SOUNDS BETTER THE SECOND TIME

Review Score: (8/10)
This was a very poorly received Hollies release around 1976. It never got properly released in the U.S. This time the CD mastering is outstanding. The sound quality really brings out the excellence of some nice compositions. The title song jumps out of the speakers and demands attention. This might possibly be the best ever application of the 2nd generation Hollies harmonies. Other great songs like the ballads "My Island", "I Wont Move Over" and "There's always goodbye", one of the best Hollies rockers ever, "Crocadile Woman" add up to a diverse collection of memorable songs. Unfortunately, there are some weaker songs that just don't hold up over the years. Some, such as the opener, "Star" are decent, but just a bit dated. Bonus tracks are a big attraction on this one. The 2 live versions are better than the studio versions, though they can also be found on the Hollies Live CD. The other 3 songs are gems. "Boulder to Birmingham" is remade in the great Hollies tradition, achingly beautiful Allan Clarke vocal with soaring harmonies. "Samuel" is too good to have not been released originally. The most surprising song is the previously unavailable on CD version of Bruce Springsteens "Born to Run". Done in the vein of "Long Cool Woman", it would have been interesting to see how it would have done as a single if released earlier. The combination of great sound quality and some excellent songwriting make this an unexpected Hollies listening pleasure. I don't understand the apathy at the time of its release. It probably has more to do with it being out of place at the time of its release. But for me, it is further evidence of the ability of the latter day Hollies to produce very good long players at a time when the top 40 hits had all dried up. All in all, a solid 3-1/2 to 4 star release superbly enhanced by the sound quality.

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