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Lee Michaels - Heighty Hi: The Best of Lee Michaels

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As long as there are classic rock and oldies radio stations there will be plenty of exposure for Lee Michaels as his 1971 hit "Do You Know What I Mean" remains an airplay staple 45-years on.

Busy these days running his Killer Shrimp restaurant in Marina Del Rey, California, Michaels is retired from the music business, all the more reason for longtime fans to cheer this 20-cut compilation.

The Vietnam War-era protest song "The War" is included and unfortunately for mankind the song's dire lyrics still strike home today; somewhat amusingly, the non-LP cut "Goodbye, Goodbye" appears sequentially right next to the better-known "Hello."

Michaels' keyboard work shines throughout and while lengthy, extended cuts are generally not his thing, there's plenty of great organ riffing going on, notably on the gospel pop of "Keep the Circle Turning" and a take on T-Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday."

Many Michaels fans no doubt had most of these songs in their vinyl collection at one point and this compilation offers a chance to rediscover those long lost tunes; for hardcore fans Manifesto has also released The Complete A&M Album Collection, a 7-CD box set.


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