Lynyrd Skynyrd Extended Versions: Encore Collection (BMG) CD

The budget-priced Extended Versions series usually focuses on live tracks by veteran classic rock artists. But the Lynyrd Skynyrd edition is one of the few entries to feature studio tracks amidst the live cuts. Including tracks from the latter-day, Johnny Van Zant era of Skynyrd, the majority of the selections are newer tunes, including such standouts as "Berneice" and "O.R.R.," with only a smattering of live versions of classics -- "What's Your Name?," "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," etc. While the modern-day Skynyrd does an admirable job of re-creating the vibe of their definitive lineup, it doesn't hold up to One More from the Road, one of the finest live rock albums of all time. But if you're curious to hear what Skynyrd has been up to in recent times, Extended Versions is a worthy, and very affordable, collection. ~ Greg Prato
BMG Special Products' Extended Versions contains latter-day live recordings from a reincarnated version of Lynyrd Skynyrd. In other words, it's of marginal interest for anyone other than a hardcore fan -- and even those hardcore fans are likely to admit that these particular versions don't capture the band at their best, since the reunited band was capable of some good moments, as other live recordings prove. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine