Jukes! The New Jersey Collection

Completes my Jukes trifecta (joining The Fever: The Remastered Epic Recordings and The Mercury Years). While none of these discs reach the heights of the band's greatest elpee (the remarkable final Epic release, Hearts of Stone), all three are solid journeyman efforts by one of the hardest working stage acts in rock 'n' roll. Messin' With the Blues (produced by the great E Street Band bass player Garry Tallent) does just that; instead of doing a covers album of classic blues tunes, Southside and the gang deliver a steaming set of mostly originals, with a few tasty covers thrown in (Tom Waits' great Gin-Soaked Boy a standout). Going To Jukesville is a throwback to the Jukes' roots, and it has the feel of an artist finding his way back home. Among its highlights: Baby Don't Lie, I Won't Sing, and the Goffin / King classic No Easy Way Down. Into The Harbour just may be the best of the trio. A carefully blended mix of tasty covers and Jukes originals, the disc plays like a well-planned live set. The band takes on the Stones (Happy), Tom Waits (Hang Down Your Head), Richard Thompson (Tear-Stained Letter), and Delbert McClinton (When Rita Leaves) and delivers the goods every time. They also deliver a boat-load of solid originals, including Dancing on the Edge of the World, The Time Between (with contributions from ex-Rascal Felix Cavaliere), and the terrific title song. Very good to great music, well-produced, played and sung, nicely packaged, and at a bargain price -- who could ask for more? Highly recommended to Jukes fans and lovers of real, made from the heart rock 'n roll.

After a career of having record labels mishandle his music, Southside Johnny Lyons decided to take total control of the product and start his own small label. “The New Jersey Collection” contains the first three studio releases from his own Leroy Records label. After the time, effort, help from friends and hype of 1991’s “Better Days” failed to launch the band into the mainstream spotlight they richly deserved The Jukes went on hiatus and Johnny relocated to Nashville.It was in E Street Band member Gary Talent’s recording studio in Nashville where in 2000 Messing With The Blues was recorded. In the past, most Jukes albums were influenced by R&B and soul, where this time the band got down and dirty. Cadillac Jack may be among the best recordings the band has ever done. Gin Soaked Boy And Looks Like Rain are other favorites.Two years later the band returns to it’s musical roots with Going To Jukesville. Right out of the gate the horn section intro to Passion Street hooks you, again ranking among the finest work they’ve done. This is also a transitional album with Jeff Kazee becoming Southside’s musical partner in crime as Bobby Bandiera became more involved with Bon Jovi.2005’s Into The Harbour kicks off in high gear with an amazing cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Happy” and also includes a great rendition of “When Rita Leaves” written by Delbert McClinton.Although none of the three albums matches the perfection of their Hearts Of Stone album (for my money the best album to come from the Jersey Shore), these three albums match and often pass other time periods in The Jukes lengthy history. If you appreciate quality music, this collection should not disappoint.

Albums and tracks that are hard to find streaming.A great period for SSJ and the Jukes.

There are some great moments in this collection. And it is all very listenable(if that's a word)? It just misses the the mark as far as memorable songs. The only song title I can recall without consulting the label is the meloncholy tinged "Into the harbor". To be fair there is a lot of material here and there may be more gems hidden in the mass of material. This is really three releases. Compared to much of the drivel foisted on us by record companies these days, it is worth the admission price to hear a real band playing real instruments. Enjoyable.

If you're a fan of horn-driven, soul-influenced rock and roll or a fan of Southside's first three albums, this is for you. Just fantastic music.

This box set is excellent!! It harkens back to the days of "Hearts Of Stone" and before!! My wife and I thoroughly loved it!!!

The Jukes always have a good sound!

If you don't have any southside albums this would be a good start. However, it is misleading that this album has new songs - just same old songs rehashed on this record.

Brilliant compilation - shame the CD case was smashed.

Three albums that signified a toal return to form after a decade of silence, thank you Mr Lyons and friends.

great music set !!!!! Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are the best working band out there!!!! they blend rock,soul and blues in their music and put on the best gigs around!!!!! Awsome !!!!!!

Que du bonheur. A RECOMMANDER