5 comments about 26/6/00 - Sporthalle, Hamburg, Germany.

1. Out of 25 shows in the European Bootleg series, this one from Hamburg, Germany takes the prize (barely)from the Praha show. Everything is clicking, thundering, and even stumbling the way it's supposed to. The band and the crowd do not let technical difficulties (only a few) get in their way of having a rip-roaring good time. If you can only afford one or two of these Official Bootlegs, this is Pearl Jam at it's best.



2. Arguably the greatest rock band of the 90's, Pearl Jam still has it nine years after the release of their breakthrough album "Ten." They rock the house in Hamburg, Germany. After all the disputes that have plauged the history of America's relationship with Germany, the German fans were astonished enough to rave "U.S.A.,U.S.A.,U.S.A.,U.S.A." This goes to show the effect that Pearl Jam has had, not only on the U.S., but internationally as well. The powerfull voice of Eddie Vedder brings the crowd to their feet from "Evenflow" all the way to their cherished "Who" cover, "Baba O' Riley." Pearl Jam sounds better than ever in this CD. The only way I could enjoy Pearl Jam more than listening to this album is to see them live first hand.



3. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. The city of Hamburg, where the Beatles were allowed to hone their chops before conquering the Earth, is still rockin' after all these years. They've got one of the most enthusiastic and energetic crowds of any of Pearl Jam's European shows, and the band returns the favor by delivering a performance of non-stop intensity. This is surely one of the highlights of the European section of the bootleg series, and is a good sampler if you're looking for an example of a heavy, no-nonsense show. Instead of starting off with a ballad as usual (to build the tension), here the band plows straight into some of their heaviest rave-ups - "Breakerfall," "Corduroy," "MFC," and "Go" - and go straight for the throat. The intensity of this performance barely lets up, even on some of the ballads. The performances on the quieter "Faithful," "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter..." and "Present Tense" are sharp and transcendent. Meanwhile, Matt Cameron delivers a muscular groove to propel an extra strong jam session in "Daughter." Even the problems are pretty good in this show. During the rare "Rival," Stone Gossard's amp dies during the second verse. This actually sounds pretty interesting, as the song accidentally takes on a sparse and dark feel. Everything was working tonight, even the technical glitches. There's an interesting moment in the encore when Eddie Vedder leads the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" for Jeff Ament, and it wasn't even his birthday. Apparently the last time they were in town, it was his birthday. Other surprises include the tour's first appearance of "Crazy Mary," which sends the surprised crowd into an emotional frenzy. This song would then appear often in America. Also, the Who's "Baba O'Riley" makes its first appearance, and Pearl Jam's rendition of this classic is flawless, right down to Mike McCready's transformation of the fidgety synthesizer lines into screaming guitar solos.



4. This Pearl Jam concert is quite special. Before the Beatles achieved world-wide recognition they performed at several clubs around Hamburg. It seems fitting that PJ should cover one of their tunes from that era on this show from the same city. The song, SOLDIER OF LOVE, (lyric Cason/Moon; melody S Mark Gunther) was recorded 2 July 1963 with Arthur Alexander. Mercifully, PJ has discarded the "sha la la's". Mr McCready has a powerful, edgy performance which drives songs such as BREAKERFALL, GO, ONCE and PORCH. Mr Vedder brings a sensual pathos to the melancholy BLACK and DAUGHTER. The latter has an extended call & response with the audience which erupts into trance-inducing riffs from the guitars. After a rousing ovation, the band returns for an encore but not before singing Happy Birthday to Mr Jeff Amnet (b). The well-known cover of the WHO's BABA O REILY is dispensed with in a hurried fashion. The band does an admirable job with it, however, the song is such an anthem, it is hard to meet expectations. Mr Vedder sends a postcard home with CRAZY MARY. From a "town that has always been nice to this band," is a very nice concert. Enjoy.



5. This CD is a must have for all Pearl Jam fans! I once went into a local indie record shop and asked an employee for their opinions about the Eurpoean series. A guy there pointed out that this show is one of the best. After buying this CD there and listening to it, I totally agree with that employee. This show really rocks! It's far one of the best show ever recored in Europe. This CD has a few great cover songs and classic originals as well as stuff from 'Bianural'. I was a little disappointed that "Alive" was not in the set for this show. It's one of their best song ever. Overall, this one stands out to best show in Europe, in my humble opinion.

No comments about Threadwaxing Space Live: Compilation 1993-94.

No comments about Eastern Blood Hail To Poland.

5 comments about Live 1969.

1. I still mix it and play it all the time. The only version that holds up to it is Courtney Love's live version (which is also a killer). Docked a star for John Cale who is still arch after all these years (exception: Songs for Drella).



2. `The Velvet Underground Live MCMXCIII (1993)' is a two CD set collected from performances at the Paris (France) L'Olympia Theater. From the response of the audience to the Velvet's performances, I think the myth that only about a thousand people ever actually listened to The Velvet Underground (but, the story goes, each and every one of those thousand started a band influenced by the Velvets.
   
   By some standards, this may not be a `great' live album, in the same league as `The Who Live at Leeds', but I think it is pretty darn good. Since this was recorded at least 25 years after the Velvet's prime and the release of their first two albums, from which most of this material comes, it is really a pleasure to hear Lou Reed and John Cale and Moe Tucker and Sterling Morrison in such good voice. (Well, Moe seems to be a bit raspy and forced on her single solo, but it was done for fun, so it sort of fits).
   
   Since most of the material does come from the first two albums, there is a strong chance that all of your favorites will be here. And, when Lou or John does the vocal on a number originally sung by Nico, I think this live version is actually better, as I was never a big fan of Andy Wharhol's designated chanteuse.
   
   The only number I miss is the last cut of the first album, `European Son to Delmore Schwartz', which was a great closing number. Instead, they close the CDs with a very quiet song, `Coyote', which, frankly, I don't recognize, so it may even be a Lou Reed number.
   
   I am really happy that they stuck to the Velvet's material, even though both Reed and Cale have had successful solo careers. I am also very happy that we have the original four. I don't mean other sidemen couldn't have done as well, but I like to see the original band get the bread for doing the gig and not some pickup musicians backing Reed and Cale.
   
   Thus, to answer the big question on all live or `best of' albums, is this worth the cost of duplicating the numbers. To me, a died in the wool fan and proud owner of two original vinyl albums with banana sticker intact, I believe this is well worth the ability to carry around in one jewel case, an album of good performances by the original band with enthusiastic audience in thrall.



3. If you are a fan, consider this: there are live versions of "The Gift" and "I Heard Her Call My Name" on this record. And they are both not only as good as the versions on White Light/White Heat, but were recorded on modern equipment.
   
   If you are not a fan, you should be. I was aware of this record, but always avoided it for some reason. How could it possibly be good?
   
   Well it is. Lou Reed attempts actual singing more on this record than anything he's recorded since Loaded. He doesn't always succeed. And John Cale rarely succeeds when he sings. (But he does when talking 'The Gift' - go figure.)
   
   But the drums and guitars are everything they ever were, but the sonics improvements provide liftoff at every turn. And the songs are pretty good, too. The band that recorded WL/WH is the one that showed up for this reunion.
   
   The reunion they deserved.



4. I don't know why this album wasn't more popular than it was. I WAS glad to see that it charted in billboard magazine ( #180 ).This is their best live album ! I like it almost as much as their original studio albums. It was a great comback for them. I only wished they reunited and stayed for a while. I highly recommend this cd for any velvets fan old AND new.



5. 'Live MCM...' was recorded on the band's apparently unlikely reunion in 1993.If you're hoping for a stunning record here,you'd probably be a bit let down.It's okay,not great but decent.I've never been THAT huge of a VU fan,but I thought I'd give this disc a shot.Good alternative proto punk,as one might label it.Cuts I dug the most were "All Tomorrow's Parties","After Hours",one of their most memorable,the sedate "Sweet Jane","I'm Waiting For The Man"(I've seen this track covered on Hawkwind and Pink Fairies bootlegs/legit CD's)and "Heroin".Line-up:Lou Reed-guitar&vocals,John Cale-keyboards,Sterling Morrison(R.I.P.)-guitar and Maureen Tucker-drums.

5 comments about Before and After/BBC Sessions.

1. This boxed set is a great example of how much changed when Curtis killed himself. Joy Division is powerful, haunting, and enchanting. The songs recorded here are a great example of why they are considered one of the most powerful and infuential bands of the time. New Order, on the other hand, are a bit contrived and lack the energy of their former selves. The vocals, especially in comparisson to Curtis, are weak and stale. These recordings are worth it for the Joy Division material, and as any fan, for this price, you can have both them and New Order, so it is a must have. Even for big New Order fans to experiece Joy Divison on these recordings is something that makes this worth every penny.



2. this cd set is not for those new to these bands or, to music of this era. Bernard Sumner's sense of pitch is, fluid, and that is awkwardly obvious on these live recordings. the joy division mix is stronger and more worthwhile than the new order one. Joy division are surprisingly good live. their darkness is very well translated by the bbc. I guess its a good price for two cds.



3. This set is worth it just for the Joy Division disk. It's a great recording of an important band. Joy Division was recorded here for the John Peel Show. It's sound quality is excellent as are most of Peel's recordings. The New Order disk on the other hand was recorded live at a large festival and isn't comprised of their best material or their best live recording. Get this one but also get New Order's "The Peel Sessions". That live recording of New Order is amazing.



4. This buy that i pick up beacause in U.S.A. version of (new order international) did not have the bonus 5 tracks.
   But have listen to this 2-cd set it AMAZING SET disc 1 joy division WOW i have all the hook's from stepehen in my head and ian vocal stressing is great to hear do RAW and the pain is there.
   DISC 2 some of the review of this disc are very hard on the boys this is great stuff SISTER RAY is to die for i would love to see these guys in U.S.A. but for now it the cd's that will do-it for me. love and peace to all....



5. This 2-Cd set is a prime example of what exactly transpired before and after Ian Curtis's death. Before, we have one of the landmark bands of the late 70s/early 80s (Joy Division); after, the remaining members continued on with the formation of 80s new wave pop band New Order.
   The Joy Division disc is wonderful. The songs are a prime example of the unpolished live sound Joy Division offers: deep, dark, and brooding as ever, but with an edge. Curtis's vocals are rich and the instuments work together to form a dynamic, more frantic sound. It's a chance to see Joy Division from a different angle than the studio albums offer.
   One might say the New Order disc also offers the listener a different perspective. To call this set "raw and unpolished" is a nice way of putting it. The disc gets better after a few listens, particularly if one stands far away enough from the speakers so as to ignore the oftentimes intolerable vocals. The music works better as background sound when you are busy with something else and don't have the chance to focus on the record's faults. It is apparent that New Order was never meant to be a live band-- so why they bothered releasing this subpar live performance is beyond me.
   I give this set 3 stars because of the superb Joy Division set; the New Order disc is not complete trash, but I would leave it to the die-hard fans. Unless that's you, go for just the Joy Division BBC Recordings (it can be purchased on its own), and stick to New Order's studio recordings.

1 comments about Wiil Rock 95.1 Live.

1. I brought this cd as I am very into incubus and I wasn't expecting it to be that great apart from the part featuring Incubus. I was pleasently surprised, however, to discover all bands on the CD are really good and if your into Incubus then this CD is a good way of checking out bands, in the same genre of music as Incubus. This is well worth listening to.

5 comments about 14/6/00 - Paegas Arena, Praha, Czech Republic.

1. This show and the Milan show are very close in terms of having the title of "Best European Bootleg". This show has quite a few little flaws that are throughout the album, but the energy and setlist make up for that a great deal. The band sounds full of energy, and are enjoying themselves to the fullest. Thats one large thing I look for in a true great live show. Even with its few little flubs, it still manages to be an awesome show period. The show contains awesome versions of Grievance, Animal, Red Mosquito(my favorite version of the song), Pilate, Present Tense, Habit, Untitled, Even Flow, Go, Sleight of Hand, State of Love and Trust, and Do the Evolution. Do the Evolution even has verses messed up and still remains one of the better versions of the song out there. Thats one thing thats cool about this boot is that the mistakes arent really bringing the songs done or making them bad in any way. There is also a cover of Timeless Melody thats kinda hard to come by. It alone is worth buying this. Its a great cover by the band, my favorite cover they have done. The sound quality on this album is also very nice. The bass isnt mixed quite as low as the rest of the Euro boots. Everything can be heard very clearly. The crowd is good as well. So, with flaws and all, its a great live album.



2. Great one. Brilliant version of Present Tense. Eddy says: we are taking things to a next level here. He is right. Only Milan beats this one. When you decide to buy a few bootlegs you definitely have to get this one.



3. Most of the press for this show comes from Eddie Vedder comparing the hot weather to the Devil's rear exhaust duct. Too bad, because this is one hell of a show. Only the Hamburg performance edges it out as Best of the European 2000 Tour. Mike McCready is in especially good form, but the rest of the band is right there, turning up the heat that much more. Eddie's satanic anatomy lesson aside, this one is a scorcher.



4. While other PJ fans have rated this show as a so-so performance, I must admit, the first disc alone is worth the purchase. There are some noticeable mess-ups all over this disc, but it's still a great show (especially the crowd interaction). The "Untitled" song on the first disc is fantastic, with the Czech crowd chiming in prior to a raucous version of "MFC." The highlights of this disc are "I Got Sh*t," "Of the Girl," and an extended "RVM." "SOLAT," my favourite PJ song, is somewhat overshadowed by Stone's initial screw up to start the song (so far, #38 in Columbus has the best rendition of the tour). "Red Mosquito" starts out great, but during the verses, someone is playing some really off chords (Cameron has a great drum fill during the solo). "Go" is pretty solid and "Betterman" includes the "Save it for later" tag and is done fairly well. I felt that this show was above average, and very deserving of a four star review. If you are going to buy only a few of these "official bootlegs," I'd strongly suggest Philadelphia the first night (#45), you won't be disappointed.



5. Disclaimer: Owner of all 72 official PJ bootlegs. This gig in the Czech Republic hasn't gotten much attention, and rarely makes fans' lists of the "best" of the bootleg series. But I feel that this show is the best from the European series. The sound quality is crystal clear, unlike many of the European bootlegs, the crowd is loud and enthusiastic, the set list offers many surprises, and the band is energetic and flawless. While Eddie Vedder keeps the stage talk to a relative minimum, he delivers one of his funniest and sickest moments in the tour when he says "...last time we were here it was really cold...but today it's as hot as the devil's asshole." And he wasn't just talking about the weather.

   The key ingredient in this great performance is Mike McCready, who is positively on fire. Get a load of his incredible soloing in "Red Mosquito" (which makes a rare but very welcome appearance here), "I Got Shit," and his regular showcase "Black." Mike adds freaky and feedback-drenched rhythm work to two more of his personal classics, "Present Tense" (the best performance of this song in the tour) plus "State of Love and Trust." This show also offers above-par versions of "MFC," "Even Flow," and "Go." The moody "Sleight of Hand" makes it first appearance in the tour here. I thought the studio version of this song was rather dull, but it works very well in concert as a slow-burning tension builder. The cover of "Timeless Melody" by The La's is a nice addition, and the four final songs ("State of Love..." through "Yellow Ledbetter") make up one of the most effective closing sequences of the tour.

1 comments about Alive at the F*cker Club.

1. Don't get me wrong, the music on this CD is very good. It's in usual Melvins fashion, heavy and melodic. The thing is, the entire album is less than 22 minutes long. This CD is really for a true Melvins fan. Beginners might want to try something like the "10 songs" album. Or maybe even Honky.

5 comments about The Last Rock 'N' Roll Tour.

1. This is a great live GP disc with the Figgs doing a great job
   backing up. Good mix of songs spanning his career.
   If you're a GP fan it's a must have, track it down if you can. Only GP could make a cheezy prince song rock!!



2. A superb live album from a master. Truth be told, Parker has been slipping down the mudslide toward `adult orientated' material ever since MONA LISA'S SISTER, with little to give fans hope of a return to form until ACID BUBBLE GUM and now his many live releases. This one is particularly excellent, and all the songs sound great, especially the music from ACID BUBBLE GUM. Maybe Parker is on the way back to the top! Who knows? Anyway, buy this little gem; wherever GP is headed it's worth the price, well worth it. I may even have to buy an album by the Figgs.



3. The Figgs ROCK in support of GP. They are the best live band he's had since the Rumour. The guitars simply jump out of the speakers. If you like GP, this is a no-brainer. Buy it and turn it up loud!



4. GRAHAM PARKER

   REVIEW: The Last Rock 'n' Roll Tour

   GRAHAM PARKER AND THE FIGGS

   Recorded live at Bogies, Albany NY, November 26 1996.

   TRACK 1 - The pace is cracking right from the first song -- "Turn it into hate". Mike Gent in the left ear and Guy Lyons in the right build a wall of riffs and Graham, in fine voice, snarls through it -- a window onto his landscape of cynicism. It's a short sharp taste to start a hard rocking set of songs. Graham says "Breakdown!" to bring in the solos, one in the middle, and one to finish the song, as he sings "H.A.T.E."

   "Weeping Statues" is next, an obscure track off "Struck by Lightning," even though it contains the phrase which gave that record its name. This version rocks -- a solid, aggressive number, that gives a bit more penetration to Graham's strange surreal lyrics than the studio recording did -- the guitars have settled and the solos are assured, fast and scathing.

   "Fools Gold" we associate with the Rumour so it's obvious that Graham is happy to be back with a band that can do some of his harder rocking numbers.

   TRACK 6 - A great version of "Local Girls". The best version of this song so far (to my ears). The song suits the band. There is a fine section where Mike plays arpeggiated chords (rapidly sounding the single notes). By this time you get the idea you're not going to hear any of the haunting, acoustic, wry and plaintive songs that Graham has written and performed in recent times. But then you didn't expect that did you, not with an album called "The Last Rock 'n' Roll Tour" slathered with garish pink and cut out letters recalling the Sex pistol's ransom note of the 70s. It's a rock 'n' roll night, no quarter given.

   The band charges into another obscure song, "Daddy's a Postman" (from Human Soul). The song blisters with fast guitars, crazy rhythms and wonderful lyrics

   "Impenetrable", one of the standout songs from "Acid Bubblegum". The bass drives the song, with the kind of wailing guitar from "Hey Lord" weaving through the groove.

   Then "Sharpening Axes", another strong number from "Acid Bubblegum" which is about as slow tempo as we're going to get on this record.

   TRACK 12 - A few shrieks from the audience and then that great intro from "Obsessed with Aretha". Hey ey ey.... This is one of the songs that has aged well for me. The sentiments are caustic and irreverent, just the way I like them and the chord progression insistent, chasing its tail and laying down a resilient bed for the leads to play through.

   The pace goes up a notch with "Take Everything" from "Steady Nerves". This live version really makes this song for me, which I had completely ignored up to now. It has all the hallmarks of the "new wave" when Graham Parker, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, The Clash and The Damned (among countless others) doubled the prevailing time signatures and really pumped.

   To sum up, if you look at it in three parts, the first third is strong, fast and energetic. The second third soars, and the final third closes out the set with a collection of strays, some fine tracks, and a couple of curiosities. If it's true that Graham played "Girl at the end of the Pier" I would have preferred that to either of the two covers, but I guess it just wasn't rock 'n' roll.

   The songs from Acid Bubblegum generally shine, especially "Impenetrable" and "Obsessed with Aretha". Other highlights are "Weeping statues", "Local girls", "Daddy's a postman", "Take everything" and "Saturday night is dead".

   © 1977 Robert Whyte

   This review was sent the Graham Parker mailing list, the members of which helped with some of the information.

   For more information of Graham Parker, visit Squeezing Out Sparks (unofficial Graham Parker Home Page).

    




5. GP does it again! If you've never caught GP live, this cd will have you wishing you did. The Figgs are a fantastic support band, offering great live renditions of some of the best Graham in recent memory. This cd had me backtracking to purchase some of GP's cd's that I had not yet acquired; now that's power!

1 comments about Live in Los Angeles.

1. if you like G.B.H,You have to hear the baand live. This is a great cd with a good sound. from in my opiniom one of the greatest punk bands in history. this band needs to be heard and you need top get this cd.