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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A perfect introduction to the band Geordie, 6 Aug 2001
"Mama what ya doin' to me" shrieks the unmistakable voice of AC/DC's Brian Johnson on the opening track "Don't do that". Immediately the listener is launched into a trip down memory lane to the rock edged boogie of Geordie. It was way back in the early seventies that Brian Johnson trod the boards with Newcastle based Geordie. To celebrate and remember the power and sound of Geordie this newly released "Singles collection", draws from the band's hit singles to provide the perfect introduction to the sound of Geordie. The album charts the history of the band from the first single "Don't do that" (September '72) up to the rare Brian Johnson solo release of "I can't forget you know" (December '75). The rocking sound of the early hits "Don't do that", "Francis is a rocker" and "All because of you" hit you with the power of Johnson's voice backed with the infectious guitar licks from Vic Malcolm. Before long you find yourself hooked in a nostalgic groove that was Geordie. The album runs through Geordie's classic hits including the fun packed "Geordie Stomp" and the haunting "Black cat woman". Next is the hilarious "Geordie lost his liggie" an old traditional folk song re-arranged by the band. A dictionary in Geordie slang is almost required for this track but surfice to say a Liggie is a marble ball and a Netty is another word for a toilet. Once you have grasped the working-man's tongue of the Newcastle people the song becomes an entertaining experience. "She's a teaser" is a rock n roll track with a polished sound that sounds before its time. On listening to this track it is easy to imagine how great the band would sound live. "We're all right now" has the feel of a classic glam rock song that would rival anything performed by Bolan's T-Rex or Scotland's Bay City Rollers. "Ride on baby" has you up rocking and tapping your feet, as this fast paced rocker sees the band in full flight. The album closes with "I can't forget you now" and "Give it up" taken from Brian Johnson's solo single release from December 1975. Although the thought of Brian Johnson performing a slow love ballad would shock the die-hard AC/DC faithful. The track "I can't forget you know" does however highlight the sheer scale and vocal range of vocalist Brian Johnson. The Singles collection is a well-designed and well-packaged compilation that provides a historical insight into the sound of Geordie. Concentrating on the band's hit single releases the album comes complete with extensive and detailed inner sleeve notes. The centre-fold picture of the band live in action highlights the enjoyment and fun filled boogie that is Geordie. The only frightening aspect is when you remember there was a time when bands wore crazy platform shoes on stage, but I guess that is fashion for you.
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