Greatest Hits [Expanded Edition]

Performer: Little River Band
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Little River Band: Beeb Birtles, Graham Goble (vocals, guitar); Wayne Nelson (vocals, bass); Glenn Shorrock, John Farnham (vocals); Rick Formosa (guitar, strings); David Briggs, Stephen Housden (guitar); Bill Harrower (saxophone, trumpet); Peter Jones (piano, synthesizer, strings); Peter Sullivan, David Herschfelder (piano); Bill Cuomo (synthesizer); Roger McLachian, George McArdle, Clive Harrison, Mike Clarke (bass); Derek Pellicci (drums). Producers include: Little River Band, Glenn Wheatley, George Martin, Ernie Rose. Compilation producer: Cheryl Pawelski. Recorded between 1975 & 1982. Includes liner notes by Simon Glickman. Digitally remastered using 24-bit technology by Evren Goknar (Capitol Mastering). Liner Note Author: Simon Glickman. Photographer: Jeffrey Mayer. With 11 hit songs breaking the Top 40, Australia's Little River Band was one of the most successful groups to emerge from down under. With the perfect sound via Glenn Shorrock's relaxed voice alongside the smooth flow of the guitar and keyboard work, LRB's polished style was draped all over radio throughout the late '70s and early '80s. This compilation from their most lucrative years contains all their chart hits, plus the sneaky-sounding "Down on the Border." Blending rock elegance with catchy, full-flavored harmonies, each of the songs on this album contains an element of gracious musical craft, whether it's a romantic ballad like "Lady" or an up-tempo rock song like "The Night Owls." The quirky verses of "Lonesome Loser" come out colorful and sleek, and the horns in "Reminiscing" emphasize the swagger and swoop of its debonair sound. Shorrock's voice can be fully appreciated on the beautiful "Cool Change," one of music's prettiest slow songs. As a compilation, this album truly is a "greatest hits." ~ Mike DeGagne A group like Little River Band is the epitome of a fine singles act. The band had two gold and two platinum albums in its late-'70s, early-'80s prime, but it's no surprise that its biggest seller is 1982's double-platinum Greatest Hits. In 2000, a 24-bit digitally remastered expanded edition was released and it's simply excellent. It adds six songs to the original's dozen, and these include the rest of LRB's charted singles. The 2000 version polishes the Australian band's smooth, irresistibly catchy brand of pop/rock. The sound quality is crisp and clean. All the instruments jump out. LRB -- which featured an unusual-for-pop three-guitar lineup -- was kind of faceless, so its many personnel changes didn't necessarily alienate fans. Glenn Shorrock sang most of the signature hits like "Lonesome Loser," "Reminiscing," "Cool Change," "Help Is on Its Way," "Take It Easy on Me," "Man on Your Mind," and "Happy Anniversary." Bassist Wayne Nelson sang "The Night Owls," one of LRB's most rock-oriented numbers. All the previously mentioned songs are included, of course, but the newly added ones help provide a clearer picture of the band's career. The most notable were LRB's last two Top 40 hits, "We Two" and the funky, horns-based "You're Driving Me Out of My Mind," both sung by Shorrock's replacement, John Farnham. Another Farnham track, "Playing to Win," is a surprising burst of hard rock with hyperactive synthesizer. The Shorrock-era extras are "I'll Always Call Your Name" and "It's Not a Wonder." The latter in particular is a welcome addition. 2000's Greatest Hits, which features a bare-bones essay by Simon Glickman, unquestionably supersedes its predecessor. It's a mid-line-priced gem for casual fans. Collectors should note that early copies of Greatest Hits mistakenly included alternate versions of some hits. ~ Bret Adams

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