Greatest Hits Live (King Biscuit Flower Hour, 2003)

Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen sound just as "lost"(style-wise, at least) from the current music scene now, as they must havecome off back in 1976 when this concert was initially recorded. In much thesame way Asleep At The Wheel carries on the western swing tradition, Codyand his band mates were experts at making vintage sounds somehow sound new.

Anybody with an AM Radio back in the Seventies is no doubt familiarwith the fast-talking car song "Hot Rod Lincoln," which is by far the band'sbiggest claim to fame and closes out this 13-track album. But there was somuch more to this talented outfit - which also sported Bill Kirchen's hotguitar licks - than that novelty hit alone might lead you to believe. Here,western swing is covered with "San Antonio Rose," "The House Of Blue Lights" cries the blues, "Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar" boogie woogies and "Cold Country Blues" adds a dash of moaning country to the mix. It all goes to show off the good commander's firm command over so many differing styles of music.

It's truly a treat to once again fly Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen's airwaves of endless variety.