Steve Miller in His Most Creative Period--Part Two

Before I began writing my review on The Best Of 1968-1973 by the Steve Miller Band, I visited a few websites that had biographical information about Steve Miller, and I came across an interesting observation. I can't remember where I read it or the exact words, but it went something like this--"every album produced by Steve Miller sounded different, but they all sounded like Steve Miller." To me, truer words were never spoken--Steve Miller had many musical influences and as a result he dabbled in many different genres, but in the end all his musical efforts were clearly identifiable as being the product of Steve Miller. Eclectic, you ask?--I say yes, perfectly so, and that's precisely the attraction of his music.

Greatest Hits 1974-1978 is a collection of music from what could be arguably the most productive period in Miller's storied career. When you pop this CD in your player, you're instantly assaulted with songs that you probably didn't realize that you knew so well. The music of Steve Miller has integrated itself into our collective senses just that well--it's timeless, classic and memorable, and the product of one of the greatest musical minds of our generation.

Want The Proof?--Here It Is!

Swingtown is a good dose of swing with country inflections and a stuttering bass guitar, while Jungle Love goes to the other end of the spectrum with some almost-metal guitar riffs. Take The Money And Run is as humorous and tongue-in-cheek as the hoots that kick it off, and Rock N' Me was probably one of Miller's biggest commercial successes, considering the song's pure pop texture. Serenade has a dark tone that hints of jumped-up blues, and True Fine Love takes the listener back to the fifties with a timeless chord progression.

The Joker has a homemade acoustic feel that's almost rustic, while Fly Like An Eagle and Wild Mountain Honey are mystical excursions that border on experimentation. Jet Airliner is another piece of totally satisfactory sing-along pop, and Dance, Dance, Dance has the feel of a good-time country hoedown.

Greatest Hits 1974-1978 has a total of fourteen totally satisfactory tracks--I didn't mention three or four of them, but it's not because they're filler. Every tune on this album is solid, and it wouldn't be right if I didn't leave just a little something to the imagination, now would it?

It's good stuff by a great musician--you should check it out if you're so inclined.

Thanks for reading.