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The question occurs to me, Why is ... advertising this album if it is out of print? I tried to order this CD a couple of months ago and was told that none of the distributors could supply it. My local dealer told me the same thing. And yet it has been released on CD, evidenced by the presence of other customer reviews, unless these are also reviewing the original release.

I sincerely hope this album is brought back in print as it is a sadly neglected classic from an underrated band that did more than simply try to follow in the Beatles' giant footsteps.


BUYER BEWARE!!! This CD is in MONO !!!!   February 20, 2005
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

What a shame. This overlooked Hollies masterpiece gets shafted by some genius in France!<>
I was so eager to get this import after years of wearing out my old 1973 vinyl copy that I could hardly wait. When the package arrived I tore off the plastic to discover classy and well designed packaging with several bonus tracks. By now I was certain that I was in for some sonic heaven that would bring this collection alive in a fresh digital way. Then....the unbelievable discovery of a mono CD which was not only maddening but very puzzling. What were these idiots thinking? The original release was stereo. By 1973, all mono had been cast aside -except for AM Top 40 radio stations who would be shipped double sided 45's with both stereo and mono versions.<>
What possible reason would anyone have to prefer this in mono? Especially the dull and dead mono of this release? Some of the Beatles and Beach Boys stuff in the 60's is okay that way but Romany is flat, bleak and bland and all the energy of the album the way you remember it is not here!
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So what were they thinking?? Surely it must have been some sort of horrible gaffe. At some point during the final mastering, some ingrate at the board bumped the stereo switch off and without the proper final screening ...the darn thing hit the streets.
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As an album, Romany is absolutely top notch and to me is the lost Hollies classic. With Allan Clarke's departure, the time was right for a bit of a turn in direction and Michael Rikfors husky baritone was well matched for the moody songs here. To such an extent that I can't even hear Allan singing some of these. Especially songs like Down River and Touch. What this album lacked was a big hit single. With that, it would have been discovered for what it is. A superb collection that is very satisfying and for those of us who know, ranks as one of the Hollies best...believe it or not.
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But....you have been warned about this CD!!! I wouldn't plop down $25 bucks for it. I got hosed...and I'm back to my old vinyl edition. I think I'll buy one of those pc software programs that cleans up the pops and scratches on a record.


No Substitute For the Real Thing   June 4, 2001
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

If you take the Hollies and substitute Mikael Rikfors for Allan Clarke, what do you get? Well, sort of a Mikael Rikfors solo album with the Hollies providing instrumentals and backup vocal harmonies. I hate Rikfors doing solo ballads: songs such as "Touon" and "Words Don't Come Easy" bore me to tears. When the band barriers Rikfors' voice in background (Jesus Was A Crossmaker), the grandeur of the Hollies harmonies remains intact.

Despite (or as a result of) Rikfors' presence, the Hollies have seldom rocked with such vigor. "Won't We Feel Good That Morning," "Slow Down" and "Courage Of Your Convictions" are potent power-pop compositions heavy on rhythm and bass guitar work.

Romany features all the Hollies signature elements, but still, there's no substitute for the real thing.

Budget conscious collectors should search for the Hollies EMI "Boxes." Released in 1995, each contains four Hollies' CDs replicating the original vinyl LP format, and selling for about forty dollars.