The Hollies: Look Through Any Window 1963-1975

The Hollies might not have been in the highest tier of '60s British Invasion groups, but they were close, as evidenced in this fine compilation of over 20 songs. Like almost all Brit bands of the era, the Hollies started out playing blues and R&B covers (e.g., “Rockin' Robin” and “Just One Look”); but even at that early stage, the soaring harmony vocals of lead singer Allan Clarke, rhythm guitarist Graham Nash, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks defined their sound. A brilliant run of pop singles followed, including “I'm Alive,” “Look Through Any Window,” and “Bus Stop” (the latter two written by Graham Gouldman, later of 10cc); by the time “Stop Stop Stop” and “Carrie Anne” arrived, the Clarke-Hicks-Nash team was writing most of the group's material (Nash left in 1968 to join Stephen Stills and David Crosby). But the Hollies never went on to progress much beyond the status of reliable Top 40 hit-makers, with post-Nash singles including “The Air That I Breathe,” “Long Cool Woman,” and “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.” Recorded in the U.K., Germany, Sweden, Yugoslavia, and Holland, these performances are in black-and-white and color, with consistently superb remastered sound and visuals; many are live, and almost all are complete. The DVD also includes fascinating footage of the group recording “On a Carousel” at Abbey Road, and interspersed throughout are illuminating interviews with Clarke, Nash, Hicks, and drummer Bobby Elliott. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, this is highly recommended. (S. Graham)