I never "studied" the Allmans. You know, like Goober studied Cary Grant. But after attending one of their concerts recently, I decided to buy this CD. It is good.

If you're looking for an introduction to the group, start here! Two discs, and unlike a certain OTHER compilation one isn't a straight-up reissue of Enlightened Rogues (though you get close to a straight-up reissue of the debut: that would've been cool if they threw on Every Hungry Woman and did that, since they were quite close). This collects all the group's big hits and radio staples: Dreams, Whippin' Post, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (the live version, too!), Midnight Rider, Revival, Statesboro Blues, One Way Out, Ain't Wastin' Time No More, Melissa, Blue Sky, Little Martha, Wasted Words, Ramblin' Man, Southbound, Jessica (though unfortunately it's the single edit, not the essential full version) and Crazy Love; mixes in lesser known fan favorites like It's Not My Cross to Bear, Stand Back, Come and Go Blues (well I'm a fan and it's one of my favorites, at least), and mixes in a few of their comeback hits (Seven Turns, Good Clean Fun, End of the Line, No One to Run With, High Cost of Low Livin'). That's really the only area this album needed improvement in. I mean, who needs the Arista songs? (Hell and High Water and Never Knew How Much I Needed You, that is). I'd rather hear Get On With Your Life, Back Where It All Begins, True Gravity or Old Before My Time (though I think this came out a year before Hittin' the Note, which explains the sinlge edit of High Cost of Low Livin'). Still, Stand Back is a perfect premeire for the Brothers, even if it misses a couple good songs here and there, mostly from Idlewild South (Don't Keep Me Wonderin', Please Call Home), wouldn't that just defeat the purpose of buying the album?
I would like to lament the lack of the Fillmore East Stormy Monday, though. Even pathetic, budget-priced compilations such as Legendary Hits and Essential (AKA half partially essential, half Enlightened Rogues) find room for it.

A very nice gathering of Allman Brothers' songs with their timeless Southern rock/blues....for those who are die hard Allman Brothers fans...and even for those who aren't....you will simply LOVE this CD....a huge "thumbs up"

This 2 disc comp is an excellent way to listen to a very talented band. From early classics like "Statesboro Blues", "Melissa", "Jessica" and "Rambling Man" to ther newer material like "Seven Turns", "End of the Line" and "No One to Run With anymore". It's all good. They also have a 2-disc set called GOLD that focuses primarily on their seventies output, so if you prefer that to their later stuff then check that out too. Two thumbs up!

I love this Allman Brother's compilation, it's got so many great, essential songs from their career, plus excellent linear notes! I think the Allman Brothers were underrated, as part of rock history and this anthology gives them the credit they so rightfully deserve. It's the definitive Allman Brothers and has excellent sound. You won't be disappointed!