Customer Reviews
Not the best "Greatest Hits" album for SRV 
2007-03-02
Was a fan for many years of this man, and was extremely devastated upon his sudden death in the mid eighties. An artist such as SRV has many great songs as well as lesser-known gems. I like the songs on this album but the bad thing is that it is not remastered. For the money you cannot go wrong, but for a little more you can get a better compilation than this one, which came out in 1995. Groovy sounds and of course the Blues mystique is what you get here. Features hits like Taxman and one of my favorites in "Couldn't stand the weather". If you can pick up the 2002 release "The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble" then that is a better purchase in my opinion. Other great songs include "Pride and Joy" and the fun rocker "The House is rockin". The best thing for this artist would be to present fans with a boxed set that included all of the singles as well as some live performances. If you are new to SRV then this is not a bad place to start.
Good, But Not Worthy of Stevie Ray Vaughn 
2007-01-10
It's a shame that such an excellent artist is so under-represented in this compilation.
Nice Compilation 
2006-10-07
Of course with any Greatest Hits compilation by any artist, people are going to fuss about songs left out and/or included. I think everyone will agree that every song on here deserves its place, though personally I think that omitting "Look at Little Sister" and "Love Struck Baby" leaves a big vacuum. Still, this CD does what it intends to do: showcases the absolutely uncanny talent of SRV. The man plays with more than just a feel for the guitar, he plays like he's channeling a higher spirit. All you have to do is take one listen to "Little Wing" where he fleshes out the Hendrix' tune, runs with it, and makes it his own.
I'd recommend this CD to someone who isn't all that familiar with SRV and wants to just jump in where the waters fine, or to anyone who wants a plum (tho compact) compilation. (Another plus is the pamphlet which gives great insight to each song by those who know.)
good overview for an icon 2006-07-17
This cd, though limited, is worth having because of the in-depth interview material researched from discussions with Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, and Reese Wynans. There is also input from Doyle Bramhall, Stevie's co-conspirator on a lot of his music. It presents an insight, in a nutshell, of Stevie's career, from his mercurial rise through his rough times, and brings us to that awful night that took him away. The songs included on this cd, with the exception of "Taxman", can be found on other cds, but it's always worthwhile to add a new Stevie cd to a collection, and the two photos and nice pencil-sketch of Stevie are also good reasons to own it. It presents a short example of his work in unchronological order; it begins with the previously unheard "Taxman" and ends, ironically, with a song he wrote for a friend of his who died, "Life Without You", a fitting last song for what is, basically, a tribute album.
August 27 1990: a very sad day! 2006-06-19
The magnetic charisma of Steve Ray Vaughan literally transformed the Blues world and renovated with untamed spirits the Rock& Roll. If you go to the origin of the things you must consequently, be original.
There are many circumstances that surrounded the enormous aura of this sensational and legendary musician. His way to play the instrument, his special tune, his timeless voice but besides, the huge feeling that nestled beneath every single song, conferred him the legend status even earlier his premature death.
His wildness at the stage, the outburst of energy and histamine he left in every recital or recording session is more than evident.
With the early departure of Steve Ray Vaughan, another awful cycle ends. Who will be able to interpret Texas flood like he did?. It's was absolute classic since its first release. He not played the guitar as the Goddess; he played with the guitar and like Orpheus brought it to life, making it cry or laugh. If you listen carefully his version of Little wing, you will realize this is far from being a simple emotional statement.
With this non sense loss, the Rock and Blues acquired new spirits; but the forthcoming generations of guitarists and listeners will never forget him.
In this sense, the acquisition of this album is not a historical reference, but a true must-have, due every time you listen him you will know why.
Perhaps, one of the most sincere and invaluable testimonials ever made, came from these sensitive words of John Lee Hooker: "I was a great fan of his, and he was a great fan of mine." Not just for the music, but for the love of each other. He was one of the greatest musicians who ever lived, and it was a great loss to the world, to blues, and to me."
The genius don't die, simply vanish.
In memoriam.
the blues bible, bar none! 2008-06-24
Tragically SRV left us way too early so we can never know the heights he would have achieved in blues guitar playing. This album has probably his best work with the exception of Voodoo Chile, Tin Pan Alley and Riviera Paradise. If you are not moved by listening to "Little Wing" or "Life Without You, then you simply must be dead!!
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Ok For What It Is 2008-06-12
I picked this up a while back because I did not have much Stevie on CD. This is a decent single disc collection that captures all of his radio hits and a few choice album cuts. Since this album came out I believe there is a more comprehensive two disc compilation that has also been released. For what it is the album is ok, but at only around 50 minutes they could have fit quite a bit more on it. Before Stevie Ray I really had very little appreciation for the blues. Since then I have become a big fan and have gone on to discover many other blues masters. If you are looking for an introduction or just the hits, this album is worth getting, but for a more in depth look I would pick up his studio albums (he only released 4 during his short lifetime).
Makes you hungry for more! 2008-02-07
A nice compilation of SRV, and it inspired me to pick up his albums, which is what good compilations do. It's a choice I do NOT regret in the least!
This CD could be all you need... 2007-05-19
I read another review that pretty much hit the mark. If you are not real heavy into SRV, this is a great CD to have. It has all his stuff you've heard on the radio plus a few other tasty cuts. On the other hand, there are a lot of really smokin tunes that are missing from this short collection. It's like a teaser - when it's over, you'll wish there was a disc number two.
Routine roundup 
2007-04-26
Okay, if you're starting a fan off, you'd want them to hear examples of Stevie's stunning guitar. Makes sense, right? That's the guy's claim to fame, after all. And yet they miss out on a few of his best solos. Where's Rivera Paradise? Where's Lenny? Where's Things (That) I Used to Do? Wheres Ain't Gone 'n' Give Up on Love? Love Struck Baby? Testify? Wall of Denial? Let Me Love You Baby? Or, if you want a bit of acoustic SRV, how about Life By the Drop? If you're looking for just Stevie's best known songs, this does contain Texas Flood, Pride and Joy, Couldn't Stand the Weather, Cold Shot, Life Without You and the cover of Little Wing. But this was a blown opprotunity to present the definitive Stevie Ray Vaughan overview. Stick to Essential if you're a newcomer, since it contains most of this album plus most the above tracks.
