Lynyrd Skynyrd: Street Survivors (Deluxe Edition) 

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Street Survivors (Deluxe Edition) is a re-release of the band’s fifth studio album, originally released in 1977, just days before the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. The original album featured hits such as “What’s Your Name” and “That Smell,” and was met with commercial success.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was a prominent Southern rock band of the 1970s, joining the likes of The Allman Brothers Band and Blackfoot. The band was named after their high school gym teacher and administrator, Leonard Skinner, who was known for enforcing strict rules on the students.

Originally, the band was called “Leonard Skinnerd,” but they changed it to “Lynyrd Skynyrd” before releasing their first album, Pronounced ‘Leh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, in 1973. This album featured the iconic hit song “Free Bird,” which helped skyrocket the band to fame. Their second album, “Second Helping,” released in 1974, featured another hit song, “Sweet Home Alabama,” solidifying their position as a top band in the genre.

Their fifth album, Street Survivors, marked the peak of the band’s successful era with the classic-lineup albums. Tragically, just three days after the album’s release, the band’s lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Ronnie Van Saint, and the band’s guitarist, Steve Gans, were killed in a plane crash. 

As a result, the band decided to disband, and the album’s cover art was changed in future printings to feature a black-and-white photo of the band members on a black background, instead of the original image of them standing in the middle of a fire pit. The black background design remained for many years until an expanded version of the album was released recently, featuring the original cover art.

In 2008, to commemorate the album’s 30th anniversary, the Deluxe Edition of “Street Survivors” was released on a two-CD set includes the original album remastered, as well as several bonus tracks. The second disc of the deluxe edition is a live recording from a concert in 1977, just two months prior to the plane crash. The live recordings showcase Lynyrd Skynyrd’s energy and raw talent, and include several of their greatest hits, such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”

The album is significant in that it represents the last recordings of the original lineup of the band and serves as a tribute to the lives and talent of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. The addition of the live recordings gives fans a glimpse into the band’s dynamic live performances and allows for a deeper appreciation of their music.

One of the hallmarks of Southern rock music is its blend of blues, country, folk, and psychedelic sounds, as well as long improvisational jamming. This unique quality can be heard in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s hit song “Free Bird,” which showcases the band’s talent for guitar solos and jamming.

Ronnie Van Zant’s powerful vocals add a unique quality that sets the song apart from other rock classics. The Deluxe Edition includes various versions of “Free Bird,” including one studio version where the guitar solo stretches out longer than the original album version, showcasing the guitarists’ skills.

Another standout song on the album is ” I Never Dreamed,” featuring an excellent guitar riff and a captivating piano accompaniment that adds style and flair to the song. While the other instruments play riffs and hooks, the piano takes the spotlight and showcases its brilliance in a captivating way.

The second CD of the Deluxe Edition includes studio versions of songs recorded during the album-making period but ultimately cut, including “Georgia Peaches” and “Sweet Little Missy” Additionally, the album includes a song called “Jacksonville Kid,” originally composed by Ronnie Van Zant and renamed from ” Honky Tonk Night Time Man” to reflect his own biography. 

Five live versions of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s songs, recorded just two months before the tragic plane crash. These live performances bring new life to the music and enhance the overall experience of the album.

After the tragedy, Lynyrd Skynyrd remained quiet for many years until 1987, when the remaining members regrouped with Ronnie’s younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, as their new lead singer. The band continues to work together to this day, keeping the legacy of Southern rock alive.

Overall, “Street Survivors Deluxe Edition” is a powerful and emotional release that pays tribute to one of the most influential bands in Southern rock history. It serves as a reminder of the talent and legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd and is a must-have for fans of the band and Southern rock enthusiasts.

Track listing (Deluxe Edition, 2008)

Disc 1 (Original)

1. What’s Your Name
2. That Smell
3. One More Time
4. I Know A Little
5. You Got That Right
6. I Never Dreamed 
7. Honky Tonk Night Time Man
8. Ain’t No Good Life

 Disc 2 (Criteria Studios Album & Live In California, สิงหาคม 1977)

Criteria Studios Album

1. What’s Your Name 
2. That Smell 
3. You Got That Right
4. I Never Dreamed
5. Georgia Peaches 
6. Sweet Little Missy
7. Sweet Little Missy
8. Ain’t No Good Life 
9. That Smell
10. Jacksonville Kid

Live In California, Aug 1977   

1. You Got That Right 
2. That Smell
3. Ain’t No Good Life
4. What’s Your Name
5. Gimme Three Steps