Cracker - Greatest Hits Redux

Cracker may be considered a somewhat traditional rock band (almost comparable to roots rock at times), yet singer/guitarist David Lowery's roots were anything but traditional since he fronted the '80s alternative outfit Camper Van Beethoven. Shortly after Camper Van Beethoven called it quits in 1990, Lowery began demoing material along with guitarist Johnny Hickman and bassist Davey Faragher, eventually going by the name Cracker. By 1991, the newly formed band had signed a recording contract with Virgin and enlisted the help of several drummers (such as Jim Keltner), issuing their self-titled debut in 1992. This debut melded influences as diverse as psychedelia, country rock, and delta blues, forging a style that was at once ethnic yet universal. Cracker sold over 200,000 copies, and doubled this with their second release, Kerosene Hat, which became their best selling album with the rock radio track, Low. During the early 21st century, Cracker has continued to tour and release CDs.

Greatest Hits – Redux is the OFFICIALLY SANCTIONED GREATEST HITS PACKAGE, and is the title Cracker will encourage all of their fans to buy. It will contain all of Cracker's hits like Low, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now) and Eurotrash Girl, but RERECORDED, as well as containing A NEW BONUS TRACK. Album Description

Good for them!!!!!!!

It's great to see (hear) Lowery & Co. try to grab a piece of their own pie, while Virgin (the label that punted them) continues to cash in on a band they couldn't spend a dime on to promote. Though it's true the recordings are close enough to the originals, that only the die-hards may be able to tell the difference, hey... what's wrong with that? I for one would rather support the band than the giant conglomerate (sp)that is Virgin. Tell everyone you know, this is the greatest hits package to buy. Besides I and every other Cracker-head have already bought the original versions. Keep it up David & Johnny!! PEACE!!! July 30, 2006

Redux...sort of

You can't take this album for more than what it is: a one finger salute to Cracker's ex-label. Yes, the main reason for "Greatest Hits Redux" is to sling mud, and that's admirable. I've glanced at the tracklisting for "Get On With It," the other Cracker collection of 2006, and it's hard to justify its existence other than just to make some money.

But "Redux" doesn't do a whole lot to expand on the original recordings. There are differences, but they are mostly things that you really have to lean in close to detect, such as an accordian part to their major radio hit "Low." Nothing here gets a complete makeover, it's more of a live-in-the-studio-let-it-rip type of approach. If you aren't a rabid Cracker fan, it's likely that you won't know what's different.

But if you own more than one Cracker album, "Redux" should be down your alley. How far down your alley, I don't know. That depends. It's admirably irreverant, but not highly artistic. July 20, 2006

Redux Rocks!

My copy of Cracker Greatest Hits Redux arrived today. I have been an avid Cracker fan since the early 90's and this CD does not disappoint. Rerecorded and remixed, the songs speak to the true Cracker music lover. From David Lowery's smarter-than-you-realize lyrics to Johnny Hickman's absolutely fantastic guitar work this offering is already a classic.

Timed by Lowery and the Cooking Vinyl label to drop on the same day that the unsanctioned EMI/Virgin Cracker hits rehash was to make market, it smacks of corporate needling. If you like Cracker you don't want to wait until the next studio release "Greenland" (due in May/June '06) buy this one now and show some love and support for David Lowery, Johnny Hickman, Frank Funaro, Kenny Margolis, and David Immergluck...who are standing there like the last rock band on the planet.

Keep up the good work! March 17, 2006

Good stuff

Cracker really is an amazing band, with a very large library of great tracks. These are a few, and they are not the original recordings... hence the "redux", I suppose... There are some good renditions, though, and it's worth picking up whether you are or aren't a hardcore fan. I would say that it's easily worth getting their entire library, though, because they hardly have any tracks that shouldn't be on a greatest hits album. At least in my opinion anyhow. Also, the new song on this album is very good. March 4, 2006

well done.

The rerecorded tracks here cover hits and fan favorites, primarily from the band's first 2 lps. All of the performances are great, with the highlights being "Euro-Trash Girl" and "Low" as the best re-done versions. There are some noticeable gaps for a Cracker "hits" record, specifically nothing from between Gentleman's Blues (1 song "The World is Mine") and Countrysides. But what's here is excellent. You also get a new track, which is quite good. Great to pick up in addition to the proper albums. Also excellent liner notes, with lyrics too. February 28, 2006

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