Music Review: War – The Best of War…and More
A 30th anniversary is fast approaching for one of the most underrated soul, funk bands of all time, yes people,
the group WAR.
I recently had the distinct pleasure of witnessing WAR’s Summer Tour ’99 and felt, when would
be a better time to review this ’70’s favorite. With a sound I can only describe as a resemblance of a cross between
Santana and Earth, Wind and Fire, WAR’s sound is unique in it’s own right.
Based in L.A., WAR had a string of monster Top 40 songs in the ’70’s and all but one of those
are unleashed on “The Best of WAR….and More.”
The biggest highlight of course is one of the classic – cruising down the highway – all-timers,
“Low Rider” (also from our favorite Cheech & Chong movie). You will surely recognize these other
staples, “Cisco Kid,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “Summer,” and the unforgettable,
“Spill The Wine” (recorded with Eric Burdon of the “Animals” fame).
Another forgotten essential on the disc, “Galaxy” was WAR’s last Top 40 hit, released
in 1979, smack in the middle of the disco era. The only track missing (which you can find on various other collections)
is the 1973 anthem, “The World Is A Ghetto.”
Oh, by the way, the show was outstanding, showcasing all the hits. Leader, Lonnie Jordan, now
somewhere around 50 years young, proves you are only as old as you feel, pounding out these classics like he was
still a twentysomething. Add this collection to yours, you won’t be sorry. 4 ROCKS.
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