At Polydor, the Rhythm Section tightened its sound and began touring relentlessly; subsequently, their first several releases for the company - Third Annual Pipe Dream (1974), Dog Days (1975), and Red Tape (1976) - accrued the band's first chart action. But with the two albums that followed, Rock & Roll Alternative (1977) and Champagne Jam (1978), ARS began churning out smash singles and became major stars. Things slumped after that - artistically and commercially - and after a comeback of sorts (Quinella, 1981) on a new label, the Atlanta Rhythm Section broke up. In the mid-90's, however, the group reunited and recommenced their stage and recording career.

To collect the Classics IV's numerous hits, I recommend The Best Of Dennis Yost And The Classics IV (Taragon), originally part of the Legendary Masters Series issued by EMI in the early 90's. In the alternative, seek out Atmospherics: Complete Career Collection 1966-1975, a disc from Australian label Raven that covers a little more ground. As for the Rhythm Section proper, their best albums - some of which may prove hard-to-find - are fine examples of a rather nebulous genre (southern rock/jazz/pop fusion?). Certainly, they are worthwhile purchases for fans, old or new. Thankfully, UK label Gott Discs began reissuing the LP's in 2-on-1 CD format in 2005.

The Best Of The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor), though, is recommended for most consumers. It incorporates all but one of ARS' 14 charted hits ("Alien," recorded for Columbia), including their stylish 1979 update of the Classic IV's "Spooky." Universal's The Millennium Collection: The Best of Atlanta Rhythm Section (part of the label's enormous, generic 20th Century Masters series) is an acceptable, cheaper, briefer substitute. But, roughly estimated, another jillion "best of" packages litter the marketplace, mostly aimed towards the truck-stop, impulse-purchase demographic. Proceed with caution.

The best feature of the Atlanta Rhythm Section's music was the cool, snaky groove they laid down under their smart pop songs. Sounding as light as air, ARS threw a lot of weight behind their music, both in terms of professional craftsmanship and songcraft. But the boys from Doraville could rock, as well. Their mathematically precise, lightning quick instrumental prowess will surprise fans who know them only from the handful of hits still played on classic rock or oldies radio. [top of page]