Little River Band

An extremely comprehensive but equally enjoyable 34 tracks make up this two-CD set from Australia's Little River Band, including some infamous yet attractive add-ons. Every charted hit from LRB is here, along with some interesting rarities. A cover of Phil Everly's "When Will I Be Loved," never before issued in the U.S., is a real treat, as well as the potent "Long Jumping Jeweler," another single that was never released in America. A splendid cover of the Eagles' "Lyin' Eyes" and "Take It Easy" is performed live with Glenn Frey as a nifty little medley, and "Days on the Road" is a stark but attractive B-side addition. The real beauty of this album is uncovered in songs like "We Two," displaying all the vibrancy and flash exhibited by John Farnham, who took Shorrock's place in 1983. Farnham proves that he's just as fiery on "You're Driving Me Out of My Mind," with full-blown horns that overspill with dynamic flare. Wavy love songs like "Love Is the Bridge" and "It's Cold Out Tonight" display this band's multifaceted versatility, showing they can sing charming ballads with pristine honesty. Even though favorites like "The Night Owls" and "Reminiscing" cap off the solidness of this compilation, many other of their forgotten songs delightfully complete this hearty anthology. ~ Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide