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Editorial Reviews

Having endured the loss of yet another bandmember with the passing of original bassist Leon Wilkinson, Lynyrd Skynyrd pick up the pieces yet again and delivers the goods on Vicious Cycle the way only they can. Lyrically, the band hasn't stretched out its list of topics in any new directions, but quite honestly, who cares? This is Skynyrd. This isn't music to study to or scratch your chin by -- this isn't the soundtrack to relaxing nights sipping instant coffee and talking about deep feelings. This is homegrown music that's about partying and rock & roll, with a little bit of contemplative soul-searching mixed in for good measure. The music is still top-notch, probably the best it's been since the early '90s. And while the obvious absence of Ronnie VanZant will forever haunt the group like a bad plague, his brother has more than adequately been up to the task -- filling those giant shoes with the same passionate dirt and grit in his vocals as Ronnie did all those years ago. The band is the same, still rocking harder than most, even after all these years. And for once the phrase "bonus track" lives up to that title; a duet of "Gimme Back My Bullets" between Skynyrd and nu-metal spokesman of the moment Kid Rock is simply the icing on the cake. Easily Skynyrd's best work in years and a welcome return to form for one of rock's most treasured assets. [The special edition includes a bonus DVD with the video for "Red White and Blue," a video collage of the band's 30-year history called "Simple Man," interviews with bandmembers, footage and musical outtakes from Skynyrd's 2003 European tour, a slide show historical scrapbook, and previously unseen film footage from the original Skynyrd band and its subsequent versions. Face it, this is for Skynyrd fanatics only, but if you are one, you won't be sorry you bought it.] Rob Theakston, All Music Guide

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