Jukebox

Opinions do indeed vary about the subject of an musical artist covering a song that is already well known to the world, as made popular or even {Gasp!} composed by that artist. So, the question that I will throw out is that if the new artist cannot improve or re-invent a song that is already well established to our ears, why ruin that song forever with the "New" {crummy} version.Case number one: The Who cover: "Young Man Blues" on their "Live at Leeds" LP in 1970, ever heard the original version as performed by Mose Allison? Most folks have not heard this original version, so the brain-fried long hairs of 1970, are about dumb enough to think that: "Young Man Blues", is a new Pete Townshend original 'Who' song.Case number two: "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC is an established ear-crunching classic of Hard Rock land. Ever heard: "Highway to Hell", as performed by Celine Dion on that VH1 Diva-Dog-Dregs-Honors Broadcast? Short answer; "You don't want to!"Well after all that we arrive at the Band: The Guess Who, and two former members of that Band...Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings. They have brought forth this CD of covers known to the world as: "Jukebox". Some of it is good and some of it is not so good. If you look up, you are gonna see some 5-Star Reviews posted here, well folks, 5-Stars means that this CD is the end-all, best of the best, classic, classic, classic. It is time to be honest, this ain't no 5-Star CD!Randy & Burton have selected some songs that mean something to each of them, that is a GOOD thing. But alas, lots of these tunes when transformed into music by Mr. Bachman and Mr. Cummings fall way short of the original versions, and that is a BAD thing.The Bad: There are ton's of versions of: "Who Do You Love" out there already, the world does not need this limp white-bread-souless version, that causes my poor ol' hound dog to howl. "Little Queenie" sounds like the cast of "Happy Days" is performing this at Arnold's Malt Shop. This is lifeless junk, that isn't even saved by Burton's fine piano work {mixed into the background anyway.} "Good Times" is not doing Sam Cooke, any favors {hope for him that there are no CD players in Heaven!}More Bad: "I'm Happy Just to Dance with You", this was a lousy Beatles tune, why would you wanna bring back a lousy song when The Beatles composed so many great songs, that you could have covered. First rule of picking a 'Cover' song...Pick a GOOD song to cover boys. "The Letter" isn't that BAD unless you play the original version by The Box Tops right after you have heard this...There are some GOOD things included here: "Like a Rolling Stone" has some balls, it's no Jimi Hendrix, but it's good. "Judy in Disguise", is an improvement over the original {that one, I had no stomach for!} "Agent Double-O Soul" is very cool, this 'Cover' is by far the best track on: "Jukebox" {even Download worthy!} So it's not all BAD here, but it's mostly BAD.And Randy & Burton have saved the Best for last...Listen to what they do to their own song, Track 17, on: "Jukebox" is from; "The Guess Who" in 1970 and it is called; "American Woman!!!" This cover by itself just about sums up the entire CD for me.....the original is great, this is...AAAARRGGGHHHH !!!!Look, I like Randy and Burton, I'm glad that the feud is over and they are friends and musicial partners once more, this is a GOOD thing. When it comes to "Jukebox" there is a lot more BAD than GOOD to report, and that's a fact.This is a mis-step....Five Stars ????Not even close.2.5 Stars...and please, NO VOLUME TWO !!!

Brought bake memories

The hits written by Bachman and Cummings were special. The only regrettable thing about them is there's too few of them, the two men's partnership having dissolved long before they did all they might have done together. While this disc contains no new writing collaborations, it's the next best thing, showing how these two can make old songs their own through interpretation. The only misfire is an unnecessary version of "Like a Rolling Stone." Everything else is enjoyable, and a few are stand outs, including a jazzy version of "I'm Happy Just to Dance With You" and a hugely appealing version of "Don't Talk to Him," originally by Cliff Richards and the Shadows. If you enjoy the work of Cummings and Bachman, together and/or separately, and you own albums beyond the greatest hits collections of the Guess Who and BTO, then you'll enjoy Jukebox.

As a collector of rock pioneer Burton Cummings initially of The Guess Who copied by rockers ever after, my uncertain hope was gratified to find that this reuniting collaboration with powerhouse musician Randy Bachman, of later-famed Bachman Turner Overdrive BTO, is contemporarily engaging with high energy rock & roll variations on others' originals, showcasing both pros, though Randy more prominently.This music CD & interview DVD set by this greatly emulated duo reunited after great successes going their separate ways from their young Canadian beginnings arrives cleverly packaged in retro throwback to the best days of rock & roll for fans of Randy, Burton, both, or your new discovery of these two widely gifted musician icons in this one of a kind event. Musicians will appreciate the nuances by these seasoned artists keeping it fresh & fun in this better than the good old days ;)

great cd love every track , nice mix of cover songs

Randy and Burton working nicely together once again. Nothing earthshattering here, but if you like these guys you'll enjoy them handling some old pop tunes..

Very well done set of covers -- many unique songs here, so not the "normal" cover album. Both Burton and Randy in very fine form. Well mixed, also

excellent collaboration between these 2, who go way back-- great addition to Guess Who library...too bad they had to sever ties with the band; they were the heart & soul and talent--

Different & Great Jukebox Cover versions. Well worth buying & Listening.

Grew up in Winnipeg during The Guess Who's rise to fame. Saw them in various venues around the city and Burton Cummings solo act at The Paddock. Both Cummings and Bachman have referred to musicians who shaped their music in The Guess Who and afterwards. Some interesting covers and a great version of American Woman.

What a great album. Two old warhorses who had their ups and downs get back together to have some fun with the music they grew up on. Great cd to sing along to and dance in the living room.

FANTASTIC re-recordings of some old hits, theirs and others. Along with the liner notes, this is a must-have for any fan of either of these 2 guys.

This was one of the nicest CDs I have bought in recent times. Always was a fan of both Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive. Reccomend two tracks which are laidback and outstanding: Baby Come Back and the Beatles :Happy Just To Dance With You. Enjoy