5 comments about Bridge School Concerts, Vol. 1.

1. This is as good as any good album by any of the artists featured here. There are some stand out songs/performances and some good ones and some okay ones. "Live" makes a difference. Favorites are by Elvis Costello, Tracy Chapman, and Patti Smith.



2. Unless you know what the Bridge School is, you'd foolishly pass this work of art by... The Bridge School is a 'Stellar' school for handicapped children, located near Stanford University in CA. The concerts at the Bridge School are like having the likes of David Bowie, Edward Veddward and Neil Young playing their hearts out in your backyard, for you (apologies to EV), because you are such a wonderful person. The Lovemongers (I think are Ann and Nancy Wilson of HEART) version of Led Zepelin's (sp) Battle of Evermore is 'jaw dropping'. This CD is, simply put, Music's Best Kept Secret... Buy it



3. Compilation discs are a dime a dozen and many are quite good but many more are a waste of time. My review title is not hyperbole. First, all of the artists who appear seem to ratchet up their performances because they are playing for such a terrific cause established by one of contemporary music's most respected stars. Even though the artists all donate their talent to the Bridge School Concerts, one can surmise that getting a call from Neil and Pegi Young to appear is a thrill.
   Naturally, all of the performances are excellent since they have been carefully chosen from many shows, but my favorite tracks are the five in a row from Simon and Garfunkel, David Bowie, Pearl Jam, the Love Mongers (the Wilson sisters from Heart), and Nils Lofgren.
   Bowie's complete set here has been widely bootlegged and it's easy to see why. Likewise, Vedder's vocal is brilliant, but the Wilson sisters cover of Zeppelin's Battle of Evermore is uncanny.
   The fact that all of the performances are unplugged is an added treat since most of these songs are electric in their original incarnations.
   
   Please do yourself and the Bridge School a favor and buy this c.d.



4. This CD brings me to (good) tears every time I hear it! The music is beautiful in its simplicity. These are true legends at their finest. The fact that their hearts are open to this wonderful cause only adds to their talent and the strength of the music.



5. First. It helps if you like acoustic guitar. Second. Even if you don't you won't be able to find any other CD that even comes close to capturing the raw talent of some of today's legends. I can't help thinking that Neil Young tells all of the performers to "keep it simple". Vocals and a guitar work wonders with these kids. Tom Petty's guitar work is astounding, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) vocals are pure, Simon & Garfunkel...wow, Pearl Jam...I'm now a fan, listen closely and Neil say's it best..."Elvis (Costello) you're a genius!", the best song in my opinion is Nils Lofgren. It's simply elegant. I came here to write this because I love music and this is the best album I have EVER purchased! Please Neil...MORE! I'll be sending a donation.

5 comments about Live...With a Little Help from Our Friends.

1. Being familiar with GM for some years as I was, imagine my delight, as I shipped my daddy's ashes up north (final road trip for the old man in the Lincoln) after making a stop at Nervous Charlies just north of... uh is it Nashville or Memphis, one of them places. Fahrworks, as we like to say in southern Ohia. Daddio was on the dash, and Afro Blue with C. Leavell came on the radio station. I tell you what, we had the perfect road music. Don't tell me the old man wasn't appreciatin...
   
   We were driving north between Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, did a very nice dodge while on the Gulf...I just didn't trust the ashes to be mailed so I waited until the last minute to get out of dodge...now, I ask you, is there a God? Yup, at least in my final party book. CYA



2. I am not a big Gov't Mule fan. The endless guitar solo can get boring. I bought this becasue it is suppsoed to have a reputation as a superb live cd.
   
   When I first listened to this, it did nothing for me. The interesting cover songs of "30 days in a hole", "war pigs" and "Cortez the Killer" were pretty lame versions, far worse then the originals.
   
   Befroe I gave up on the cd, I decided to just play the cd from start to finish rather then aiming for particular songs. That is hwne the cd came alive and I saw the light!
   
   The best sonsg are the extended jams, songs with organ, horns and a groove. THis stuff can definitely grow on you in a hypnotic way.
   
   I now enjoy this cd for what it is, great musicians interplaying with each other. The music is far better than the songs. This is like mood music rather than focusing on one songs.
   
   The best song is "Mule" which starts out rocking but then goes into a tight groove. "Soulshine" is good (but the shorter studio version is better). "Afro Blue" and "Mr. Big" are also jamming standouts.
   
   I am sure seeing them live, with the extended jams, will add to my appreciate for the band. This is the stereotypical jam band.



3. I know my title is a bit confusing, but it's still a true statement. While this album is excellent, this two cd set doesn't even begin to showcase the awesome show Gov't Mule put on that night. Luckily there is a 4 disc box set of the entire concert that was released some time after this initial release. The box set is double the price of this album, but the content is way more than double in size on the box set.



4. I got turned on to Gov't Mule late in the act, but thank God I did. They are a great group of muscians who obviously enjoy playing together.It is too bad that they lost their great bass player shortly after this CD. This CD repressents a taste of how this band performs live. If you want to hear more pick up the 4 CD set of this same concert. However, the set list on this 2 CD set is excellent. It has a number of great covers including: Black Sabbaths "War Pigs" ( can't help but think of Rumsfield and the situation in N. Korea/Iraq these days), Humble Pie's "30 Days in the Hole" with a tease of "I don't need no doctor" at the end, and a Great version of Neil Young's "Cortez the Killer". That being said the two tunes that impressed me the most were Dave Mason's "Sad and Deep as You" and Coltranes "Afro-Blue". Just stellar playing throughout. If you like instrumental interplay and long laid out jams this CD is a must. Also some of the other reviewers mentioned the talking in-between songs on the 4 CD set, you won't find that on this set.If you can't afford the 4 CD set this is a excellent way to ease the pain untill that time.



5. I recently saw a Gov't Mule show and it was fantastic. They closed off the encores with Rockin' in the Free World, and it was an unreal ending to a concert which kept me through the roof the whole way through. This album actually does a very effective job, in my opinion, of capturing the live power of the band. Though no live album has or will ever come close to The Brothers at Fillmore East, this may come as close as any.

   And as for when Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks (who is actually Butch's nephew, not son) play together, I also saw the Allman Brothers this summer, with these two and w/out the kicked out Dickey Betts, and it was probably the best I've ever seen. I don't think its unfair to say that Derek Trucks could be a next Duane Allman, and he and Warren dualing to old Allman Brothers blues classics helped me to truly glimpse what it might've been like in the heyday of TABB. If you are a fan of this type of live musical intensity, this album is a can't miss.

5 comments about Live Bootleg.

1. In the 1970s, Aerosmith was one of top acts to be taped by bootleggers, which paralleled their popularity as a huge draw on the wordwide arena/festival circuits.
   
   In a mock salute of the illegal taping, this October 1978 release gives the appearance of the oftentimes poor production of bootleg albums, including an incorrect track listing. But the way the selections were pulled is that of a typical supergroup during the era when double-live sets were all the rage.
   
   Recorded from nine venues, the majority of the 16 tracks are from the 1977 and 1978 Aerosmith Express Tour, with the two most intriguing pulled from a 1973 simulcast on WBCN-FM.
   
   While the tracks capture the band at their blues-drenched rawness, it also marked a swift decline - after the 1978 Live! Bootleg Tour - due to any number of demons. But this set highlights the group before they spent many nights in the ruts - which lasted nearly a decade - and as five members piloted the private jet of incredible international stardom.



2. Live albums of the 1970's (and even today) usually serve one of three purposes;
   
   A) Preserving a legendary performance or tour (Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, The Rolling Stones Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out, The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East, 4 Way Street-CSN&Y, One More From the Road-Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Last Waltz)
   
   B) Unearthing a previously undiscovered gem (How the West was Won-Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series, The Grateful Dead's Dick's Picks sets, Neil Young at Massey Hall)
   
   C) As a stopgap between albums that aren't ready yet
   
   Live Bootleg falls into category C. Aerosmith's follow up to Draw the Line was delayed indefinitely and they were committed to a summer tour that included numerous makeup dates for postponed shows. Rather than do a "Frampton Comes Alive"-esque album, Aerosmith instead released a gritty, no nonsense recording that often sounds like its title. Live Bootleg is a hit and miss affair musically. Compiled from various shows dating back to 1973, it's clearly not intended to be a definitive representation of a single show. Steven Tyler's voice is raggedy and he ad-libs lyrics throughout, and Joe Perry's guitar seems set on perpetual growl. The material is a cross section from their first 5 albums along with a few covers thrown in, plus a live version of the rare "Chip Away the Stone". And just as on the original vinyl, "Draw the Line" is still not listed even though it is there.
   
   It's ironic that the oldest tracks here are the best. The version of the Yardbirds "I Ain't Got You" and James Brown's "Mother Popcorn" comes from a 1973 Boston club date recorded by WBCN radio. Having heard this entire show in bootleg form I can attest this was a smokin', well recorded (for 1973) performance when the band was young and hungry. One warning though, this is not the complete version of the song, a few minutes have been trimmed off, probably due to vinyl time constraints (it would've been nice if for the CD those few minutes were restored).
   
   Aerosmith is one of those band that's never been served well by live recordings from their "prime era" (1975-77). Fans got a small taste of this back when the "Pandora's Box" set was released and it included 2 songs from their legendary Cincinnati radio concert from 1971. And a version of "Write Me" recorded at the old Boston Garden in 1976. If they really wanted to put out a great live album I'd look for the full WBCN show. I suppose the best way to look at this is the way Jimmy Page viewed "Song Remains the Same"; `it's not a great album, but it shows where we were at a certain time and place'. Also remember that just like Zeppelin, there's bound to be a better Aerosmith show somewhere in their archives "How the East Was Won" perhaps?



3. If you are ever asked to explain what rock music is all about, simply hand them this album. There is nothing more to day.



4. The choice of tracks is quite excellent, the music too but the sound is horrible. Just compare to other live recordings of the same era and you'll see by yourself. I would recommand the double live album A little south of Sanity, you'll have all the best of the band with an amazing live sound. One of the best pure rock album containing the essential of the band. The best of Live Bootleg is on A little south of Sanity but you'll have one of the best live sound that I ever listen too, it sound loud and clear.



5. For y'all wonderin' why these guys are covering "Come Together"... Around this time there was this horriffic attempt to make The Beatles Sgt. Pepper into a movie with...The Bee Gees!!!!!!!! Peter Frampers (who was riding high on the success of hs own live album) and other people popular in the rock biz at the time which included thebadboysofbeantown doing their take on Come Together. Hey they knew the song, why not whip out on the kiddies in concert, right?(Yes I know Come Together isn't on Sgt Pepper's...did I say it was hollywood movie?)
   
   I remember diggin' this slabawax when it came out. Skippin' outta school to the kid's house with the loudest stereo... using an apple as an implement of destruction...
   
   This recording is monumental for all the reasons listed by others already, especially the going down in flames feeling that you get on some of the tunes. Hangin together, sometimes just by a thread, (but that's what live is all about), the possibillity that the thread might snap, or, better yet, snap back. The narcotics and alcohol consumed during the time period that this stuff covers, let alone on the nights it was recorded...use your immagination and then multiply it...hell these guys named THEMSELVES the toxic twins!!
   
   This is real swaggerin' rocknroll, as it should be...balls out...HANGIN' out, looser than pam anderson's...
   ring finger and feedbackbooze&drugdrenched.
   
   Gotta say though, I find the jb cover rather tedious and so totally uneeded and self indulgent. You're white and from Boston, you wish you had half the effortless soul James Brown had. Stick to what you know and what you do well. As a white person I found tyler's wailing quite annoying.
   
   Other than that, a true document of excess, musical and otherwise.

5 comments about A Fistful of Alice.

1. OK, just a quick few thoughts on this disc which will hopefully inform your choice or give you some food for thought, because picking apart in a critical style tunes that presumably you (my dear reader) already know would be pointless.
   
   Firstly this '97 release is well produced, well played and really finds it's function as a sort of greatest hits collection. The guest stars here comprise Rob Zombie, Slash and Sammy Hagar while the band for this rawk rock good time disc is Reb Beach (G), Ryan Roxie (G), Paul Taylor (keys), Todd Jensen (B) and Jimmy Degross (D). And the capable backing band really bring some of these older tunes that were a touch creaky when they were born to vibrant life. All the hits are here - check the track listing - and in order to get the completists to fork out their cash for tunes they already own we get a studio newie called 'Is Anyone Home' tacked unceremoniously on the end.
   
   While it's up to you if you really feel you need a live version of tunes you may already own, it has to be admitted that this life affirming collection, with it's full bodied production, is a pretty good summation of AC's greatest hits. All played to a loving audience at the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Mexico. From the sounds of it, a good time was had by all and buying this disc will probably score you a good time listen as well.



2. Recorded live at Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in June of '96, this is an awesome live cd from the Master of Shock rock, Alice Cooper. This rocks from start to finish, and every song is performed well. Alice's band was tight and heavy on here, plus it features guest appearances from Slash, and Rob Zombie. The only minor problem I have with this cd is with Paul Taylor's keyboards, it sounds generic, and too plastic- too bad they couldn't get a more "vintage" sounding organ on there when needed. All the big hits are here, like "I'm Eighteen", "School's Out", "Elected", and "Welcome To My Nightmare", plus rarely played gems like "Teenage Lament '74", "Lost In America" and "I Never Cry"-which was a huge hit single, in '76. Also included, is new studio track called "Is Anyone Home?", which is a melodic Beatle flavored number, to end the cd. I highly recommend you buy the Japan import version of "Fistful Of Alice", because it's got 4 live bonus tracks, including "Clones", "Bed Of Nails", "Under My Wheels", and "No More Mr. Nice Guy", all from the same show, which makes the cd flow even better. It's hard to find, but worth every penny. This is the definitive live Alice Cooper record, so far. Yes, the "Alice Cooper Show" album, from '77 is pretty good, but this one blows that away.



3. If you want to hear how Alice Cooper sounds like live, this album would be it! We saw him last night at Muskegon Summer Celebration, and it was AWESOME! I had my earplugs on, so the noise wouldn't bother me. We all were jammin' to the music, and I was screaming at the top of my lungs! My mom requested "Under My Wheels" at the encore a lot, but it isn't on this CD. She would be REALLY MAD if I told her that. Now, I'm an Alice Cooper fan! Everybody was screaming when "School's Out" came on! There are some special guests on this CD, like Sammy Hagar, and Slash of GNR. I talked to my brother last night while coming home from the concert in Muskegon, he said he was jealous! I loved it!
   
   Kylie



4. "A FISTFUL OF ALICE"
   
   REVIEW:
   
   "A Fistful of Alice" marks Alice's second live album (his first was 1977's "The Alice Cooper Show") and like the previous live album, "A Fistful of Alice" is again, too short. There are far too many tracks that are not included here but as it stands, this live album does have excellent sound quality. The main reason for fans to pick this album up is for the new studio track that caps it off. "Is Anyone Home?" is a great song that deals with a man's unhealthy obsession with the internet. Plus, it is good to hear such great songs like "Desperado" and "Teenage Lament '74" included in this live set. However, five of the twelve live tracks included here ("School's Out," "I'm Eighteen," "I Never Cry," "Billion Dollar Babies" and "Only Women Bleed") were all included previously on "The Alice Cooper Show". It would've been nice to hear some obscurities performed instead. I should note, however, that the worst live song on this album is the live rendition of Alice's 1991 mini-hit "Feed My Frankenstein". Rob Zombie - who shares lead vocals on the track with Alice - is absolutely horrendous.
   
   MUSICIANS:
   
   Reb Beach ... Guitar, Vocals
   Ryan Roxie ... Guitar
   Paul Taylor ... Keyboards, Guitar
   Todd Jensen ... Bass, Vocals
   Jimmy DeGrasso ... Drums
   Slash (of Guns 'N Roses) ... Guitar on "Lost In America," "Only Women Bleed" and "Elected"
   Rob Zombie (of White Zombie) ... Vocals on "Feed My Frankenstein" and "Elected"
   Sammy Hagar ... Guitar on "School's Out"
   Dan Wexler ... Guitar on "Is Anyone Home?"
   Steve Farris ... Guitar on "Is Anyone Home?"
   Matt Laug ... Drums on "Is Anyone Home?"
   Merrit Morrison ... Bass on "Is Anyone Home?"
   String Section on "Is Anyone Home?" ... Bennett Salvey, Peter Kent, Mario DeLeon, Darrin McCann and Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick
   
   INTERESTING FACTS:
   
   1. Released in June of 1997, "A Fistful of Alice" failed to chart on the Billboard Top 200.
   
   2. Recorded live on June 2nd 1996 at the Cabo Wabo Club in Mexico - which is owned by Sammy Hagar.
   
   3. Original title for "A Fistful of Alice" was "Viva Alice".
   
   4. Joey Ramone, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai had originally agreed to appear at the event but in the end, they did not make it to the show.
   
   5. Along with the 13 tracks released in the U.S., the Japanese release of the album feature the additional tracks of "Under My Wheels," "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Bed Of Nails," and "Clones (We're All)".
   
   PACKAGING:
   
   Classy but at the same time, humorous album cover with loads of live photos in CD booklet. The CD is a picture disc of the album cover.
   
   APPROX. RUNNING TIME:
   
   55 min. and 6 sec.
   
   FINAL ANALYSIS:
   
   The live tracks do boast top notch sound quality and the studio track, "Is Anyone Home?," is an excellent addition to the Cooper catalog which makes "A Fistful of Alice" worth purchasing. However, it is not much of an improvement - IF ANY - over 1977's "The Alice Cooper Show". ***1/2 out of 5.



5. This album is just plain fun. Whether you're a devoted fan of Alice Cooper or just a casual one, you should enjoy these fine live versions of some of his best songs.
   
   True, "Fistful Of Alice" is too short, missing out on such classics as "Under My Wheels" and "No More Mr Nice Guy", but it's also very reasonably priced, and it's hard to fault what is here: Tight, focused live renditions of "School's Out", "I'm Eighteen", "Elected", "Poison", "Lost In America" and many more. The sound is very good, and unlike some hard rock albums, the band is gritty but restrained and they don't resort to long, pointless and eventually tedious instrumental breaks or wild solos.
   Alice Cooper's vocals are raw and powerful, and he has never sounded better. This is great stuff.

2 comments about Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture.

1. "Of all the shows on this tour, this particular show will remain with us the longest, because not only is it the last show of the tour, but it's the last show that we'll ever do. Thank you."---Ziggy Stardust, 3 July 1973.
   
   Available for years only as a bootleg, this digitally-remastered soundtrack to Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars - The Motion Picture captures the spectacle of a live performance by David Bowie as his alter-ego, Ziggy Stardust, in his farewell show at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1973. The tour began in 1972, and featured the "Spiders from Mars:" Mick Ronson on guitar, Trevor Bolder on bass, and Mick Woodmansey on drums. A live album of the performance was originally abandoned due to poor audio quality. Bowie and producer Tony Visconti then remixed the recording in 1981 for a 1992 Rykodisc release, and Visconti remixed it again to improve the sound quality for this 2003 EMI release. Bowie's vocals and Ronson's guitar riffs are crisp and clear. (Unfortunately, due to a royalty dispute, the new recording omits "The Jean Genie/Love Me Do/Round and Round" encore with Jeff Beck.) The soundtrack features songs from both Ziggy Stardust and Spot, as well as a few earlier Bowie classics ("Changes," "All The Young Dudes," and "Space Oddity"). The complete setlist includes:
   
   Disc: 1
   1. Intro (incorporating Beethoven's Ninth Symphony) 1:06
   2. Hang On To Yourself 2:55
   3. Ziggy Stardust 3:19
   4. Watch That Man 4:14
   5. Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud 3:15
   6. All The Young Dudes 1:38
   7. Oh! You Pretty Things 1:46
   8. Moonage Daydream 6:25
   9. Changes 3:36
   10. Space Oddity 5:05
   11. My Death 7:23
   
   
   Disc: 2
   1. Intro (incorporating William Tell Overture) 1:02
   2. Cracked Actor 3:03
   3. Time 5:31
   4. The Width Of A Circle 15:45
   5. Let's Spend The Night Together 3:02
   6. Suffragette City 4:32
   7. White Light/White Heat 4:01
   8. Farewell Speech 0:39
   9. Rock 'N' Roll Suicide 5:19
   
   G. Merritt



2. "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture Soundtrack" is a recording of the final live performance by David Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust' era band. Bowie had fully embraced the glam sound and his live performances carried an unnervingly high level of energy, and with a group more than capable of matching his intensity featuring guitarist Mick Ronson, this performance captured is enormously powerful.
   
   Before I note anything else, it's important to mention that the sonic improvement of this reissue over all the other ones is staggering-- this has always been a great show that was not great to listen to, but through some arcane wizardry, it's been restored to really pristine sound-- it could have been recorded last month instead of over 30 years ago.
   
   The music itself is about intensity and energy-- from the opening strains of a fierce and explosive "Watch that Man" to the closing "Rock n Roll Suicide". Along the way, Bowie manages distorted hard rock energy ("Ziggy Stardust", taken up in volume from the studio recording), sensitive and moody ("My Death"), and excitable ("Suffragette City") and a blazing take on "The Width of a Circle" with a seemingly endless bout of pyrotechnics from Ronson. This is an artist and a band in full flight, and it is an invaluable recording.
   
   I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Bowie's glam era, even if you've the previous issue of this recording. The sonic improvements are worth the cost alone. Highly recommended.

5 comments about The Wall: Live in Berlin, 1990.

1. Roger Waters' The Wall in Berlin was released in September of 1990.
   This performance of The Wall was first recorded on July 21, 1990 and I heard the original radio broadcast.
   Although this is a live album, portions of it were taken from a re-do of the show after the original performance and the previous night's dress rehearsal. The original radio broadcast had the microphones all messing up and the power going out during The Thin Ice and Mother.
   Initially, in a July, 1989 radio interview, Roger initially thought of having ex-bandmates David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright play with him. Even David went through lawyers to get the OK to do it when asked at the Knebworth 1990 show backstage but then Roger shot down his ex-bandmates' offer in early July of 1990 (hypocritical of Roger at the time). Then, Roger tried to get artists like Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Peter Gabriel (this would have been superb IMHO) for the performance. Unfortunately, those artists were either unavailable or wanted money so in the end he got some good artists (The Scorpions (whom were excellent on In the Flesh), Joni Mitchell (pretty good on Goodbye Blue Sky), Bryan Adams (his Young Lust was not bad), Paul Carrack (he did Hey You very well)) and some very bad artists (Van Morrison and The Band (sans Robbie Robertson which is sacrilege) (they destroyed David Gilmour's parts on Comfortably Numb), Cyndi Lauper (her duetting with Roger on Another Brick in the Wall (pt. 2) was atrocious), Ute Lemper (tolerable on The Thin Ice but Mariah Carey-esquely annoying on The Trial), Sinead O' Connor (awful here on Mother but ironically was good on Rick Wright's Broken China) and Jerry Hall (her as the groupie was unnecessary)) for the performance.
   Whilst original Wall show stalwarts Snowy White and Peter Wood plus Andy Fairweather-Low and Graham Broad were good, Rick DiFonso desecrated David Gilmour's solos thinking he was Eddie Van Halen (enough of the divebomb things with guitar Rick Van Halen DiFonso).
   Fortunately, Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980-81 (released in 2000) does great live justice to The Wall as it is the classic Floyd lineup performing The Wall (and there are videos filmed from those shows). If I were you, I'd spend my money on Is There Anybody Out There?.
   Grab The Wall in Berlin ONLY if you are a collector.



2. Who else can pull off all these complicated songs live and still sound great than the original songwriter of The Wall. Roger Waters did a great job on this concert. Every artist performing did a wonderful job on their part, except for Van Morrison. I don't think Comfortable Numb was a good song for him to perform. Rick DiFonzo did a great job recreating David Gilmour's solos, and Snowy White is always great. All musicians were on the top of their game in this concert. Roger even brought an orchestra, choir, and the Soviet Union's marching band to recreate this rock opera. It is so over the top, that it's unbelievable. Waters really outdid himself in this concert. I recommend this to any Pink Floyd, or Roger Waters fans.



3. How can anyone even give this thing one star? ever heard of Live in the FLesh? one of the best live cd's EVER? from anyone? this thing flat blows, you can hardly hear it, it sounds like it was recorded from some bootlegger in the back row. and none of the songs mesh for beans. just a flat out waste of payola. The Flesh, the one and only. waiting for the new tours output of a cd/dvd hope its as good as FLesh but I dunno Doyle pretty much about stole the show in FLesh and he is not playing guitar on current tour. but the ladies are singing backup again so hoping for the best!



4. First about the video then about the CD:
   
   I first saw this video about three months ago when i found it at my local CD/Video bargain place for a buck! I was blown away at the superb way this work, already a master in itself was presented for the show. I kinda wish i would of seen this version (the stage production) first before i saw the movie. the live stage production was easier to follow. i love the music of course and had to have the CD. All of the different artist doing the songs from the best album ever. All of the performances are outstanding!!!! It all fits like a good ole pair of your favorite comfy worn jeans. Buy this CD and the DVD you will be amazed. PS: I loved it so much i purchased the DVD right here on Amazon for a Christmas gift to my dearest friends.



5. While nothing will ever come close to the experience of being there, the DVD did a pretty good job of capturing the moment. As snap shot in history, the summer of 1990. The Belin wall had just come down the previous November. On July 1st, for the first time since the wall went up, East and West Belin could freely cross the "Wall", Check Point Charlie was out of a job. This concert took place in Potsdam Platz, only months earlier, this was no man's land. You could be shot for being there. On this night in July, the world was finally at peace (Iraq would invade Kuwait two weeks later), I was standing in a crowd with Germans, English, French and countless other nationalities. We were all there taking in one of he greatest stages ever contructed for a concert. Roger Waters did it proud, to compare it to Pink Floyd's the Wall conerts (which I saw in Nassua Colisium in 1979) would be unfair. This concert was more than just the music and show, it was about a time in history. "Tear Down The Wall!!" it was already coming down. To watch the DVD, brings these memories streaming back and in these troubled times, is comforting to know that at one time peace was achieved.

5 comments about Warszawa.

1. Porcupine Tree is one of the finest bands around and this cd, recorded during the Lightbulb Sun tour, delivers in a big way. First off the material for the recording was culled from a Polish radio broadcast with a specially invited studio audience and features the bulk of the "Lightbulb Sun" cd (recently re-released in a gorgeous remastered form/5.1 surround) as well as tracks from "Stupid Dream" and "Signify", for me three of their better recordings (although serious kudos have to go to "In Absentia", "Deadwing" and "Fear Of A Blank Planet" all fine recordings of their own especially thanks to Gavin Harrison's absolutely phenomenal drum work). The recording itself is crystalline and a big improvement on the sound rendered on "Coma Devine".
   If you're seeking a fine example of what Porcupine Tree can do live, look no further. this is the recording to have. Trust me on this one.



2. Being an avid fan of Porcupine Tree, I try to see them live every time they tour in my area. I saw them this spring on their recent tour, and the live CD Warszawa captures much of the material from that tour, and has an excellent group of older and newer material which is great "ear candy" I would highly recomment this CD for any fans of Porcupine Tree who would like to add a recent live recording of this awesome band to their collection.



3. This new Digipak version is a re-release of an earlier Madfish Records UK release from 2005. As a Porcupine Tree fan and music listener for the majority of my life, I can tell you, this is one excellant concert recording.
   
   The performance is from a Polish radio show broadcast that included a small in studio audience. The performance was right on the heels of the Lightbulb Sun tour, so most of the songs performed are from that album. A couple more from Stupid Dream, Voyage 34 (Phase One), and the title track off the Signify album. This is a real treat, since the Lightbulb Sun album has been out-of-print for a long time now. This was my first chance to hear the songs (I'm still waiting for the rumoured re-release this fall).
   
   I'm not going to try and give you a full description of the music on this album, if you need that, please see the Amazon Review by "fats al" of the 2005 version dated February 22, 2006. He does an excellant job. I just didn't think it would be right to cut and paste it here!
   
   This cd is also a great bargain: it's packed to the brim with music. 79 minutes and 19 seconds worth of beautiful live PTree music for only $12. I will say track 8, Hatesong, is absolutely the Best! 5-stars!



4. So these guys can deliver that same wonderful sound live is good to know. So many bands' sound is "created" in the studio and you never know where the band's talent stops and the technical wizardry begins. This is a solid live album which shines the light on a talented group of Brits who could very well become the next Beatles. If you like good live music, buy this album. I would even recommend this as an introduction to this band as the songlist goes deep enough into their library to get to know Porcupine Tree as the treasure they surely are. These guys play progressive rock and roll and do it oh so well.



5. Being recently addicted to Porcupine Tree, I found this live album great right from the awesome guitar intro to the first track "Even Less" through to the final song "Signify". "Voyage 34" is perhaps not all that good live but everything else is fresh and solid. Of particular interest is that the album contains 6 songs from the hard-to-get album Lightbulb Sun including the superb "Russia On Ice". I highly recommend this album to all rock music fans!

5 comments about Here and There.

1. Este Album Doble es una verdadera Obra Maestra de Sir. Elton John quien es uno de los mas prolificos artistas que ha tenido y tiene los generos rock y pop. Cada vez que lo escucho me agrada mucho mas. Lo recomiendo como un Disco de Coleccion por el inigualable talento musical que contiene.



2. This is a great double CD set featuring two concerts from when Elton was at the eight of his fame. Both shows are good. If you enjoy Elton alone with just a Piano you may prefer the London concert as he does start this solo.
   the London concert is a little more formal, because of the precense of royalty but in most respects is just as good as the US concert. The difference with the US concert is the famous last ever stage performance by John Lennon. This makes the US concert of considerable historical interest. These are both superb shows and with the extra tracks now make this the best live audio recording of Elton John you can buy.
   
   The reason I have said nearly perfect is because if you listened to these concerts on vinyl for as long as I did, you will notice that in the remastering process, Gus Dudgeon has managed to digitally remove certain sounds. So for example at the beginning of Funeral for a Friend when a girl in the audience screams "Elton" this has now gone. In the sleeve notes we are advised that Gus has managed to fix the occasional musical mistakes.... Why!! It was there on the night and was an integral part of the recording and the atmosphere. Its a minor quibble but live is live as far as I'm concerned.



3. Includes John Lennon's last live concert performance. A must for all Beatlemaniacs! Elton is also pretty good.



4. Originally a single disc album with ten songs, "Here and There" was a contractual obligation album that Elton disavowed. But in 1996, as part of the ambitious "Classic Years" remastering project, "Here and There" was given a deluxe redo, expanding the album to a pair of CD's, over two hours of music and the classic New York appearance on John Lennon with Elton for three songs. This is also now a terrific document of the extravagance and sheer exuberance of Elton's mid-seventies concerts.
   
   
   
   The "Here" segment was a benefit Elton performed in 1974 at the request of Princess Margaret, and is the more reserved of the two shows. It is also an interesting show in that Elton dipped into his oldies and played the likes of "Skyline Pigeon" and "Love Song." The British respond with typical stiff-upper-lippedness...until "Crocodile Rock" comes along. They jump from their chairs at the last minute, for "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting." But for the most part, Elton leans hard on the piano based early tunes like "Border Song" and "Candle In The Wind."
   
   
   
   The reserve is totally blown off for the "There" concert, Thanksgiving in Madison Square Garden 1974. The crowd is already roaring by the time the opening graveyard wind whistling of "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" breaks into its meaty main verses, and hardly wanes from there. While John's voice is a little raw from the constant touring (you can hear his voice crack on "Rocket Man"), he's obviously having a blast. You also get a couple songs here that have long since been trimmed from the live shows, like "Grey Seal" and "You're So Static."
   
   
   
   Even with all that energy, when Elton introduces Lennon, you can almost feel the Garden shaking. Little did these folks know that they were witnessing history; Lennon never played in public again. As history records, Lennon accepted a dare from Elton that "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" would not hit number one on the pop charts. Likely because of Elton's popularity and his piano playing on the single, the record did top the charts, and Lennon made good on the deal. The reward for us now is that Elton and Lennon's version of "Whatever...," Lucy In The Sky In Diamonds" and a loose, raucous version of "I Saw Her Standing There" are preserved for posterity.
   
   
   
   The remastering is exquisite, and when you figure the sonic improvements along with the extra tracks AND the inclusion of the Lennon songs, "Here and There" is the best of Elton's live albums. For all the live albums that glutted the seventies, "Here and There" can now be counted among the best.



5. Originally a single disc album with ten songs, "Here and There" was a contractual obligation album that Elton disavowed. But in 1996, as part of the ambitious "Classic Years" remastering project, "Here and There" was given a deluxe redo, expanding the album to a pair of CD's, over two hours of music and the classic New York appearance on John Lennon with Elton for three songs. This is also now a terrific document of the extravagance and sheer exuberance of Elton's mid-seventies concerts.
   
   
   
   
   
   The "Here" segment was a benefit Elton performed in 1974 at the request of Princess Margaret, and is the more reserved of the two shows. It is also an interesting show in that Elton dipped into his oldies and played the likes of "Skyline Pigeon" and "Love Song." The British respond with typical stiff-upper-lippedness...until "Crocodile Rock" comes along. They jump from their chairs at the last minute, for "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting." But for the most part, Elton leans hard on the piano based early tunes like "Border Song" and "Candle In The Wind."
   
   
   
   
   
   The reserve is totally blown off for the "There" concert, Thanksgiving in Madison Square Garden 1974. The crowd is already roaring by the time the opening graveyard wind whistling of "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" breaks into its meaty main verses, and hardly wanes from there. While John's voice is a little raw from the constant touring (you can hear his voice crack on "Rocket Man"), he's obviously having a blast. You also get a couple songs here that have long since been trimmed from the live shows, like "Grey Seal" and "You're So Static."
   
   
   
   
   
   Even with all that energy, when Elton introduces Lennon, you can almost feel the Garden shaking. Little did these folks know that they were witnessing history; Lennon never played in public again. As history records, Lennon accepted a dare from Elton that "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" would not hit number one on the pop charts. Likely because of Elton's popularity and his piano playing on the single, the record did top the charts, and Lennon made good on the deal. The reward for us now is that Elton and Lennon's version of "Whatever...," Lucy In The Sky In Diamonds" and a loose, raucous version of "I Saw Her Standing There" are preserved for posterity.
   
   
   
   
   
   The remastering is exquisite, and when you figure the sonic improvements along with the extra tracks AND the inclusion of the Lennon songs, "Here and There" is the best of Elton's live albums. For all the live albums that glutted the seventies, "Here and There" can now be counted among the best.

5 comments about At Fillmore East.

1. Great music, and a great transfer to SACD multichannel. It seems to be much easier to allow your ear to focus on the various instruments as the band plays. You get much more effect of being in a small concert hall with this mix. Even though it's the original mix, anyone with the right equipment (SACD Player and a decent 5.1 surround system) shouldn't be dissapointed in getting this SACD.



2. I cut my teeth on jamming listening to Cream. So the Allmans' Live was not a revelation just a stunning album and purchased on release in Australia. I know it all by heart -just burnt into the synapses.
   
   In 1992 Tom Dowd did a full concert remix and remaster as "The Fillmore Concerts". This is where the controversy starts cause it sounds different and so it should - Tom transferred the original 16 track master tapes to digital and remixed. Taking advantage of the wider dynamic and frequency range, he produced a mix with the bass guitar stronger and drums clearer and more dynamic. Unfortunately the guitar freaks found the relatively lower level guitar sound unacceptable but the bass freaks loved Berry's sound (more bottom end).
   
   Now we have the SACD stereo, multi-channnel and Audio Stereo remaster release of the original 2 record set accurately split over 2 cds. It should fit on one but there is marketing to us baby boomers. But I gotta say they did perform split sets so it does reasonably capture the night.
   
   And more controversy - the stereo CD layer is a remix closer to the original LP release. Drums are further back but the bass guitar bottom end is retained. The tracks are identical to the original release but not on the SACD layer with the Fillmore Concert's "Stormy Monday" used, which is the unedited version including the harmonica break, and a different edit to end "Whipping Post". On the SACD layer the tympany start to "Mountain Jam" is rapidly faded out and applause overdubbed which is annoying if you want the sonic continuity when following up with the jam from the "Eat A Peach" SACD.
   
   Sound of both layers is excellent with SACD preferred because you can adjust the bottom end via the sub control. The surrounds give some reverb and audience noise - "Play all night". The centre has plenty of bass guitar, some drums and some of Greg's vocals (reinforcing the original centre-left positioning of the vocals). I would have preferred the drums a bit higher in the centre.
   
   I can feel the SACD Deluxe "Fillmore Concerts" is on its way - the wallet is already feeling lighter.



3. One of the best live albums of all time, I was hoping for more when they released this as a Hybrid 5.1 SACD.
   1) Its now 2 cds again. And you would think they would have 2 seperate holders for the cds. They just piled them on top one another.
   2) The surround sounds don't use the backs enough. I think the quality of the recording hinders the effectiveness of surround sound. I never feel like I am at the concert, unlike other surround sound discs.
   Update:
   I had a problem with the back speakers on my stereo.
   Now, it sounds like the audience is behind you.
   I now feel like I am at the concert. It's amazing



4. The Fillmore Concerts that came out in the 90's was actually "corrected" from the spliced versions of the original, to include the full, uncut versions. It pretty much is a different album altogether from the first. Both are great, but many would consider the first release to be the definitive and "best" version. There is no grave rolling or shame in releasing this greatest live album of all time in SACD.



5. I've been a major fan of The Allman Brothers-Live at the Fillmore since it originally came out in vinyl. The interplay between Duane and Dickie as well as Butch and Jaimoe was unbeatable to this day. I believe in the 90's, the late,great producer, Tom Dowd went through the original master tapes and improved the recording even more by splicing songs together from different performances seemlessly as well as remixing/remastering the entire recording. It also included tracks that originally appeared on EAT A PEACH as well as the song, DRUNKEN HEARTED BOY with Elvin Bishop. All these tracks are missing from the Hybrid SACD version. The titles are as they originally appeared when the lp was first released.
   Personally if a cd is going to get the deluxe SACD treatment, it should have had the material that Tom Dowd labored so hard to improve. Now that he's gone he must be spinning in his grave seeing the original recording being used.
   Sure sonically it's simply phenomenal but it could've been over 2 1/2 hours long yet the first cd clocks in at about 37 minutes far below the 80 min. capacity of any cd. Universal, the company that distributed the cd should be ashamed. They'd have sold many, many more had they used the aformentioned improved tapes rather than the original. All in all however, it still sounds fantastic but it could've been SO much better.

5 comments about Live at the Royal Albert Hall (with Bonus Disc).

1. this is a great cd, this is one of the greatest bands in the history



2. Yes, the Who are one of the greatest live bands ever, but on this album they certaintly don't sound like it. The only redeeming factor is great songs such as "Baba O'Riley", "Won't Get Fooled Again", and "My Generation". I particularly didn't care for the long drawn out version of "The Kids Are Alright". I also felt that it would have been a better concert without the special guests.
   
   I give this album three stars because the song selection is good but the overall performance was subpar.



3. I already own the Live at the Royal Hall DVD which is a great DVD to own.
   This CD package includes a bonus disc of unreleased Who material which was performed later that includes Young Man Blues, Summertime Blues, I Do Even Know Myself and I'm Free. In addition, the original CD also has a great performance bt Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam from the Who's Next Album Getting in Tune. In addition, it has another song Mary Ann with The Shaky Hand. I have converted this performance to MP3 files in order that I can listen to it on my IPOD. In addition, this CD/DVD has probably one of John Entwistle's last performance since he passed away later at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas before the start of another Who tour. In addition, great performance by Bryan Adams, Noel Gallagher, Kennedy, Eddie Vedder and others. It is a great tribute to one of my favorite and greatest Rock and Roll bands of all times. The Who is still touring and I highly recommend everyone to see them.



4. When I first saw this set available on CD, my first thought was "great - just what the world needs - another Who live album!" But the sucker that I am for music by The Who, I bought it anyway, and was pleasantly surprised by how good it is. Having stripped themselves to a five-piece after the 1989 "The Kids Are Alright" tour and the 1996 "Quadrophenia" tour, the Who got back to basics for this show. These guys may have been in their fifties when they did this, but that didn't stop them from returning to their over-the-top bombastic glory. If I could use one word to describe their performance, it would be "incendiary." Roger Daltrey's voice can't quite hit the high notes like it used to, but he showed on this set that he still had the pipes to do Who songs justice. Pete Townshend has a very nasty guitar tone throughout, and this is not a bad thing. Best of all, you get to hear John Entwistle, the Bassist of the Millennium, playing lead bass while Pete thrashes out his power chords. The interplay between him and Pete, especially on Magic Bus, is a revelation. He plays a mind-bending solo on 5'15. Sadly, The Ox is no longer with us. I still miss him. There are no bassists like him - before or since. His final performance is documented on the bonus disc, and it's quite a performance. The band is at it's fire-belching best throughout. The song selection is top notch, and includes a few surprises (The Relay, Let's See Action, I'm One, Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand), plus the usual suspects. The only reason I don't give this set 5 stars is because too much of the between-song banter from Pete is left in. The only exception to this was when he put a heckler in his place. Pete always was a punk at heart. This performance reminds me of when they played at MSG in New York after 9-11. I remember they blew the roof off the place, and this performance in London has that same feel. This is a worthy addition to any Who fan's collection. Get it now - you won't be disappointed.



5. The Who are truly one of the greatest bands ever (along with Led Zeppelin, they are the greatest ever for me), and this 2000 recording of their benefit concert for teenagers with cancer at England's legendary Royal Albert Hall is proof that even as they enter old age, these guys still rock like nobody else.
   
   The performances (including four bonus tracks from 2002) are unbelievably strong the whole way through, from "I Can't Explain" to "Won't Get Fooled Again" to "See Me, Feel Me / Listening To You". I could've done without the special guests, but that still did nothing to make the album any less great.
   
   This cd is also special because you get to hear the late, great John Entwistle for one, last time. The man is on fire throughout the whole show. What a truly great loss. I know I'm not alone when I say John is deeply missed.
   
   This is an absolutely fantastic live album that belongs in everyone's collection.