This CD is not a direct reproduction of the LP. This was originally a double album,that has been fit on a single CD. Among others, "157 Riverside Avenue", a classic live cut has been severely edited, removing what is, in my opinion, the best part of the entire album. If you are looking for the full version, blow the dust off your turntable and break out the vinyl.

Recent update: I have since scored the Jap pressing of this CD...Faithful in every way...They even printed it onb 2 CD's and included "Little Queenie" which had been omitted previously.....The sound is wonderful....very full and you can really feel (and hear) Greg Philbins bass now.....The overall mix is superb.....If you love the classic REO lineup....Then you REALLY need to grab this CD before it disappears.

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I had a big laugh reading the other reviews by the so-called REO authorities....my suggestion to these other folks.....you need to DO YOUR HOMEWORK before spouting off..by doing so...you demonstrated that you really dont have a clue about who REO really is and where they came from......1st off....Roll with the changes wasn't recorded till the "Tuna fish" lp...which followed this 1976 album in 1978....That is just the first conclusion these uninformed people jumped to. If they would have even READ the liner notes...they would have seen that this recording was from the 1975 tour....which preceeded the TUNA FISH lp by almost 3 years.

As far as sound quality...the overall sound is a tad bright and lacks a strong bottom end....but this can easily be compensated with your EQ or tone controls on your HiFi....also..the output of the recording is slightly weak...I am guessing they did this to hold the noise level down...Once again....an EQ will correct this.

I have been an REO fan since they came on the scene in 1971....as I am from central illinois...This album was recorded while the lineup of 1975....including original bassist Greg Philbin was still onhand...and in my opinion, he defined the trademark REO bass sound. Listen to his bass lines throughout the album...the playing is very strong and he gives the band a "lean into it affect" that pushes them, while maintaining a constant groove.....this was what they were known for. Many REO enthusiasts, such as myself; prefer this lineup over the later band. The songs were performed with a much stronger sincerity and less syrupy sellout, that became a trademark after 1980's Hi-Infidelty. Those who remember the REO from the first 6 albums, will have fond memories of an authentic concert band, who could hold their own against any of their contemporaries.

Bruce Hall is a great bassist...He just has a different bass technique than Greg Philbin.....Something more along the line of bassist from Journey...Foreigner...Boston....and other bands that dominated the latter 70s and early 80s.

Now.....If you want my opinion....which you're getting...whether you like it or not......this album is complete in every way shape and form....THE ONLY TRACKS THAT HAVE BEEN OMITTED ARE.."Garys guitar solo" and "Little Queenie"...I can fully understand why Garys solo was left off....it sucked and was overindulgent BS....But if you recall the T.W.O LP from 1972...Little Queenie was a major rocker and even extended it out with the help of Memphis, TN sax lengend Boots Randolph (Yackety sax fame)..and they do a very good live rendition on the Live LP...altho it got cut too short...all the other songs are complete and as they originally appeared on the vinyl lp.

For the price....this cd is far from being a ripoff.....the people who criticized and condemned this cd are people who became REO fans after 1980 and have absolutely no idea of the band that existed before that time...and they would also have no appreciation for a band that was truly a creative, driving force in the midwest...back in 1971-1976..before they became nationally famous.

BUY THE CD AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF...YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!

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later note.....the 4 people who didn't find this helpful were obviously those who prefer the post 1980 version of REO....To them...all I can say is......I sympathize the fact you were born late and missed the best musical period this band ever had. (1971-76)

This is what happens when you hand over an important decision to the wrong person. Disaster is the natural consequence. The guy who took editorial decisions in this CD, either never heard of (pre-commercial) REO or just doesn't give a damn about excellent music. Indeed, what this guy did should be illegal and I firmly believe that he should be punished. The old vinyl version is simply a masterpiece and this one is just a dismembered version. But it still has some value, I guess. As a torn and stained famous painting still has some value. Just be aware that, by buying this CD, you are really getting a torn and stained masterpiece and, worse still, you are probably condoning the irresponsible individual who did the cutting. And yes, Little Queenie, the complete 157 Riverside Avenue, Gary's Guitar Solo and Flying Turkey Trot are well worth one star each.

Can't tell you how many times I listened to this album in the 70's and 80's. Almost listened to it non-stop to Florida and back for spring break back then. My friends and I heard Little Queenie over and over and over. As soon as I found out that Little Queenie was cut from the CD release, I returned it. I suppose that I'll have to wait until someone at the studio hears enough complaints to re-release the original full album version of this REO masterpiece. I don't know what to say about my disappointment of 157 Riverside either. Should have been left as it was. Somebody really screwed up tampering with an old favorite, and it seems I'm not alone in feeling this way!

I listened to the vinyl until my turntable died. When I found it on CD, I was elated. UNTIL I found that the best part of the recording (Gary's Guitar Solo, Flying Turkey Trot, 157 Riverside Avenue) was NOT how it was originally recorded. I made a b-line to the store and returned it. Sony, PLEASE release a COMPLETE two CD version. Charge whatever you want for it. I don't care. JUST DO IT!