Guess Who's Back... [Explicit Lyrics]

Track Listings

1. Intro

2. Alot Of Dead

3. 1,000 MCs

4. Mistaken

5. Flaugin

6. Bounce Like This

7. Perfect Combination

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The history of the group Backlive began in 1982, when rapper Gil J Green and DJ Mellow D (Andr Grant) met in second grade. As best friends, the two grew up together in Miami's multi-cultural music scene. Though Miami boasted a variety of unique musical flavors such as KC's disco funk, 2 Live Crew's fast paced bass, and Jamaica's dance hall rhythms, it was the jazz oriented Hip Hop that guided the ears, thoughts, and lives of what is known today as Backlive.

More than just the musical aspect, Hip Hop was and still is a way of life for Gil and Dre. From the breakdancing days of the elementary school yard, to the lyrical freestyle battles of Jr. High, to the local house parties they would DJ in high school, Backlive is not a consumer, but a product of the Hip Hop culture.

In 1989, Gil J Green and Mellow D were part of the rap group known as Royal Flush. Along with three other rappers, this group raised funds for their first studio demo by selling chocolate bars throughout the neighborhood. Learning the business end of the industry would later allow Backlive to independently produce original music in an era of commercialized clones.

As the other rappers in Royal Flush split apart in 1992, Gil J Green and Mellow D decided to form their own group called Backlive. Discouraged by the commercialization of the culture, their philosophy is to bring "Back" Hip Hop to a time when it was "Live". Through lyrics of knowledge, beats of originality, the movement of breakdancing, and the style of graffiti, Backlive represents more than just a music, but an entire culture.

In 1993, Gil moved to Washington DC to attend The American University. Gil quickly became the hip hop DJ and Urban Programmer for the college radio station WVAU. He also embarked on his studied career in Film and Television by producing artist segments for BET's Rap City. As a member of The Universal Zulu Nation, Gil continued to develop his rhyme style that combined street wisdom with school knowledge.

As Gil J Green expanded his elaborate flow on the mike, Mellow D became schooled as a recording engineer at Miami-Dade Community College. As he acquired the technological knowledge of the studio, Mellow D also spent hours digging into record crates of great jazz recordings. Musicians such as Cal Tjader, Herbie Hancock, and Donald Byrd inspired Mellow D to combine a rusty jazz funk with modern day Hip Hop percussions to produce the sound unique to Backlive.

In 1996, Backlive reunited to produce a 4-track demo tape in their home studio. The tape's first track. "M.I.L.K.", stood for Mentally Intelligent Lyrical Knowledge, and won 2nd Place in The John Lennon Song Writing Contest, judged by artists such as The Fugees and Busta Rhymes.

Gil then transferred to New York University's Tisch School Of The Performing Arts to pursue a career in film. As his first project, using the $1,000 the group won from the John Lennon Song Writing Contest, Gil shot a video for the song "M.I.L.K.", which received national attention by airing on The Box. Backlive's demo began circulating underground, and it's second track "Universal", showed up in HITS Magazine (December 12, 1997) under Rap Attack's Top 5.

With the Backlive demo still circulating, many people were feeling the third song, "1,000 MCs". The song is a satirical commentary on the absurd amount of rapping clones in the music industry. The song's chorus, "There's 1,000 MCs on the Planet Earth", caught the attention of many hip hop heads, and the track started playing on college radio stations across the country.

Backlive decided to shoot the video for "1,000 MCs" as Gil's thesis film project, and he withdrew $5,000 in student loans to serve as the budget. With a film crew made up of classmates, fly girl performances acted out by eager friends, dancing done by a local break dance crew, and set design created by a high school graffiti artist, Gil J Green directed a quality video for an unusually low budget.

In 1998, the video for "1,000 MCs" aired on The Box, and quickly became a Box Breaker. BET soon aired it on all four of it's video shows, Video Vibrations, Planet Groove, Hits, and of course Rap City. In 1999, MTV picked up the video which received steady rotation on YO! and M2.

Backlive continues to produce songs which deliver a realistic positive message towards urban youth. In 1999, Backlive received The John Lennon Song Writing Finalist Award for the second year in a row, for their song "It Used To Be So Good." The song depicts America's social injustice, as Backlive portrays a time when they were too young to understand society's ill complexities.

Backlive's national notoriety has generated a heavy Internet following universally, along with a good share of local Miami fans.

Band Members:
Producer/DJ - Mellow D
Lyricist - Gil Green

Product Description
"Guess Who's Back" is the first commercial release from the underground Hip Hop duo Backlive. This EP combines a collection of jazz and funk riffs (from Producer Mellow D) that keeps heads nodding. Add intelligent, insightful lyrics (from rapper Gil Green) and you have a flavor that is reminiscent of classic Hip Hop with a modern day twist.

Each song paints a vivid picture to listeners. "Alot of Dead" flashes memories of the "old school" Hip Hop scene. The underground hit "1,000 MCs" provides a unique perspective on the in ever-increasing amount of rappers today. "Bounce Like This" is a club favorite, while "Flaugin" mocks people who front with material items.

"Guess Who's Back..." is a "must have" for Hip Hop enthusiasts.

Guess Who's Back...,Backlive

Guess Who's Back... [Explicit Lyrics]

Guess Who's Back... [Explicit Lyrics]

Average customer rating:

i'm sad and angry

Great underground classic, reviewed by, tifcanball2@yahoo.com

Before the sell-out

Great rapper even before he got popularity came in

Underground Classic

Guess Who's Back
50 Cent
Manufacturer: Full Cup Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

God's Plan

50 Cent Is the Future

No Mercy No Fear

God's Plan

Beg for Mercy

ASIN: B000065CW7
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

Killa Tape Intro
Rotten Apple
Skit/Drop
That's What's Up
U Not Like Me
50 Bars
Life's On The Line
Get Out The Club
Be A Gentleman
F*ck You
Too Hot
Who U Rep With
Corner Bodega
Ghetto Qua Ran
As The World Turns
Whoo Kid Freestyle
Stretch Armstrong Freestyle
Doo Wop Freestyle

Customer Reviews:

i'm sad and angry.......2007-01-16

i'm sad that they leave so many retards helpless in this world, who are confused so much about what good music is. and yet, i am angry at muhammad ali or whoever the first rapper was and i hope that there is a hell, to which all rappers will go when they die, which will be soon, since they are all gangstuhs dat skow sum bisches ain got dubs. please ignore"catchy" and pay attention to complex, get some metallica, led zeppelin, jimi hendrix, guns n roses, classical music, country, just NOT THIS! i beg you in the name of God to stop listening to cRap

Great underground classic, reviewed by, tifcanball2@yahoo.com.......2006-11-10

This album is so great. Classic 50 Cent material with his G-unit group. If you don't have it you should get it. I have the complete 18 track album for a real cheap price. You can email me to get the details on how to get it.

Before the sell-out.......2006-08-04

This is by far 50's best lyrical content. Mostly due it being before he sold out. Now he is just another faceless name in the crowd of materialistic rappers. Blah Blah Blah rims Blah chains Blah shinny teeth Blah cars Blah. This album unlike the rest of his is a true testiment to his old ability before the $$$ got to his head. Its a shame but at least we have this album to enjoy one more rapper who has fallen on the materialism band waggon.

Great rapper even before he got popularity came in.......2006-04-17

50 Cent is an off the chart amazing rapper. He can do anything and make is sound good, either if its the beats, freestyles, or his rhymes, this cat is one of the best ever already. All the joints on this album are hot. When i first heard about 50 Cent i heard that Eminem was bumpin this cd in his car and told Dre about it, and thats where it all happened. 50 Cent, I just can't get enough of him, mixtapes, import, and cds are all GREAT. Some of the best songs on this album include: That's What's Up, U Not Like Me, 50 Bars, Life's On The Line, Get Out The Club, F*** You, Too Hot, Who U Rep With, & Ghetto Qua Run. So ya see if u dont got this album, I know its very rare to find in stores, but order it off the internet and u wont be dissapointed. I got mine @ a Bestbuy, which was amazing. But mine has a big scratch across the middle, so it only plays songs 12-18. I'm antisipated to get this album again ASAP. Overall I give this album 5 bricketts.

Underground Classic.......2005-12-08

This album is an underground classic. Every song right here is gangsta they're all tight. GGGG-Unit
Top Songs
Killa Tape Intro
Rotten Apple
U not like me
50 bars
lifes on da line
too hot
who u rep with

Average customer rating:

Guess Who's Back Again
50 Cent
Manufacturer: Hood Ink Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000EB5PKA
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Product Description

Underground Classics & Freestyles. Track List: 01. Intro (shot caller '04), 02. Here We Go, 03. Doin' My Own Thing, 04. Guess Who's Back Again, 05. She Luv It, 06. Die For Me, 07. After My Chedda, 08. G-Unit Soldier (Ride Out), 09. 187 Freestyle, 10. Flex Freestyle, 11. No Introduction, 12. As Time Goes By, 13. Heaven-Hell, 14. Gee's Up, 15. Gettin' Mine, 16. Bad News (Mixtape Version), 17. Im A Soldier, 18. Ching, Ching, Ching, 19. Say What You Want (outro)

Average customer rating:

A must buy even if you didn't catch them on this tour!
Better now than in the '70s!
A miracle and a must-have
the coffe house must go!!!
Guess Who Still Rocks? (Alright, I'm lost for a title)

The Best Of: Running Back Thru Canada
Guess Who
Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Live at the Paramount
Guess Who - Running Back Thru Canada
Live at the Fillmore East

ASIN: B000056JXU
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

Runnin Back to Saskatoon
Guns Guns Guns
These Eyes
Rain Dance
Glamour Boy
Lookin' Out for #1
Sour Suite
No Sugar Tonite/New Mother Nature
Talisman
Let it Ride
Undun
Follow Your Daughter Home

Tracks:

American Woman
Albert Flasher
Hand Me Down World
Orly
Takin' Care of Business
Laughing
Clap for the Wolfman
Bus Rider
No Time
Share the Land

Album Description

24 track compilation documents the 2000 reunion tour of the Canadian rockers. Includes new live versions of Guess Who hits and Bachman-Turner-Overdrive classics. Slimline double jewel case.

Album Details

2CD live recording of the band's Canadian reunion tour that included both founding members, Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman in the lineup. Take a trip down memory lane.

Customer Reviews:

A must buy even if you didn't catch them on this tour!.......2004-07-12

First things first...I've been a fan since Shakin' All Over. That said, I literally jumped at the chance to see the reunited band when I heard they were coming to Montreal (Hugo, you should've been there!)...two surprises hit me right away: Wide Mouth Mason opened for them and they were just bigger than life (if you're not familiar with their stuff, you should get familiar!) and Jim Kale wasn't in the Guess Who lineup. Glad to say it was ALL GOOD...these guys were tighter than ever, playing as strong as I've ever heard them, and they were clearly moved by the king' welcome they received and looked like they were having the time of their lives onstage. This double live CD is only missing two or three of the songs, but is one hell of a great souvenir of one of the most solid tours, reunion or otherwise, that I've ever been to. This is the one to get for Guess Who AND BTO fans as Randy Bachman does Let it Ride, Takin' Care of Business and Lookin' Out for #1...the collection is largely taken from the Winnipeg show that year, and the hometown boys did just great depsite the thunderstorm that paused the show for a bit...if you didn't get to see them live that year (or any of their tours since then), you won't regret this!

Better now than in the '70s!.......2002-08-31

A very good album, which exceeds their '70s live album recorded at the Paramount. "Hand Me Down World" is faster and has better vocals than their '70s live version, "Rain Dance" also has better vocals, this is the only live recording of "Undun" that I know of (and done well), and "Guns Guns Guns" sounds much like the awesome studio recording in spite of its complexity. Oddly, Burt Cummings' voice is almost unrecognizable here--now a very closed-mouth sound. My main disappointment was that the really pretty jazzy ending of "Lookin' Out For #1" was completely omitted here, which I considered the climax of the song.

A miracle and a must-have.......2001-04-17

If you were ever a Guess Who fan, you owe it to yourself to just click that button to the right and order this amazing double-CD set. It's obvious that The Guess Who were never this good, not even in the original 1968-1975 heyday of the band! The reasons are many: Tighter arrangements than ever, great song selection, and the brilliant decisions to have Bill Wallace replace Jim Kale on bass and have Don McDougall rejoin the band on guitar. Burton Cummings' vocal style has changed over the years; he's more shrill now (see what happens when you write vocal gymnastics at 20 that you have to re-create at 50?). However, the overall band and performances are first-rate, with the middle "coffee house" acoustic set a real revelation. Let's hope this great band gets to tour the U.S. soon and release an album on new material. Warning: This CD is not to be confused with "Down the Road Live" or "The Spirit Lives On," which were indie sets put out by Kale's bar band version of the Guess Who and are simply the two worst live albums in the history of recorded music.

the coffe house must go!!!.......2001-03-29

a fabulous cd, when they rock!!! not being a fan of the "unplugged" era, that is the only fault i can find with the cd. "let it ride", is ok, but "lookin' out for #1", does not belong with either band, the guess who, or bto. "talisman", should have stayed buried on the "american woman" lp. that must have been the time in the show when the concession stands were at their busiest. when this cd rocks, it's fantastic. the playing is breath taking. where is "hang on to your life"?..."hand me down world"?..."star baby"/..."dancin' fool"?...

there also are none of burton cummings' solo tunes here. would have been fun to hear this outfit pound out "charlmange"...or "my own way to rock"...or some great playing to "stand tall"

don't get me wrong, i think this cd is absolutely excellent, the playing on "glamour boy" alone worth the price of the cd. i am just not a fan of "unplugged" rock and roll...and for me, there is too much of it here...leave that up to the yanni's of this world.

Guess Who Still Rocks? (Alright, I'm lost for a title).......2001-03-20

The first thing that you realize upon inspection of this album is that it is grossly mis-named. If any of the guys pictured are running anywhere, it's to Canuck Burger for a Double Chubby Chuck. That said, you know the music's GOT be be good (why else subject yourself a group photo)?. It is. Real good. It's clear these guys have something to prove and, for he most part, they do. The material is excellent (though it would've really pushed the envelope to include some of Burton Cummings Morrison-esque ramblings), the band cooks and there's a genuine sense of enjoyment throughout. A few times I caught Burton Cummings souding like Axl Rose as birthed by Ethel Merman, but he's forgiven. He, more than anyone, sounds in awe of the music they have and continue to share.

Average customer rating:

Guess Who's Back
Lil G
Manufacturer: Thump Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Rap | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Straight out of the Pen
Soldiers of the 213 Part 2 the real sequel
What the Streets Created, Pt. 2

ASIN: B000LPR4TO
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Intro
Guess Who's Back
Can't Stop Me
From the County
Representing My Side
Run
For My Haters
Gangster Shit
We Some Riders
Skit
Player For Life
Sancho Of the Night
God Tell Me Why
It's Hard
Outro
Hi Power Mega Mixx

Average customer rating:

The Best Of: Running Back Thru Canada
Guess Who
Manufacturer: BMG International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0003035CM
Release Date: 2004-11-08

Tracks:

Runnin' Back to Saskatoon
Rain Dance
These Eyes
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
Let It Ride
Undun
Follow Your Daughter Home
American Woman
Hand Me Down World
Takin' Care of Business
Laughing
Share the Land

Album Description

12-track collection includes 'Runnin' Back To Saskatoon', 'Rain Dance' & 'Share The Land'. BMG/Vik Recordings. 2004.

Album Details

The Best Tracks from the Canadian Rock Icons.

Average customer rating:

Great Album This Is What Put G-unit On The Rap Game Map
The Album that is still truly terrible from the start

Beg For Mercy

Manufacturer: G-Unit / Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0007SN7FU

Product Description

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. G-Unit: 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo. Producers include: Denaun Porter, DJ Twinz, Dr. Dre, Hi-Tek, Dirty Swift. Queens rapper 50 Cent ascended to the pinnacle of the hip-hop world in 2003, and the latter part of the year saw his crew, G-Unit, drop by with their own ubiquitous single "Stunt 101" and debut record, BEG FOR MERCY. Far from an entourage cashing in on one member's immediate success, the success of both 50 Cent and G-Unit is more of a chicken-and-egg situation. Since 1999, G-Unit's mixtape moments have been among the most sought after on the streets, helping to pump up 50 Cent's status until he exploded onto the mainstream. Unsurprisingly, BEG FOR MERCY delivers a blistering attack of street rap that survives on its own merits. While 50 Cent opens the show on "Poppin' Them Thangs," he quickly blends into the mix, as G-Unit features two other more-than-able lyricists equal to the task and well-versed in trading off with the wildly talented 50. Lloyd Banks brings an arrogant strut that plays off Buck's subtle yet angry drawl. Together and separately, they both play off 50's familiar laid back style. The most intriguing moment on BEG FOR MERCY is the torn "Footprints," which inserts a renowned religious poem into the middle of the gangster world, a fitting summation of the unique world view of G-Unit

Customer Reviews:

Great Album This Is What Put G-unit On The Rap Game Map.......2005-09-08

First Off beg for mercy is a great album , it was a bringin out party for 50 , Bank$ and Buck who later had very succesful albums , this album brings you some hott tracks as stunt 101 , poppin them thangs , smile , wanna get to know ya and my personal favorite g-unit song to date "My Buddy" , if you are a true g-unit fan or even hip hop fan you will like this album

The Album that is still truly terrible from the start.......2005-02-24

I Used to think nelly's bad, but he's kid n play compare to thid disastrous and mean-spirited and utterly trashy group called G-Unit and this album Beg for Mercy is complete disasterzone, I Thought every single song is truly horrible, Stunt 101 is a rip-off of cash money and everything else about this album is really absolutely worthless, And for some people who compared this trash to NWA/Or better than them Should be ashamed of themselves, this group is the epitome and ground zero of what's everything bad about hip hop and you fans should be ashamed of yourselves for calling this a good group.

This is not only the worst hip hop album I've ever seen, but also the lead contender for the worst album of this decade.

G-Unit should be banned from every appearing in rap and hip hop.

A Truly Big Thumbs Down for Beg for Mercy.

Average customer rating:

'Twixt and 'Tween

Guess Who's Back
The Guess Who
Manufacturer: Unidisc Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

All This for a Song

ASIN: B00005UDKC
Release Date: 2001-12-07

Tracks:

C'mom Little Mama
Vancouver
Never Trust a Chorus Girl
Raisin' Hell on the Prairies
Sweet Young Thing
Keep on Shining
Moon Wave Maker
Laid It on Me Anyway

Customer Reviews:

'Twixt and 'Tween.......2002-06-17

This 1978 album features neither the "definitive" Burton Cummings-era Guess Who nor the group of hacks that original member Jim Kale (who trademarked the band name, I believe) kept out on the county fair circuit for a number of years after the first band folded in the mid-Seventies. Instead we get Kale aided by the interstellar Kurt Winter, who made most of the post-Randy Bachman Guess Who albums soar with his great lead guitaring and his equally great songwriting, and by second guitar Donnie McDougall, who was with the Guess Who with Winter in the early Seventies. They're joined by drummer Vance Masters, who was previously with Winter in Brother, an early Seventies power trio from the Guess Who's stomping grounds in Winnipeg, and Rob Ingles as a third guitarist. And whaddya know? This album is actually pretty good! Nothing on here is as memorable as the singles Cummings, Bachman and Winter got on the radio, but this album does feature Winter's more idiosyncratic songs, reminiscent of earlier Guess Who albums like SO LONG BANNETYNE and ARTIFICIAL PARADISE, all punctuated by his stinging lead work. McDougall handles the lead vocals and sounds enough like Cummings himself to makle you do a double-take. There's nothing on here that would make anyone who loved the original band's albums cringe with loathing----it's just that this sounds more like a ZZ Top or Jo Jo Gunne album than a Guess Who album. Good ol' boogie, in other words. Emphasis on good.

Average customer rating:

Guess Who's Back...

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004TCLU
Release Date: 2000-04-05

Tracks:

Intro
Alot Of Dead
1,000 MCs
Mistaken
Flaugin
Bounce Like This
Perfect Combination

Album Description

"Guess Who's Back" is the first commercial release from the underground Hip Hop duo Backlive. This EP combines a collection of jazz and funk riffs (from Producer Mellow D) that keeps heads nodding. Add intelligent, insightful lyrics (from rapper Gil Green) and you have a flavor that is reminiscent of classic Hip Hop with a modern day twist.

"Guess Who's Back..." is a "must have" for Hip Hop enthusiasts.

Running Back Thru Canada
Average customer rating:

This is the live Guess Who album to get!

Most underrated band ever is back!

The "Live at the Paramount" reissue is a better value

Old guys can still rock

Running Back Thru Canada
Guess Who
Manufacturer: Musicrama/Koch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005K29J
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Runnin' Back To Saskatoon
Guns Guns Guns
These Eyes
Rain Dance
Glamour Boy
Lookin' Out For #1
Sour Suite
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
Talisman
Let It Ride
Undun
Follow Your Daughter Home

Tracks:

American Woman
Albert Flasher
Hand Me Down World
Orly
Takin' Care Of Business
Laughing
Clap For The Wolfman
Bus Rider
No Time
Share The Land

Customer Reviews:

This is the live Guess Who album to get!.......2006-03-15

I was 15 back in 1971 and the Guess Who had just released their So Long Bannatyne album, their second minus Randy Bachman. I got the chance to see the Kurt Winter-Greg Leskiw guitar lineup of the band. A year later, and one more studio album down the line (Rockin'), the band released their first live album. As great as that album was, there were only seven tracks on it and a lot of the hits weren't included. That was rectified a few decades later with the extended version of that album. As good as that album was with the added material, Runnin' Back Thru Canada is better. The guys have grown up, had that much more experience as musicians and as people, and the result is a live album that really shows the band doing its best job ever at being The Guess Who. Randy Bachman is playing better than ever, Burton Cummings' piano and vocal abilities have always amazed me, and the group just gels here like never before. It didn't hurt that the bulk of this double live collection was from their hometown show in Winnipeg (which was showcased in the DVD and CBC-TV special). Perhaps the sweetest part of this whole live collection is knowing that I saw them in Montreal on the very same tour in June of 2000, and the response they got from that crowd was typical of the response they got every night on that tour. Perhaps it was best summed up by a review the following morning on CHOM-FM as we were heading home: "It isn't very often you get to go to a show and find yourself singing along with every single song...last night at the Bell Centre, I was!" If you're a Guess Who fan...this is the one to get if you want a representation of them doing their best live performances. My one gripe, and it's minor, is that two songs they performed in Montreal had been eliminated from their set list by the time the bulk of this album was recorded: "Star Baby" and "Heartbroken Bopper". Very minor complaint. The album isn't any worse for it. The band themselves have said that this was the best lineup they could have put together and the best they've ever sounded. I have to agree. Live at the Paramount was great. But THIS was awesome.

Most underrated band ever is back!.......2001-09-05

Miss this one at your own risk. Recorded live during the REAL Guess Who's tour through Canada in 2000, it proves that age has nothing to do with being a great musician. I don't think Randy Bachman has ever played as well as he has on this particular recording. Cheap at twice the price, but avoid virtually anything else that says GUESS WHO LIVE on it; the recording might contain Terry Hatty or Carl Dixon, two of the most laughable GW clones who former member Jim Kale recruited to be part of the ersatz touring band. Hatty's voice never derserved to be preserved on a home cassette recorder, let alone with a professional band. If it doesn't contain Burton Cummings, it's not the Guess Who! PERIOD!

The "Live at the Paramount" reissue is a better value.......2001-09-01

This album has its moments, but it's not worth [the money]. Spend your money instead on the Guess Who's Live at the Paramount record (originally recorded in 1972, I believe), a beautiful CD remastering job by the Buddha record label.

With that said, these guys still have their chops. Randy Bachman is brilliant. Burton Cummings' voice is powerful, although it's a bit nasal on some songs. And the band does a great job with some old Bachman-Turner Overdrive stuff, if those songs are more in line with your tastes.

Don't get me wrong. This record isn't a waste of time or money. But if you're operating on a limited budget, as most of us are, there are better options available to get a similar -- and in some cases, superior -- product.

Old guys can still rock.......2001-06-28

The Guess Who was Canada's premier musical act for much of 1960s and 1970s. But when word started to circulate that a reunion tour was in the works for 2000, many people rolled their eyes. Why put a solid musical reputation on the line?

This album answers that question firmly: Because this band still rocks. Tighter than a grandmother's kiss, Garry Peterson begins the album by laying down the solid beat for Runnin' "Back To Saskatoon," a beat that will remain unwavering throughout the double-disc. The brilliant song-writing team of guitarist Randy Bachman and pianist/singer Burton Cummings is in fine form, belting out the tunes with the same passion and intensity evident when they were first written and released. The regenerated group also includes rock solid bass-man Bill Wallace and underrated rhythm guitarist Donnie McDougall.

One of the highlights of the double-disc is "The Coffee House," an all-acoustic, all-intimate set that introduces seven tunes with a very new and fresh feel. These include Bachman's "Lookin' Out For #1" and "Talisman," a song the band had never performed live before this tour.

The band performs all their old hits, and the screaming audience just can't get enough. Sound quality is excellent, despite a lightning storm that hit Winnipeg as much of the CD was recorded. At one point, after a particularly unpleasant stretch of weather, Burton says "Only in Winnipeg would the crowd stay. We love ya."

Tracks:

Runnin' Back To Saskatoon
Guns Guns Guns
These Eyes
Rain Dance
Glamour Boy
Lookin' Out For #1
Sour Suite
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
Talisman
Let It Ride
Undun
Follow Your Daughter Home

Tracks:

American Woman
Albert Flasher
Hand Me Down World
Orly
Takin' Care Of Business
Laughing
Clap For The Wolfman
Bus Rider
No Time
Share The Land

Customer Reviews:

I enjoyed the live guitar work.......2006-05-09

I have not been a Guess Who fan and did not own any of their music. Then I saw them in a taped live performance shown on PBS. I liked their guitar work and bought this album. I have enjoyed it. Comparing the play list to "Live at the Paramount", this album has 2 more hits: No Sugar Tonight and Undun. I like guitars and do not look for great singing, so I cannot say much about the criticisms other reviewers have made about the singing. My complaint is that they packaged some dumb pseudo-blues piece with "American Woman." There is 6 minutes of crud preceeeding "American Woman." If they had packaged the crud as a separate song I could index past it on my CD player. Too bad they bundled them together. I do enjoy the album.

went to concerts.......2005-11-10

musicianship excellent. voice, for burt at least, is gone. to bad because it was great. man that guy could sing, anyone who has ever heard "humpty's blues" knows what i mean. oh well, you had a good run. everyone gets old. maybe pure jazz or some other redirection of material(think brian eno). ya still got that wheatfield soul. can't lose that.

just don't try to sing what you can't anymore. hey, you're lucky, most of the rest of us never could.

Know when to say stop!.......2005-01-03

If everyone who ever liked this band were asked, What makes the Guess Who definitive sound?, the answer has to be Burton Cummings stellar and unique vocal talentss. Listen to Live at the Paramount and hear him sing in all his glory when his vocal chops were still intact. Paul McCartney's recent live album also suffers from aged vocals, but it's a bit more listenable, probably because he just didn't sing that many hard rockers. Sad to say, that Cummings, another 60ish (as in years old) rocker wasn't as fortunate. His lead vocals are bloody awful and it almost sounds like a bad Cummings impersonator belting the songs out. It's too painful to listen to very long. Just get Live at the Paramount and enjoy the band at their best. I went to a concert about 15 years ago that started out with Steppenwolfe and headlined The Guess Who. Fortunately, John Kay was still singing well and they rocked the house. As for The Guess Who, I'm not sure who was in the lineup, but it sure wasn't Cummings singing the lead. They were literally booed off the stage! You can show your support for the original band by seeing them in concert, but don't encourage them by buying up CDs like this. Sad to say, it's over and these guys should just kick back and reflect upon the hellofa ride that they had. Either that or find someone who can sing exactly like Cummings use to. Cummings really drags the rest of the band down despite his enthusiastic efforts. If you think I'm kidding, PLEASE take advantage of Amazon's track cuts and listen for yourself. It's a pity that what once was the starring vehicle for this band is now the weakest link. Take a pass on this CD regardless of how big a fan you were or are. I give this four stars for the material minus two stars for the actual production of these great, old rockers.

For competists only.......2004-02-23

This 2-CD set is or die-hard completists only.It's nice to see the group back together,and this set is undoubtedly a good souvenir if you were at one of these shows.The group's playing ablity is intact,and these mid to late 50-ish musicians gave their audience a satisfactory evening of entertainment,but the 4-pack a day smoking of which lead singer/pianist Burton Cummings once boasted has taken its' toll.His voice is fried to a crisp,and almost unrecognizably different from the voice on the old 1968-76 RCA albums.His voice is now whiny and constricted in the upper part of his range.Stick with one of RCA's hits packages,and hear the group in its'heyday.

Hard to Improve on the Original---Even For the Original.......2003-02-13

Live at the Paramount by The Guess Who can't be improved upon, even though this is a valiant effort. After 30 years of enjoying the original, I don't begrudge buying this but it sure is missing the reckless abandon of youth that makes Live at the Paramount a rock classic and a definite must-have. The modern production of burying the vocals is the exact opposite of the original and the electric piano,compared to the original, is bunk. Buy Live at the Paramount and Running Back Through Canada will really make you appreciate the original live classic even more. No one can sing like 1972's Burton Cummings but you've got to give 2002's Burton credit for giving us his best effort. Young and good beats old and good in boxing...and rock. Sigh.

R&B Music:

R&B Music

r&b music

Recommended Music:

Come & Get Yr Love/Your Love [CD-single] [Import]

Mendelssohn: String Quartets Nos. 1 & 2; Fugue Op. 81/4

Kajanus Conducts Sibelius [Box set]

Music CD: Mejores Temas de Telenovelas

In Haze Of Time

La Morte Del Miracoli [Import]

Live Experience [Live]

Let Your Mercies

Ka-Ching [CD-single]

High Till I Die: Remix 2000 [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics] [Special Edition]

Kiss of Fire [Import] [Original recording remastered]

My Funny Valentine [Import]

Hollands Goud [Import]

Next Millennium

Home Is Where the Heart Is