LYNYRD SKYNYRD REVIEW The greatest southern rock band of all time, I had to do a review about my favorite of their albums, how could I resist. My father raised me on songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." It's in my blood I guess. I'm suprised at how many people actually have no idea who< Lynyrd Skynyrd is and I think they are one of the most underated bands of the 70's. They are still around and kicking now, but most of the original members are dead and it could never be the same without their lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant, who died in a tragic plane crash along with a few other original members. Here we go, on with show....I'll be reviewing their greatest hits album, Lynyrd Skynyrd Gold and Platinum, to give you an idea of what they are about. If you want any more info on them, please feel free to contact me. This album consists of two discs (or records, which ever version you may have.) The first disc features: 'Sweet Home Alabama.' I've never met any amatuer guitarist who hasn't tried to play this one. It has some of the most catchy hooks ever created. Tip for all of you guitarists. Go to guitartab.com and there is a really good version of this song (It's basically only 3 chords). Sorry, got off track. "In Birmingham they love the governor, now we all did what we could do. Watergate does not bother me, does your conscience bother you?" This lyrics were controversial in the 70's and still strike a chord with today's listeners. "Saturday Night Special" is about gun control. Yes...a southern band actually promotes gun control. This songs gives examples of three different guys who get nothing but trouble from using their handguns..." Mr. Saturday Night Special got a barrel that's blue and cold, aint good for nothing but puttin a man six feet in a hole." "Free Bird" is all about a man who trys to change, but realises that he's like a bird who when asked to stop flying and stay grounded, can't fight his urge to fly away and be free."If I leave here tomarrow, would you still remember me? I must be travelin on now, cause there's too many places I gotta see. If I stay here with you girl. Things just couldn't be the same. Cause I'm as free as a bird now, and this bird you'll never change..." Beautiful guitar/piano ballad and my all time favorite live song. It's about 14 minutes, but the guitar solos are amazing. It starts out slow with guitar licks sounding like birds chirping and amazing piano work, which is what makes this band stick out from it's
competitors.Then it goes out into hard core guitar work. Amazing song! On to next disc. My favorites on this are many. Track two, "On the Hunt" feels like your travlin through the sound into Ronnie Van Zant's groove. I can't help but sway and pretend I'm a girl on the hunt. "Simple Man" wow the lyrics are amazing and the simple, yet tracendant guitar work is great. "Mama told me when I was young, come sit beside me, my only son. Listen closely to what I say, if you do this it will help you some sunny day."-"Take your time, don't live too fast. Troubles will come and they will pass. Find a woman and you'll find love. And don't forget son, there is someone up above."-" Forget your lust for the rich man's gold, all that you need is in your soul." "Tuesday's Gone" is truly one of my favorites. Any of you non Skynyrd fans will remember this song it you've ever watched Happy Gilmore. It's featured at the end sequence where Happy looks up and see's his friend Chubs. Just some insider info for you. "Tuesday's Gone with the wind. my baby's gone with the wind... I don't know, where I'm goin, I just want to be left alone. When this train ends, I'll try again, I'll leave my woman at home." Great sing along song. "Comin Home" about a trucker who misses home is headin home. "Its been so long since I've been gone, another day may be too long for me. Travlin round I've had my fill of broken dreams and dirty deals.I wanna come home, it's been so long since I've been away. and please don't blame me cause I've tried. I"ll be comin home soon to your love to stay." Lynyrd may have it's main song themes: love, guns, southern roots, and the travlin life, but each of their songs stay with you and you feel their all their feelings genuine and raw as if you were their at their one of their live concerts. Anoher album I strongly recomend their live album,One more from the road.