A compilation of the two Guitar Zeus albums originally released back in 1996 and 2001, which were as rare as rocking horse pooh here in the UK!

The core of the band are all ex-Blue Murder members - drummer Carmine Appice (King Kobra/Vanilla Fudge), bassist Tony Franklin (Whitesnake/The Firm) and vocalist Kelly Keeling. Joining them on each track were various guitar legends plus a few celebrities like Steven Seagal on the blues instrumental 'Gz Blues' and tennis star John McEnroe.

There are some good tunes on here notably 'Days Are Nights' with Ted Nugent strumming up a storm alongside Franklin's ultra loud funky bass runs. Brian May makes 'Nobody Knew' - the best tune on here it has to be said.

The problem with many of the songs though is that although they showcase the guest guitarist admirably, the songs seem to come second place like 'Where You Belong', sure Slash is on form but the lyrics and overall tune are lacking.

That said Carmine Appice does a mean version of Rod Stewart's 'Do You Think I am Sexy' - very much in the style of Vanilla Fudge's cover of 'You Keep Me Hangin' On'. Load guitars and almost spoken vocals making it sound nothing at all like the original - and all the better for it!

Other guests include Steve Morse, Richie Sambora, Mick Mars and Neal Schon.

Worth getting if you are a fan of any of the guitarists mentioned just a shame that some of the songs weren't a bit stronger.

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie