My MS Log

Review by billymac72:

This is truly one of the best-value music DVDs available to 70s buffs. Not only is the footage a flashback, needless to say, the history narrations at the end of each song have an almost 70s classroom filmstrip feel to them, with the female narrator asking “remember?” at the end of each entry. You almost expect to hear the beep sound for the next slide! I actually really appreciate that the makers of this DVD played it completely straight with such touches, and resisted the urge to go campy. While the clothes of the era, for one, are now certainly considered campy in themselves, the DVD is more interested in putting us in the time frame which such fads existed. I find that approach not only refreshing, but also beneficial to the overall nostalgia we want out of these things.

In terms of the performances, there are some great ones here. Jim Croce and the Grass Roots are standouts. I was a little disappointed that Ike & Tina Turner, although a visually stunning performance, do a shortened version of “Proud Mary,” as opposed to their “Nice & Easy/Rough & Hard” version. Al Green sounds amazing, but is singing to a music track and not a live band. He sounds so good, however, it really doesn’t matter. Mark Lindsay & the Raiders appear to be lip-synching “Indian Reservation.” I believe their performance is the only one done this way. Again, this is admissable considering the pop status of the song (we’re not expecting a improv jam out of this tune are we?). On the other hand, Malo’s “Suavecito” delivers more than I thought it would. The whole shebang is worth the price if just to see Kenny Rogers & the First Edition’s matching blue & white leisure suits! Their “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” is a mellow masterpiece.

Something I certainly miss from this era is the diversity of the pop music of the time. Southern-fried First Edition clearly has a love for R&B, soul, country & rock, and seem thrilled to have brought it together on a tv show.

Review by Glen Ramirez:

What a pleasant surprise it was to view this DVD. Not only are some of the best acts of the early seventies represented on this disc but the sound and quality are excellant. I really enjoyed “First Edition” drummer (& actor) Mickey Jones insightful commentary on each of the artists. He showed what a talented, fun and compationate man he is. For music buffs, his comments and tributes to these great artists were just as good as the music. Just listen to the bonus feature on artists such as Jim Croce and you feel what respect (and for some, a sense of loss) he had for his fellow music entertainers. His “behind the scenes” stories were very enjoyable.

I can only wish that additional footage from this show follows this high quality DVD.

Review by Matthew G. Sherwin:

Billboard #1s: The ’70s is a two CD set that is jammed full of great songs representing some of the very best music from the 1970s. This is bound to bring back memories of hanging out in clubs and discos; and younger people may well listen to this and find out that we had some really awesome music back in the day! The sound quality on both CDs is excellent; and I like the artwork, too.

The Doobie Brothers begin the first CD with their smash hit entitled “What A Fool Believes.” They sing and play this to perfection; and I love the sound and the beat. The key modulations work well and they never miss a beat! This is classic `70s dancing music, too. Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” rocks harder than just about anything I’ve ever heard; and Elton never sounded better! The musical arrangement is very strong on “Crocodile Rock” and the special musical effects work very well. Listen also for Carly Simon to perform her instant classic “You’re So Vain.” I remember when this song broke loose on the airwaves; it sounded fantastic then and it still does now.

Dionne Warwick and The Spinners perform “Then Came You” with heart and soul; they sing this well and the disco dancing sound stuns me even today. Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” remains a solid hit that still sounds so smooth in these times; and the beat is nicely marked by the percussion. The first CD ends masterfully with B. J. Thomas doing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” This lovely song is another stunning ballad that could never be forgotten.

The second CD continues the hits. Donna Summer’s “Bad Girls” really has that disco sound and it will still make you want to jump up and dance wherever you are; and Earth, Wind & Fire do their funky “Shining Star” so well that I could never forget this tune either. “Shining Star” has great guitar and the percussion works very well on this number. Earth, Wind & Fire never sing a superfluous note–it’s all THAT good.

Diana Ross’s touching “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” always pulls at my heartstrings; the female backup and the tambourine are as flawless as they always were when Diana Ross recorded a song. Chicago performs “If You Leave Me Now;” this touching ballad is about a man asking his woman to stay with him so they can continue their love affair. Chicago sings this beautifully with panache and great sensitivity; and this impresses me a great deal.

Listen for The O’Jays doing their disco flavored hit “Love Train;” and The Commodores score big with “Three Times A Lady,” one of the most elegant love ballads I’ve ever heard. Nilsson registers big with “Without You;” this mournful ballad has an orchestration that always moves me. Moreover, Leo Sayer’s “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” really DOES make you feel like dancing! I remember a waitress in the town diner where I grew up who loved this song so much that she’d have to try hard not to dance her way back and forth between the kitchen when the jukeboxes played this tune!

Overall, this is one OUTSTANDING two CD set to remember and celebrate the really great music of the `70s. Of course, two CDs could never be truly enough to include everything; but as a two CD set this reigns supreme in my book.