No comments about Live Shepperton 1980.

1 comments about Peel Sessions.

1. Peel songs can be something or not. The UNDERTONES were one of those bands who pretty much recreated their songs in the Peel studios live like they sounded on their records. I've heard several live UNDERTONES shows and they really got into it. Actually, I sent like 12 friends and relatives to see their San Diego show in like 1980 and I was workin' that evening. BUMMER.
   So, yeah, these Peel songs are nice but not crucial. Yer not gonna hear great variations on the studio versions here. A big UNDERTONES fan should definitely get them cuz, well, cuz it's more UNDERTONES, in theory. Otherwise, I'd stick with their studio albums.
   
   I always wanna hear Peel sets by the bands I really like to see if there's variations on some of their great songs. You don't really find that here. SLITS did a cool Peel set. Heck, there's gobs of bands who played it over the decades. I'm just glad they've released a bunch of 'em. chrisbct@hotmail.com

No comments about The Radio Sessions.

No comments about Belfast Nights.

No comments about Live in London.

1 comments about Runnin' Riot: Across the USA.

1. This album is a must for any fan of Oi! or rock-and-roll in general. Fantastic songs and great performance quality.

5 comments about Hangin Around (Part 1).

1. Crows have always been one of my favorite bands, and though I often don't buy singles, I decided to make an exception to hear Mercury (a track I previously was fairly ambivolant over) live, as well as one of my favorite Crows' songs, Goodnight Elizabeth.

   It didn't disappoint.

   Crows have always been referred to as a live band, and this is an excellent example. The two live tracks are spectacular, not to mention the classy (and cathy!) Hangin' Around (track one of 'This Desert Life')

   Well worth a buy; even for those cynics who never buy singles!




2. For a start hangin'around is a great track from the This Desert Life album. But Counting Crows - known for their excellent live performances include to live B-Side tracks, Mercury - "This is not a song about love, this is a song about addiction" as Adam stresses! And Goodnight Elisabeth with some wonderful guitar and piano intro's. Definetly worth getting!



3. Long ago, the expression "buying a pig in a poke" was applied to those who paid for something essentially sight unseen, on promise or the word of another. In many ways, the same could be said about this CD because Amazon doesn't tell you how many songs/tracks it contains, or even what their titles are.

   So, to let the pig out, lemme tell you that for your money you will get a grand total of three songs: the title track (also from the full album "This Desert Life"); Mercury (from "Recovering the Satellites"); and Goodnight Elizabeth (ditto). Also no lyric sheet.

   That's one new song outta three (assuming you haven't paid another $2 to get the complete Hanging Around CD), tiny, tiny print, and recordings that probably wouldn't have made it onto the first album. They're coasting and living on their reputation.

   And Geffen is asking you to buy this pig (and Hanging Around #2) on faith and hope. Now you know what's inside the jewel case and on the CD. If these three songs make your got to have list-- part with your money.




4. This CD was one of their best. If you don't really want to buy their whole album, i see your point of view. This song is a great song, and their single makes it so you don't have to buy the whole CD. GO COUNTING CROWS!



5. This song is SO groovy! I just love playing this on the car stereo. These guys are so cool. Them and 98 Degrees, I cant decide whose better. I hope there album comes out soon.

3 comments about Live at the Nashville 1979.

1. Made in UK in 1997, Serial# CDPUNK-93, Playing Time 43:16

   Release #16 from the band, but recorded way back in 1979 at The Nashville in London for the "The Biggest Prize in Sport" tour, called "The Biggest TOUR in Sport".

   Since releasing the "Face To Face" album back in 1985, there has been 4 other live albums ("Lust Power And Money", "Live And Loud!!", "The Cellblock Tapes" and "Live In L.A. 1991"), as well as the compilation "Scandal In The City"; basically, not much new stuff besides their "You Us It!" album from 1993.

   The recording quality here is fair, with the bass up-front (for once!). The renditions are honest, and were recorded during what I consider to be their peak.

   Of the tracks contained here, 3 deserve a special mention: "Brent Cross", a never-before released song, while "Lie Lie Lie" and "Ain't Gonna Tell Ya" were already released as b-sides.

   Out of their numerous live albums, this one's my favorite because of the era and the material included, a "best of live" of sorts.

   Not spectacular, but a good introduction to the band if you're unfamiliar with their stuff.




2. the cd is not worth [the price]. the vocals break up and the tape drags. the cd was made from a 20 year old amateurish tape and sounds like the quality of a worn cassete but it is clear. [....] if you can handle [inferior] sounding cds the content is good. i cant.



3. This disc will not convert the unbelievers, but if you are already a fan of 999's particular blend of rock and roll you will enjoy this one. The sound quality is ok..., it sounds like the tape is running a bit slow, and is a bit muddy. The song selection is cool though, with more uncommon songs like QUITE DISSAPOINTING, BRENT CROSS, TROUBLE, and BIGGEST PRIZE IN SPORT included. The best live 999 recording remains the vinyl ep "the biggest tour in sport," but this disc is a most adequate picture of the band at one of thier creative and popular high points.

3 comments about Rockin n Reelin in Auckland New Zealand.

1. SMOKING!!I've been wanting to get a copy of 'Rockin'...' for a few months now.Was recorded at the Galaxy in Aukland,New Zealand on Aug.30,1986.Notice the recording has some fuzz and slight distortion intact,but maybe the producer of the disc meant for it to be that way.Really doesn't deter from the quality of the CD,at least I didn't think so.A lot of this live set draws from the band's 'Date With Elvis' album.Lux,Ivy&crew rip through a set of classic rambunctious psychobilly as ONLY they can.So many upbeat tracks to mention here,like "Hot Pearl Snatch","Sunglasses After Dark",an Elvis cover of "Heartbreak Hotel","Do The Clam" and "Can Your Pussy Do The Dog".The three bonus cuts tagged on are okay.Better than their 'Smell Of Female' CD(see my review of that disc).A must-have for any true Cramps fan.



2. OK, the sound quality on this isn't the best, but it ain't half bad either. Not quite as good as Smell of Female. The psychotic CRAMPS energy is definitely there, manifested by massive chunks of guitar spew and big drum beats and Lux's maniacally musical vocals. Having seen them live I can picture what was happening on stage when this was recorded, and it must have been a blast of a show. Definitely recommended for Cramps fans.



3. When I started buying the remastered recordings made by the Cramps, my collection had included this live album. I thought it was good at first because it introduced me to some of the songs from "A Date with Elvis" and "Songs the Lord Taught Us," but after a while I realized as a live album it lacked something. Maybe it was low on excitement or it was just plain cheesy.
   If you are a Cramps fan currently looking for a live album, buy "Smell of Female," because that recording is so much better than this one. "Smell of Female" not only has a lot of original songs, but it is fueled by the adrenaline "Rockin" lacks.

1 comments about Live At The BBC.

1. Fast wie ein neues Album
   Es gibt von T.Rex viel schlechte wiederveröffentlichungen. Doch dieses Album ist eine freudige Überraschung und Fortsetzung des Sounds von 1970/71.

   Es passt in die Stimmung von "Beard of Stars" und "Electric Warrior", d.h. einen Zeitzirkel zieht die BBC von 1971 bis zurück 1969. Was ist in diesen beiden Jahren an Soundentwicklung mit der Gruppe geschehen. Sehr viel. Den ersten Teil der CD hört man (z.T. nie veröffentlichte) gute und ansprechende Songs der Tyrannosaurus Rex, die gut auf "Beard of Stars" oder "Unicorn" gepaßt hätten.

   Songs von "Electric Warrior" wie "Jeepster" oder "Life a Gas" hört man in etwas anderer Fassung, es kommt aber nie das Gefühl auf, Datenmüll oder dritte Wahl zu hören.

   "Sailors of the Highway" ist eine Überraschung: Wäre der Song Ende 1971 (z.B. statt dem seltsamem "Jeepster" gegen Bolans Willen) als Single veröffentlicht worden: Es wäre ein Hit geworden, zu einer Zeit als T.Rex offenbar keinen Fehler machen konnten. Der Song besticht mit etwas schwerer Melancholie wie "Dove" hat aber einen soliden Rhytmus-Background und die seltsam-geschlechtslos-hysterischen Background Chöre à la "Telegram Sam".

   Diese CD (wie auch das Live Konzert der Tyrannosaurus Rex auf CD) ist wie eine reguläre weitere Plattenveröffentlichung der Gruppe unbedingt anschaffenswert.

   Kompliment der BBC!! Thomas Richter