As if it were issued with the free bar of soap you receive in the mail or the prize at the bottom of the Cracker Jack box, everyone in the world seems to own "Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits: 1974-78" album.
His unique style of guitar rock is unmistakable to many different generations of fans, and several promise to show up at Leede Arena tonight at 8 p.m.
His arrival in Hanover today marks his sixth date on the Space Cowboy Tour and he figures to play all of the classics that his fans will expect. With no opening act, they might just have enough time to play the top 10 songs listed below.
- 'Dance, Dance, Dance'
This selection may be argued by some, but from start to finish, it is the most well-constructed song written by Miller. It has a country-western feel whose beautiful harmonies make the song an enjoyable experience whether singing or dancing along. The lyrics are solid, once again characteristic of Miller's affinity for story-telling.
- 'True Fine Love'
This song walks the fine line between an upbeat rock piece and a slow ballad. Although Miller's grammar ("I ain't complainin'") is not pure, the harmonies are. The open fifths and good blend give the song a happy dance feel.
- 'Take the Money and the Run'
Miller's best and most entertaining story on the CD. Anyone who pulls off the rhyming of facts, Texas and taxes in a song deserves an enormous amount of credit. The sets of claps throughout the piece are a nice touch.
- 'The Joker'
This is Miller's best-known song and one that is seemingly required at every seventh grade school dance in the nation. The lyrics find a happy medium between ridiculous and charming. The song features one of the greatest metaphors in rock history, "I really love your peaches, wanna shake your tree."
For those who are looking for ultimate clarification on "The Pompatus of Love," Miller was happy to oblige in an interview. "It doesn't mean anything. It's jive talk," he said.
- 'Jet Airliner'
At this point in the CD, the listener realizes that if Miller's songs were any longer than three minutes that they would all be a dismal failure. Jet Airliner is just another Miller ditty whose chorus is of a sing-songy nature and which utilizes wacky instruments like the wind machine.
- 'Jungle Love'
The rhyming lyrics make it a favorite to any and all who have listened to it on more than one occasion. The captivating and very interesting lyrics often make those listening ponder, "What was he thinking?" But, he saves himself by speaking universal truths, of sort, "Everything's better when wet."
- 'Rock 'n Me'
A geography lesson -- Steve Miller Band style. Miller mentions 13 cities in the song whose lyrics go nowhere. Fortunately for Miller, the guitar rifts in this song are amazing at times and once again the percussion keeps the listener's attention.
- 'Swingtown'
This song's driving beat and passionate vocals make it a Steve Miller Band classic. The highlight on the drums in this song are also symptomatic of the group's style.
- 'Living in the USA'
Its harsh driving beat makes this song into a truly patriotic one. Hopefully this will be the only song played from Miller's other Greatest Hits album, one which is far inferior from the popular 1974-1978 album.
- 'Fly Like An Eagle'
Syncopated rhythms and some unconventional instruments like synthesizers and wind machines make this song a pleasure. Seal's remake displays just how versatile this song is; it can be played through any genre of music.
