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Lynyrd Skynyrd interview from inthestudio.net, regarding their Christmas album and other topics.  Enjoy some select tracks from it too, Merry Christmas.

Lynyrd Skynyrd album Reviews

Overview
Lynyrd Skynyrd had a brilliant, but short span.  Tragically at the peak of their career in 1977 a plane crash took the life of two of the groups main musicians, vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, and guitarist Steve Gaines.  Other casualties include Steve’s sister Cassie who sang back-up vocals, and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick; the rest of the band and staff suffered serious injuries.  After all these years the band is still quite popular today, which shows their music is top tier, and that their legacy is warranted. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music has a very distinct sound, that can be characterized as blending Rock, Blues, and Country.  And of course Lynyrd Skynyrd’s trademark is their dueling guitar solos, well-placed piano riffs, and well-crafted compositions. To my ears, a piano and guitar in a rock setting is too rare.  In addition to their rhythm section, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s musician line-up typically includes three guitar players and a piano begging to be heard. With so many musicians it is surprising that they do not crowd each other.  The quality of their songwriting brilliantly choreographs the times to give each musician a time to impress, while avoiding the musicians stepping in each others way. 

To put Lynyrd Skynyrd’s catalogue of music in simple terms, initially they released four solid studio albums with various personnel changes. Then in 1976 guitarist Steve Gaines joined the band, and it is our opinion that this was by far the best Lynyrd Skynyrd line-up. With Steve Gaines in the band, they recorded their indispensable classic live album One More From the Road, followed by their best studio album, Street Survivors. 

Since 1977, there have been various solo efforts and Lynyrd Skynyrd reincarnations to various degrees of success.  I had the opportunity to see the Rossington Collins band and a later day version of Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Both were good, but the performances confirmed the fact that the best days were behind them.

There have been numerous Southern Rock bands that have been influenced by Lynyrd Skynyrd, such as Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, The Outlaws, and even Lynyrd Skynyrd offshoots, among others.  Some are good, but none are in the same class as Lynyrd Skynyrd; they are often imitated, but not duplicated. 

What's new

August 2009 release - God & Guns

2008 release
Street Survivors Deluxe Edition remastered with bonus disc

2006 releases
Gimme Back My Bullets remastered with DVD
Family - A compilation that includes the side bands.

A brief bio of Lynyrd Skynyrd is provided by DjangoMusic


Shopping Guide of the Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd cd's

Our analysis of Lynyrd Skynyrd releases is designed for those who want to own the best of their music, not for the fan that plans to buy them all.  In fact, all of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s albums up to Street Survivors have much to offer. Our focus is to point out the cream of the crop, and we provide individual reviews of many of their albums.

The following are suggestions to the best Lynyrd Skynyrd available. We have designated a few categories along with recommendations. The two  Lynyrd Skynyrd albums with Steve Gaines, One More From the Road, and Street Survivors have much to offer..  

1.) Lynyrd Skynyrd Lover – A fan that loves their music, but does not need to hear every note.

One More From the Road, and Box Set
Two purchases and five discs.

With this combination I can’t think of anything material of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music that is missing from this collection.  If you like DVD’s, you may want to add their awesome DVD Free Bird, or substitute it for One More From the Road. 

2.) Lynyrd Skynyrd Rocks (Option 1) – A fan that wants to hear nearly all their best songs, and does not need to have both a studio and live version of the songs.  

One More From the Road, and Street Survivors
Two purchases and three discs.

The live album has most of the Lynyrd Skynyrd’s best songs from their first four albums in brilliant renditions.  What this collection is missing is some of the more rural type of songs like “The Ballad of Curtis Lowe,” and “Made in the Shade.”  Though, Street Survivors does include some of that style.  

2.) Lynyrd Skynyrd Rocks  (Option 2)

Box Set
One purchase and three discs.

Lynyrd Skynyrd's three disc box set.

3.) Lynyrd Skynyrd Casual Fan– For fans that enjoy hearing some Lynyrd Skynyrd from time to time.

A greatest album.  If you want a collection of greatest hits of Lynyrd Skynyrd, they have two worth considering.  The single disc collection is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s All Time Greatest Hits. The two disc collection The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd.  

4.) Lynyrd Skynyrd Fanatic – I want it all.