DIVIDED WE STAND

Back in the mid seventies, the Dixie Dregs invented thier own brand of fusion, country jazz rock. This collection was released by Arista before any of the individual albums were available on CD, probably to test the waters for the full albums.

Although the label says the songs were digitally remastered for the collection, the mix is top heavy. The high end is way too hot. Maybe back in 1989 they hadn't quite gotten the hang of the whole digital thing.

The song selection is not bad, showcasing all aspects of the bands talents, the fusion, the funk, the country, etc. The only unreleased track on the disk is a studio remake of "Take It Off The Top". And I question the inclusion of the "Unsung Heroes" recording of "Cruise Control". While the all around playing on this version is better than the "Free Fall" recording, it lacks the spectacular round robin solo section that was a highlight of Dregs concerts.

3.5 stars, rounded up because, hey, it's the Dregs.