Blues Traveler - 1,000,000 People Can't Be Wrong (1994)

A&M Records produced a promotional version of Blues Traveler's 1994 album Four to convince DJs and critics that the band was legit and ready to burst on the scene. Titled 1,000,000 People Can't Be Wrong, it played on the famous Elvis Presley album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong, which was a volume of the King's greatest hits. This two-CD set comes with original art befitting of a traveling band: a musical equipment case with faux shipping and name/address labels. Disc one is the full version of Four, but disc two is the real gem: Blues Traveler's greatest hits, including a live version of a song only found on another, more rare promo, On Tour Forever. Die-hard fans of any band can debate the inclusions and exclusions on this kind of disc, and 1,000,000 People Can't Be Wrong is no exception. The album is fascinating because the ten songs are those A&M believed were the most mainstream and impressive from the band's first three albums. The disc starts with "But Anyway," but some will question nearly every other song. "Gina," "Mulling it Over," and "Dropping Some NYC" from Blues Traveler, but not "Alone" or "Crystal Flame"? "Optimistic Thought" and "Sweet Pain" are no brainers, but "What's for Breakfast" from Travelers and Thieves and not "The Best Part" and "All in the Groove"? "Conquer Me," "Defense and Desire," and "Love and Greed," but not "Believe Me" or "Love of My Life" from Save His Soul? Well, while 1,000,000 People Can't Be Wrong refers to the fans who discovered this great band, the collection is not for them. These tunes may not be the best Blues Traveler songs, but they are, perhaps, the most representative. "Breakfast," for example, showcases Popper's harp chops and also the band's tight groove, lead by an impressive rhythm section. "Conquer" is wistful, while not being as depressing as "Letter From a Friend" (and it is a full four minutes shorter than the incendiary "Mountain Cry"). Remembering this is not a fan-only disc, but an attempt to sell the strengths of the band to non-fans, is convincing. Still, "Defense and Desire" and not "Fledgling"? Maybe only 999,000 people can't be wrong!