From Amazon.com
Best Rory, Best Blues Rock Anywhere!
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: I am amazed every time I listen to these recordings. Man, this guy could play and sing! He really did put his all into it. This collection is much more polished than the others. Some don't care for that, but I've seen him live a few times, and this comes closest to a live album, energy-wise, but with a decent enough recording. He's really at the top of his game here. This is my favorite Rory album, it's urgency and intentionality make it so very special. Fly Off the Handle is just a killer blues track. Every song is a crafted gem.
If I could go back in time...
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: How Rory Gallagher slipped under my radar I will never know. The man is so unjustly underated and it baffles me why so many other music lovers have never heard his music. He was so much more that just a great front man - how can he not be in the top ten guitarists / writers / performers of all time? I guess he was his own man and perhaps that puts him above comparison. If I could go back in time I'd head straight for the 70's and find a spot front and center at one if his concerts!
Oh!, The disc is fantastic. Follow Me, Philby, Hell Call, classic Rory!
Rory is missed
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Rory Gallahger F'n Rocks.. Buy anything Rory put out.. You can't go wrong.. I do have to agree with a couple of the other reviews.. 1) Rory put out nothing bad and 2) when it comes to musical taste, its almost imbarrassing to be an American.. America is into WIMP music..
Rory is God
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: This is one of my favorite Rory albums. All the songs are awesome, I expecially like "Follow Me" and "Philby". Rory Gallagher does not have a bad album in his catalog. For example, I love Dylan but some of his stuff is just not that good ,especially in the mid 80's. But with Rory no matter which album you buy you'll be happy. Its too bad he's not around anymore.
Full of gems
Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)
Review Comments: Beginning with the previous year's "Photo Finish", people often refer to this era of Rory's music as his arena rock period, and in turn received some criticism for it. Though not as diverse in styles as his early albums, "Top Priority" is so full of clever hooks and great riffs, it should be appreciated for what it is and not criticised for what it's not.
"Follow Me" is such a great opening track, a real catchy rocker and adrenaline rush that sets the pace for the remainder of the disc. From there Rory launches off with a collection of some of his best rockers, "Key Chain", "Bad Penny", "Philby", the smoldering blues of "Off the Handle" being the highlights. Also found here is the original version of "Public Enemy #1", another really brilliant gem of a rocker, although I personally love the alternate version found on the "Calling Card" CD even more. The bonus cuts are great too, especially "The Watcher" which features Rory playing some surf-style guitar in the tradition of Dick Dale and includes some rare studio experimentation by Rory on his vocals. It may actually be my favorite cut on the entire CD, such a clever and original rocker. "Hell Cat" is one of those tunes by Rory that often is dismissed as being too conventional. Yes, the tune itself is pretty average as far as chord changes go, but if you're familiar with Rory Gallagher, you know that his approach to any song he ever recorded is passionate and sincere. It's a high charged, revved up rocker and delivered with a conviction and a certain element of surprise that only Rory could give it, whether it be a certain way he'll phrase things in his vocals or in his guitar, you'll never catch him going through the motions. An uncompromising brilliant talent, Rory was. "Top Priority" is one of his best.
Purchases
1 Follow Me
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