Greatest Hits

Designed to supersede the previous MCA compilation 15 Greatest Hits, this Greatest Hits features 16 James Gang tracks remastered for CD, plus detailed notes and commentary. The last two songs -- "You're Gonna Need Me," and "The Ashes, the Rain, and I" -- were recorded live, and there are also two tracks from the film Zachariah ("Laguna Salada" and "Country Fever") making their first appearances on a James Gang compilation. Another first-timer is the complete version of "The Bomber," an extended medley featuring an oft-edited bolero section that appears in full here. Thanks to the better sound and packaging, this one gets the nod over 15 Greatest Hits -- unless you're looking for specific songs on that one that don't appear here, or unless you're a more devoted fan, in which case you might prefer the double-disc Repertoire compilation The Best of the James Gang.