.
First, as with all of the "deluxe editions" issued by Universal, the packaging is excellent. Original artwork, nice slipcase, an excellent 24-page booklet with archive photos and pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about "Street Survivors" and the events that preceded and followed its release.
Disc 1, "The Original Album," is just that...the album as it was released in the best possible digital format.
Disc 2, "Criteria Studios Album," is the "other" version...yes, they recorded the album twice. The draw here is the longer, slower version of "That Smell," with no shortage of guitar solos. You've heard "Jacksonville Kid" before (Ronnie's new lyrics added to "Honky Tonk Night Time Man," and the last track he recorded in his lifetime).
The final 5 live tracks from Fresno CA in August 1977 are of historic interest, and the sound quality is basically "acceptable bootleg." It's the Street Survivors band in the early stages of the tour that would never happen. Less than two months later, Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and Dean were gone, and the survivors...real, actual survivors...were changed forever.
Skynyrd fans will, and should, want to add this to their collection. The more casual fan may not appreciate it in the same way. It's an essential 5-star release nonetheless.
