New REO VS old REO?

[Abitaman]

Since there isn't a Reo Speedwagon board, I'll put it here, Andrew can move it if he likes.
Was wondering what everyone thought of the new REO cd compared to their older stuff


REO Speedwagon two C+ Some good songs, Music MAn, Golden Country, but very weak production
Ridin the Storm out B- No Kevin, was replaced vocally right before cd (record) came out, good songs, better production, would love to have the original masters to it
Lost In A Dream C- Can tell Kevin didn't write anything here. Not the REO I know.
REO C Kevin is back, couple good songs, production is horrible
Live You Get What You Play For B+ Very good production, and all the early songs sound great.
You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish B+ The hit the mark here, couple of weak songs here, but overall great.
Nine Lives B- Good record, but besides Back On The Road Again, nothing really shines, but nothing sucks either. Less harmonies on this cd too.
A Decade of Rock-N-Roll B Has the greatest live party song 157 Riverside Avenue.
Hi Infidelity A+ The Best of the Best for REO, Not a bad song on the cd
Live Kansas City 1981 2cd * C+ A dvd rip, but production is not that great, Kevin is very hoarse by the end, and not that good of a concert. Kevin even messes up on a song.
Speed of Sound* (L) B A better sounding show than last one, but nothing outstanding
Good Trouble B- Some good stuff hear, but to listen to the whole cd at one time, it doesn't fit good.
Live in Rockford 1983 * 2cd B Another ok show
Believe in Rock-n-Roll B+ A hits package sort of.
Wheels are Turning A- Good come back cd. Some good songs and production. One of my favorite REO songs is on the cd which is the title track.
Live 1986* 2cd A Best of their live cds (as of then)
Life as We Know It B- First half of this cd is up their with the best, the last half is not good at all
The Hits A+ two new songs, Here with me is great, the other well........
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog, and a Chicken B+ First two songs awesome, then gets ok with a few goods thrown in
Live 1990* C this boot is a ok show, and the sound is ok
Live at Grand Rapids 1990 2cd* B Another show, better sound, but REO is running out of steam
A Second Decade of Rock-n-Roll B- Ok collection of the last decade. More live stuff which sounds ok production wise, but makes them sound as if they are just going thru the motions
Stormin in Chattanooga, TN 1993 2cd* C+
Building the Bridge B- Some good songs here, some good songs that don't sound like REO. Use to ranked higher, but nowadays , the non REO sounding songs get on my nerves more
The Ballads A- the new songs sucks, takes away from the cd some
Live in Orlando, FL 11-13-99 2cd* B+ REO sound better
Live Plus A Best sounding REO live cd in years, they sound fresh and alive
Extended Versions A+ a remix of the above, a little shorter and different order
The Essential REO 2cd A
Live in Vegas 5/10/05 * B+
Find Your Own Way Home B+ The new cd is good, as of now I rank it high Starts off good and stay that way for the most part
Hi Infidelity Again live* B- This is part of the Walmart special with the new cd. The band sounds great, but Kevin in parts seems to struggle for that old sound in his voice. Sound have toned it down to fit him, instead of Kevin trying to fit the sound.


Yes I'm bored, anyone has any thoughts. Did a Night RAnger one on the Night Ranger board. Comments-ERIC

[Classic Rock]

I am a newer REO fan because I’m only 20 but I’d still like to weigh in. I prefer the classic era from 1976 – 1987, the classic rock and roll soul died when Richrath left.

I’d like to rate the albums also but not to the extent that you did:

1. REO Speedwagon (1971) – C – Hard to get into because Cronin was not on this release but I really like the original version of “157 Riverside Avenue.”

2. R.E.O/T.W.O. (1972) – B- – I like every song on this album and I think it was a solid effort by the group for their second album. My favorites include: “Let Me Ride,” “Music Man,” “Like You Do,” and “Golden Country.”

3. Ridin’ the Storm Out (1974) – C- – A good effort but without Cronin this album doesn’t do much for me. I like the title track, “Son of a Poor Man”, and the Cronin penned “It’s Everywhere.” Also thought it was cool that Joe Walsh played on a few tracks.

4. Lost in a Dream (1974) – Can’t grade because I have only heard the title track which I do like but I don’t think I can get into any other tracks.

5. This Time We Mean It (1975) – Only heard the song “Reelin’,” sediments for this release same as the one above.

6. R.E.O. (1976) – B- – The return of Cronin and the start of commercial success. I like every track on this release with “Keep Pushin’,” “(Only A) Summer Love,” “Breakaway,” and “Tonight” being my favorites.

7. Live: You Get What You Play For (1977) – B+ – They did a great job capturing what they sounded like at this point. Great release. I love the amped up “157 Riverside Avenue” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out.”

8. You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish – A- – Their breakthrough album that showed inspiration. Richrath’s guitar licks were catchy as hell and Cronin’s voice was better than ever. Solid song writing by both of them. “Roll With the Changes” and “Time for Me to Fly” are classics.

9. Nine Lives (1979) – B+ - A very underrated album, I enjoy everything on this release. It just didn’t have the same feeling as the previous or the following album. Standout tracks include: “Only the Strong Survive,” “I Need You Tonight,” and “Back on the Road Again.” Also Neal Doughty’s keyboard work on the Chuck Berry cover “Rock and Roll Music” is excellent.

10. Hi Infidelity (1980) – A+ – Not much to say about this release that hasn’t been said. Their best album that produced my favorite REO track: “Take It on the Run.”

11. Good Trouble (1982) – B- – A bit of a disappointment for me but I still enjoy most of this album. I like the tracks: “Keep the Fire Burnin’,” “The Key,” and “I’ll Follow You.”

12. Wheels Are Turnin’ (1984) – B+ - This album was better than the previous one and it showed that they could still produce some straightforward rock (on most tracks) unlike other bands that released albums at this time. I like every track with my favorites being: “I Do Wanna Know,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “Rock & Roll Star.”

13. Life As We Know It (1987) – C+ – A commercial disappointment all around, the critics (that were out to get REO from the start) really had a good time degrading this album. I’ll listen to a good amount of the album but the tracks I really like are: “This Ain’t Love,” and “In My Dreams." Also the last album with Richrath.

14. The Earth, A Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken (1990) – C- – I hate the title of this album reading it sets the mood for this unimpressive album. I will listen to most of it but I only like the first track: “Love Is a Rock”.

15. Building The Bridge (1996) – B- – A breath of fresh air after six years but still not the classic REO that everybody was used to. I like the title track and “When I Get Home.”

16. Find Your Own Way Home (2007) – B+ – I, like a lot of people, think this album should have had more rock tracks. The first four tracks are amazing, I have been listening to them nonstop since I bought the CD. The WalMart version with the extras is amazing as others have pointed out

[Rick]

I was very skeptical when I got the CD. I'd heard people here talk about how Cronin's voice was tinny and such. But after listening to it, I thought they sounded great. Cronin's voice has aged, but it's more soulful. I really enjoyed hearing new music from them.

Compared to the old stuff though, I don't know, it's just different. I like both eras.

[Abitaman]

I was very skeptical when I got the CD. I'd heard people here talk about how Cronin's voice was tinny and such. But after listening to it, I thought they sounded great. Cronin's voice has aged, but it's more soulful. I really enjoyed hearing new music from them.

Compared to the old stuff though, I don't know, it's just different. I like both eras.

A classic album will always be that...a classic, and hard to compare anything to it. I don't think REO will ever beat Hi Infidelity, but as long as they keep putting out good music, I'll buy.
Yes Kevin's voice has aged, and the new songs showcase it good, in concert he does good (most of the time), but on the RE-HI extra I think he tried to hard to capture the old Reo instead of showing the songs as the new REO-ERIC

[yulog]

I was very skeptical when I got the CD. I'd heard people here talk about how Cronin's voice was tinny and such. But after listening to it, I thought they sounded great. Cronin's voice has aged, but it's more soulful. I really enjoyed hearing new music from them.

Compared to the old stuff though, I don't know, it's just different. I like both eras.

Stick with me shoot i wont steer you wrong, they havent been a heavy rockin band for years but the new cd is just good music. Some times you gotta take something for what it is and not what we want it to be .

[wildchildtwisted]

I was very skeptical when I got the CD. I'd heard people here talk about how Cronin's voice was tinny and such. But after listening to it, I thought they sounded great. Cronin's voice has aged, but it's more soulful. I really enjoyed hearing new music from them.

Compared to the old stuff though, I don't know, it's just different. I like both eras.

Stick with me shoot i wont steer you wrong, they havent been a heavy rockin band for years but the new cd is just good music. Some times you gotta take something for what it is and not what we want it to be .

That's exactly how I took "Trial By Fire".....it was Journey being Journey in the middle of the popularity of the Goo Goo Dolls. I respected them so much for not trying to change who they were. But don't get me on REO though....I am not a fan, no offense.

[X factor]

Since there isn't a Reo Speedwagon board, I'll put it here, Andrew can move it if he likes.
Was wondering what everyone thought of the new REO cd compared to their older stuff


REO Speedwagon two C+ Some good songs, Music MAn, Golden Country, but very weak production
Ridin the Storm out B- No Kevin, was replaced vocally right before cd (record) came out, good songs, better production, would love to have the original masters to it
Lost In A Dream C- Can tell Kevin didn't write anything here. Not the REO I know.
REO C Kevin is back, couple good songs, production is horrible
Live You Get What You Play For B+ Very good production, and all the early songs sound great.
You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish B+ The hit the mark here, couple of weak songs here, but overall great.
Nine Lives B- Good record, but besides Back On The Road Again, nothing really shines, but nothing sucks either. Less harmonies on this cd too.
A Decade of Rock-N-Roll B Has the greatest live party song 157 Riverside Avenue.
Hi Infidelity A+ The Best of the Best for REO, Not a bad song on the cd
Live Kansas City 1981 2cd * C+ A dvd rip, but production is not that great, Kevin is very hoarse by the end, and not that good of a concert. Kevin even messes up on a song.
Speed of Sound* (L) B A better sounding show than last one, but nothing outstanding
Good Trouble B- Some good stuff hear, but to listen to the whole cd at one time, it doesn't fit good.
Live in Rockford 1983 * 2cd B Another ok show
Believe in Rock-n-Roll B+ A hits package sort of.
Wheels are Turning A- Good come back cd. Some good songs and production. One of my favorite REO songs is on the cd which is the title track.
Live 1986* 2cd A Best of their live cds (as of then)
Life as We Know It B- First half of this cd is up their with the best, the last half is not good at all
The Hits A+ two new songs, Here with me is great, the other well........
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog, and a Chicken B+ First two songs awesome, then gets ok with a few goods thrown in
Live 1990* C this boot is a ok show, and the sound is ok
Live at Grand Rapids 1990 2cd* B Another show, better sound, but REO is running out of steam
A Second Decade of Rock-n-Roll B- Ok collection of the last decade. More live stuff which sounds ok production wise, but makes them sound as if they are just going thru the motions
Stormin in Chattanooga, TN 1993 2cd* C+
Building the Bridge B- Some good songs here, some good songs that don't sound like REO. Use to ranked higher, but nowadays , the non REO sounding songs get on my nerves more
The Ballads A- the new songs sucks, takes away from the cd some
Live in Orlando, FL 11-13-99 2cd* B+ REO sound better
Live Plus A Best sounding REO live cd in years, they sound fresh and alive
Extended Versions A+ a remix of the above, a little shorter and different order
The Essential REO 2cd A
Live in Vegas 5/10/05 * B+
Find Your Own Way Home B+ The new cd is good, as of now I rank it high Starts off good and stay that way for the most part
Hi Infidelity Again live* B- This is part of the Walmart special with the new cd. The band sounds great, but Kevin in parts seems to struggle for that old sound in his voice. Sound have toned it down to fit him, instead of Kevin trying to fit the sound.


Yes I'm bored, anyone has any thoughts. Did a Night RAnger one on the Night Ranger board. Comments-ERIC

Abita-dude-
I think you give some pretty good rankings here, but I do differ on a few points;one key point that will more than likely get me flamed heavily, but here goes:

I think YOU GET WHAT YOU PLAY FOR / TUNA and NINE LIVES form a great trilogy for REO, and represent their finest hour as a band. Great, kick ass midwestern Rock and Roll! A's all the way around (With an A+ for TUNA) BUT (and here's what sets me apart from some) I think HIGH INFIDELITY was the beginning of the end for this band. I don't think it's aged well at all, with the exception of KEEP ON LOVING YOU and maybe TAKE IT ON THE RUN. I would give it a B- at best, and GOOD TROUBLE is a flat out F in my book! Absolute shite! They picked it up a bit on WHEELS ARE TURNING (you were right on about that being a good comeback) but nothing since has been anywhere NEAR their late 70's output.
I guess my hatred for HI INFIDELITY comes from the fact that instead of being a one off fopray into pop, it was the band turning a corner in pop-schmaltz territory, from which they have never fully recovered. It sold 'em alot of albums, and made them a mint, but I believe that in the long run it took away their credibility and shortened their career.

Good list, though dude!

[Rockindeano]

I agree. Tuna was amazing...The all instrumental Flying Turkey Trot is amazing. Hi Infedility was a good pop album and Wheels are Turnin was part 2 of that. I DO like Life as We Know It, and don't laugh, but I also like Earth, Man, Small dog and a chicken..amazing Love is a Rock and some other tunes that are very mature in lyrics. Love is a Rock to me might be their best ever song.

[Abitaman]

Love is a Rock to me might be their best ever song.

, It is in my top 5 by them. HAlf way from the same cd is very good too.-ERIC

[Soto All The Way]

I agree. Tuna was amazing...The all instrumental Flying Turkey Trot is amazing. Hi Infedility was a good pop album and Wheels are Turnin was part 2 of that. I DO like Life as We Know It, and don't laugh, but I also like Earth, Man, Small dog and a chicken..amazing Love is a Rock and some other tunes that are very mature in lyrics. Love is a Rock to me might be their best ever song.

Now I know UR gay.....lol

e-

[Classic Rock]

That's exactly how I took "Trial By Fire".....it was Journey being Journey in the middle of the popularity of the Goo Goo Dolls. I respected them so much for not trying to change who they were.

Being a huge Goo Goo Dolls fan I have to correct this statement. When Trial by Fire came out in 1996 the band only had one big hit: “Name.” It wasn’t until 1998 when “Iris” came out that their popularity started. I get what you are saying though but it would be more accurate to say Goo Goo Dolls type bands.

[RedWingFan]

I agree. Tuna was amazing...The all instrumental Flying Turkey Trot is amazing. Hi Infedility was a good pop album and Wheels are Turnin was part 2 of that. I DO like Life as We Know It, and don't laugh, but I also like Earth, Man, Small dog and a chicken..amazing Love is a Rock and some other tunes that are very mature in lyrics. Love is a Rock to me might be their best ever song.

Great post I agree with Deano, but The Flying Turkey Trot is off of the self entitled 76' REO. The The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot is on Tuna Fish. Which is it that is amazing? Turkey or Tuna. I personally like anything with Richrath on it. I don't care if he's currently pushing 4 bills, get him back in the band!!!!

[Liam]

Gotta say...the new album reminds me of Hi Infidelity for some reason..Liking it though.

[X factor]

I agree. Tuna was amazing...The all instrumental Flying Turkey Trot is amazing. Hi Infedility was a good pop album and Wheels are Turnin was part 2 of that. I DO like Life as We Know It, and don't laugh, but I also like Earth, Man, Small dog and a chicken..amazing Love is a Rock and some other tunes that are very mature in lyrics. Love is a Rock to me might be their best ever song.

Great post I agree with Deano, but The Flying Turkey Trot is off of the self entitled 76' REO. The The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot is on Tuna Fish. Which is it that is amazing? Turkey or Tuna. I personally like anything with Richrath on it. I don't care if he's currently pushing 4 bills, get him back in the band!!!!

A-freakin-men, Redwing!