5 comments about Fillmore East: April 1971.

1. para aquellos que no tuvimos la suerte de vivir un concierto de estos freaks, pienso que es una excelente muestra de un instante en su maravillosa carrera..sonido espectacular, temas buenisimos, presentacion edl box digna, en fin, un producto sublime.



2. All live Dead recordings have their warts, but in terms of both performance and sound quality there is no equal to this one. Only "Europe '72" comes close and, as with "Ladies & Gentlemen...", I feel that recording is underrated by the Dead faithful. It seems that for many, every live Dead recording comes down to how long the version of "Dark Star" is. I enjoy that exploratory and introspective side of the Dead as well but I wouldn't categorize "Truckin'" and "Sugar Magnolia" as light weight sell outs as some seem to. There are no better versions of "China Cat Sunflower" and "St. Stephen" as there are here. Jerry has never sounded better. The version of "Dark Star" is fine although some will dismiss it for only clocking in at just under 14 minutes. I also don't understand how some feel there's not enough Pigpen on this one. I have never heard more organ and harmonica on any other live Dead recording (including Dick's Picks) Some of the pop/R&B covers such as "Second That Emotion" and "Good Lovin" are irritating as I think they are on all live Dead recordings. The vocals here don't match the lush harmonies of the "Europe '72" recording. I have Dick's Picks 4, 8 and 36 and I think they are overrated. I appreciate the disclamers on the recording quality limitations but I think the performances are too raunchy regardless. The exception is the acoustic set on the first disk of DP 8. If you have "Ladies & Gentlemen..." "Europe'72" "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty" you're all set for the Dead. Check out Jerry's work with Dave Grisman as well.



3. Hello fellow Deadheads, many of you have read the reviews slamming these truely grat shows and picking them apart, not me.
   This is a great collection of music that will be an asset to any collection. Pigpen is awsome here folks and really stands out as the powerful member of the the band that he was. Bottom line: this is a must have for any true Deadhead. I love this CD and the great snapshot of history that shines through here.
   "May the skin of your ass never cover a banjo" Keep Jammin.
   Phil on the East Coast.



4. This is a great collection of much of the grateful dead's work. Pig's version of "turn on your lovelight" on here is the best version i have heard of the song. "bertha" is flawless here, as is "china cat sunflower". This is the best live dead album i have heard, and ive heard alot, if you have the money and are new to the grateful dead, or just want a collection of the dead at their best, buy this set!



5. Disc 4 has the best version of Alligator (drums, jam) I have ever heard them play. It doesn't get any better than this. This set is a must have.

5 comments about Chicago XXVI -- The Live Album.

1. There is only one reason to seek out this album and that is for the track, "If I Sould Ever Lose You" written by Burt Bacharach. This studio track, even though it is a ballad, is very well arranged and is a beautiful song. Sadly it is the only really good track on the entire collection. The other two studio tracks are "Back to You" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher". "Back to You" isn't a bad song but it is almost a carbon copy of "All Roads Lead to You" from a previous release. "...Higher" is a cover tune featuring Michael McDonald on lead. This song also isn't bad but it doesn't bring any new life to an already classic song. The use of Michael McDonald was probably because Chicago at the time had their own record label and Michael McDonald was signed under that label.
   
   The live tracks instramentally prove that the band can recreate the sound of the 70s but they can't recreate the "voice". I am actually a fan of Jason Scheff who replaced Peter Cetera in the mid 80s. Jason's task is to sing Peter's songs live in concert. When Jason sings in his range I think he does a great job but Peter's voice was just too far out of his range and on these tracks makes him sound a little whinny. With that said I think he sounds pretty good on Just You 'N' Me and 25 or 6 to 4 because he is more in his range.
   
   Since this is out of print you might be best to review this album on various digital download sites to sample the music and just buy your favorite tracks.



2. First of all, to all of you critics who only accept a band's original studio recordings, this IS live and this IS Chicago in 1999! You WILL hear different voices.
   
   What you will also hear is great and new harmony. You will hear new life to some of the most classic rock hits of what could have been an era gone by. You will hear a 13:29-minute-long melodic and creative blending of Make Me Smile / So Much To Say / Anxiety's Moment / West Virginia Fantasies / Colour My World / To Be Free / Now More Than Ever. You will hear guitar rifts with more of an edge than the original studio versions. You will hear clear and impressive horns. You will hear some of the most crisp guitar and vocals of any live cd. None of that "over there somewhere" sound as on so many live cds these days.
   
   And hey, what other Chicago live cd/album has Feelin' Stronger Every Day? Just You 'N' Me turns into a cool jazzy piece (with flute) that sounds much like Traffic. And for a special treat, you'll get Michael MacDonald (of Doobie Brothers fame) singing Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher.
   
   Here is the track list and song lengths:
   the blend (see above) 13:29
   I've Been Searchin' So Long 4:39
   Mongonucliosis 3:39
   Hard Habit To Break 5:16
   Call On Me 4:33
   Feelin' Stronger Every Day 4:24
   Just You 'N' Me 6:17
   Beginnings 6:17
   Hard To Say I'm Sorry / Get Away 5:38
   25 Or 6 To 4 5:53
   Back To You 3:41
   If I Should Ever Lose You 4:30
   Your Love Keeps Lifting Me 4:10
   
   How many other bands who started in the late 60s, endured with new hits into the 80s? How many bands survived the loss of their most recognizable singer?
   
   I have the often-repackaged 8-song live Chicago cd, and the 4-cd Carnegie Hall set, and the top-drawer Live In Japan (I paid $90 for it, and it is worth it). Chicago XXVI doesn't replace those last two productions, but it is definitely worth having for your listening pleasures!
   
   Chicago has brought their road show my way for several years, most recently with Earth, Wind & Fire. Wow, what a show! 3 1/2 hours of energy, as if these guys were still in their 20s! This summer they tour with America.
   
   My opinion is not that they have too many live cds. They need to release a very new one, with the energy that they rocked us with on '04, '05, and '06. Give us a track list stuffed with just the best stuff, including those mesmerizing long live renditions. My next $90 is ready!



3. I love this CD. I don't know about the studio tricks, though. I don't doubt that some in-studio editing happened on this, but when I saw them live at DTE Energy Theatre a few years back, they did not sound much different than this.
   
   Sorry folks - I love and miss Terry, Peter, and Danny (is that the three of them parachuting out of the plane in the cover picture? Maybe it is the three wind players? I know - I'm reaching!) - - - but, this present line-up is the best ever. None of the Original Seven can ever be replaced, but today's Chicago is made up of members that want to be in Chicago, that care about the legacy of Chicago but who also want to keep the sound relevant and current.
   
   In my Night and Day review, I state that the present era of Chicago began then. This is the era where they finally get it together after several personnal shake-ups. It represents the culmination of a search that began with CTA, and never really was completed, which is - What Is Chicago? I really feel like they have it altogether now. Sadly, the industry doesn't seem to care, but no matter . . .
   
   This era of Chicago will last until the industry and fan base does rediscover Chicago, as they did Tony Bennett a decade ago. Chicago will be "cool" again, before the remaining original members all retire (and I have hopes that Chicago as a band and concept will outlast any one member). But I predict another revival for Chicago within ten years.
   
   Buy this CD, listen and enjoy it. I disagree with Robert Lamm: This IS Chicago.
   
   Meanwhile - I look forward to seeing them one week from today, again at DTE!



4. This may sound crazy, but I think it's worth the price of the Cd just for the new studio cut "Back to You", which to me is one of my favorite Chicago songs. I also love the studio cut "If I Should Lose You."
   
   As a whole, I think the live album's pretty good. It captures the band's current lineup in concert, which is cool. But, nothing compares to a real Chicago concert, live and in person.
   
   I disagree with those who say the band can no longer play well live. To me, Chicago continues to be INCREDIBLE live. Few (if any) are the bands who could even be compared. They are one of the best concert bands, period.
   
   The only negative thing I could say about a Chicago concert nowadays is Keith's lead vocals. I think Keith is a great guitar player, and, yes, a decent singer. But it is wrong to let him sing multiple tracks live. He is no Jason, Bill, Robert, or Peter. He could be given maybe ONE song to sing. But to let him sing multiple songs that are classic hits- this is insane. No disrespect to Keith, but... let Jason, Bill, and Robert handle the leads.



5. I bought this right after I attended the concert at the Taste of Chicago 1999. I agreed with most of the selections made for the album (I might have even dropped one of the studio tracks for another live track). In my opinion, the best tracks are Mongonucleosis (a jam mixed with a little salsa -- it knocked the crowd out), Beginnings (it may never have sounded better), the Ballet, and 25 or 6 to 4 (Keith just knocked the crowd out with a killer guitar, with a horn riff going on behind him near the end of his solo). The studio tracks were OK, though I might have dropped either of the last 2 for another live track (I'm a Man flat out rocked in Chicago -- I would have included that). Since the tour with EWF appears to have helped sweep this one off the racks, I sure am glad I bought this early!

5 comments about Steve Miller Band: Live!.

1. Steve Miller Band live is with no doubt the best recording of a live performance I have ever heard.I,m not saying that all of the other LIVE recordings we have loved for years are not as good of a music experience,such as ALLMAN BROS filmore,BOB seager,FRAMPTON.What I,m saying is this STEVE MILLER is by far the best example of how a live recording should sound.After working in the live music business for 15 years I heard many types or styles of live mixing,S m LIVE is the best.Just listen you can hear the mixing changes as they should be,everything or I should say all of the instruments have their position in the mix and then BAMM another lead jumps out to the front of the mix or MR> buffalo with his dynamic harp,it just seems each feature of the song just keeps jumping further out front never loosing anything into the background.Its all there,my hats off to the front of house tech on this project,hope to hear mor of your work and of course lets hear more from STEVIE miller.



2. Steve Miller live is a decent live album. The song than what is missing on the CD is available on the cassette version.Steve Miller live is a live CD containing hits mainly from The Joker,Fly like an Eagle, and Book of Dreams, with a few songs thrown in from other albums. The song choice is excellent in my opinion,but the performances of on the album aren't very good. Fun if you enjoy live albums but not essential.



3. I'm searching for that missing tune which I had on the original tape version. A real pity it's missing. That tune alone would have been reason enough to purchase this cd. Still, great versions of the songs that are included here.



4. This CD is fine as far as it goes. However, there is a Laser disc available of the same title (and cover art) leading one to believe the CD contains the same music. Not true!! There is a great Norton Buffalo tune at the end of the laser disc version which is painfully absent from the CD. Those who've never seen the laser disc version don't know what they're missing!! The CD is still worth the money but I felt somewhat cheated.



5. I first heard this on tape years ago and have worn the tape to death. Now, I've got it on Cd so it can last. I think these are the best versions of the songs. I looooooove this Cd. It is really awesome. Try it, you won't regret it!

5 comments about Concert (20 Bit Mastering).

1. This is the live album to get, if you want to hear CCR really live, playing their songs just like the records, but faster. They were a very 60's type band at heart. Kind of cute in their swamp rock way. Sound quality is good enough. Enjoy an hour of CCR.
   
   Essential live albums from the 70's:
   Deep Purple - Made In Japan
   The Who - Live At Leeds



2. "The Concert" has taken some hits through the years, but it is actually a really fine live album, featuring several of Creedence's best songs in tough, muscular renditions.
   
   The sound is quite good, the songs are great, of course, and there are virtually no weak moments here.
   Some of the band's lesser-known album tracks, like "The Midnight Special", "Tombstone Shadow" and the spiritual-slash-rockabilly tune "Don't Look Now", are particularly enjoyable in this live setting, but the single hits work very well also, including "Proud Mary" and "Green River".
   4 1/2 stars. Highly recommended.



3. If you like your bands to play live a faithful note for note reproduction of their albums then you'll love this album. If you're the type who likes a band to open up, change things around a bit and show some spontaneity in their live shows then this album is not for you.

   Although, written over 3 years ago I have to take issue with previous reviewer kireviewer. A few things he/she said are simply untrue.

   The reason Creedence didn't allow their appearance at Woodstock to appear on the album or movie had nothing to do with money. Creedence came on late at night after the Grateful Dead had put everyone to sleep. Their set was filled with numerous technical difficulties. Fogerty, already sensing the future importance of the event, didn't want Creedence's legacy to be such a poor performance.

   It has never been documentated in any way that there were issues within the band about the style of music they played. If Fogerty wanted the band to be a showcase for his songs, so what? The guy wrote about 13 top ten singles in a 3 year period. The album Mardi Gras proved that the songs from the other members of Creedence were not up to snuff.

   John WAS an autocrat. You had to do things his way or take the highway. To say that he couldn't get along with anybody is a bit unfair though.

   Oh, by the way, as a reward for sticking with the band for ten years before Proud Mary hit John gave all the members a percentage of songwriting royalties for the first few albums even though they had absolutely nothing to do with writing any of the songs. Never heard Lennon or McCartney doing anything like that for Ringo.




4. I have to disagree with the previous review. This is CCR at the top of their game and they sound like they're having a blast. Although John Fogerty was well known for wanting to play a short set (without encores), it wasn't a lack of respect for the audience that was at the heart of this decision. Fogerty just couldn't see the point in stretching out the material beyond the 3 minute song. He wasn't a fan of endless solos and wanted to go right to the heart of the material.

   Despite the comments here about Fogerty caring for money more than his fans (I'd say that's not true based on what I've read and the two performances that I've seen by him in concert. He's such a perfectionist that he's probably quite difficult to work with though), it's clear from the performance that music was (and still is) his driving passion. His performance here is honest and direct. The band may have been self conscious because this recording was from a television special they were working on. Having the cameras around during performing isn't the most natural situation in the world.

   The sound quality on the remastered disc is outstanding. It still shows it's age but more than holds its own against more contemporary recordings. What's really refreshing is the lack of overdubs and post production sweetening. CCR didn't need it and they knew it. The song selections did influence the set list to some extent as they knew this was going to be shown on television. As a result, the focus is on the hits and key album tracks.




5. I have always been a big fan of Creedence Clearwater Revival and I usually prefer live music over the strict confines of the studio. But, if this album is any indication, CCR was a much better studio group than a live group.

   This concert is taken from 1970, before Cosmos Factory was released. It consists of the hits and more popular songs up to that time (except Suzy Q). The group just races through the songs. The songs are even shorter than the studio versions. It is fast, but there is no energy or emotion. It is as if the band just wanted to get it over with and get paid. John Fogerty had a reputation for disdain of his fans and a love of money.

   The sound quality of my CD is pretty poor. Newer versions are supposed to be remastered. I doubt that this would help much because the original LP didn't sound so good either. I would guess that the problem is in the original recording and that digital remastering won't make that much difference.

   Note that at this time, Creedence Clearwater was about the biggest band in rock. Woodstock was originally developed as a festival starring CCR. John Fogerty would not let their performance appear on the Woodstock album or movie because he was upset that they didn't get paid (That didn't bother any of the other groups of the time).

   John Fogerty couldn't get along with anybody. He fought with the band members over the style of music they played. He wanted the group to be a showcase for his songs, while the rest of the grouup wanted to open up more. The frictions caused the group to break up. He fought with his record company, which caused him to drop out of sight for a long while after CCR broke up. This concert was from when the tensions in the band were just starting. Maybe that is one of the reasons for the poor performance.

5 comments about The Last Great Traffic Jam.

1. Unforgetable 1994 Traffic concert tour record and DVD.All musicians are at their best.I own over 200 dvd concerts but this one is one of the best in my collection.Highly recommended for all Traffic fans and old rockers.



2. It's about time there was an official live album documenting Traffic's reunion tour (of sorts) in 1994. While it's perhaps not all it could be, it is still worthwhile for any follower of Traffic or Steve Winwood.
   
   On the downside:
   - The DVD side of disc 2 is a highly unnecessary extra. Its main feature of interest is a lengthy interview with a very old-looking Winwood and Capaldi -- interspersed with some old pics and video clips -- but it's highly unrevealing. There is, understandably, quite a bit of emphasis on the late Chris Wood (the old, amusing silent film clips of whom are easily the most interesting thing about the whole DVD side). Other past members are not acknowledged whatsoever, except that some are seen briefly in pics from old album covers and Dave Mason is mentioned in passing twice.
   - The album is just a little longer than what would fit on a single disc, which means these two discs have plenty of room left on them. How much trouble would it have been to include a few more songs (I know there were several others played on the tour), not to mention the full version of "Glad"/"Freedom Rider"?
   - On "Light Up And Leave Me Alone" Capaldi's voice sounds terrible, and an audience-participation call-and-response is rendered nonsensical by our not being able to hear the audience.
   
   Another complaint might be that the song selection heavily overlaps that of the previous Traffic live albums (WELCOME TO THE CANTEEN, ON THE ROAD). But Traffic is not one of those artists who put out multiple live versions that all sound just like the studio original (or even like each other). The seven "repeats" from prior live albums almost all improve on the earlier live versions without making them obsolete. Shoot, there have now been FOUR official live "Traffic" versions of "Glad" (one of which, released on a CD single, was actually from a Winwood solo tour) and they're all really different! This album's "Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys" is how the song is SUPPOSED to sound live -- the ON THE ROAD version wasn't.
   
   And it's about time there were official live versions of "Pearly Queen", "John Barleycorn", and something off of WHEN THE EAGLE FLIES ("Walking In The Wind"). Oddly there's only one FAR FROM HOME song represented, but that one ("Mozambique") is practically worth the price of admission in itself.



3. OH MY WHAT HAVE WE HERE?!!!! i have to admit I am only a technology novice, so this is a review just on the music: 10 stars. easily one of the best live jazz/blues/international/folk/jambandrock albums ever. very well played. This cd smokes. what a joy. wish I had scene this tour. Very magical music playing. the band is very good, everyone rips it up. crowd is into as well. you can tell this music was very much enjoyed by those present.



4. This is also available in DVD as a concert video. Both this CD and the DVD have some problems with the execution and mechanics. But, there is some great music here.
   
   This is a 2 CD set. The first disc is a conventional CD and has six songs on it. The second disc is a CD on one side and DVD on the other. The CD side has five more songs on it. There is a warning that the CD might not play in your system. The CD sides play fine in any conventional CD player but may not work on a computer.
   
   The DVD side has the same 11 songs as the CD's with enhanced sound. You can also play the music in 5.1. The sound is much better than the CD versions. There is no video to go along with the songs. It is just a still picture showing while the audio is playing.
   
   The DVD contains a menu for song selection. But, you can only choose the first the 6 songs. The menu does not show the last five songs (I am guessing they meant to show the last 5 songs on another page, but forgot to include access to that page).
   
   The DVD also contains an interview with Winwood and Capaldi about the concert tour.
   
   On the CD's the track order is not what is listed on the cover.
   
   The music is very good. Winwood is great on guitar and keyboards. Chris Wood died in 1983. He is replaced on sax and flute by Randall Bramblett, who is now guess starring with almost every jam band in existence, like Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers.
   
   The total music time is 90 minutes. Song selection is good, but not perfect. I don't know why more music was included. Maybe they didn't have quality tapes for the other songs?
   
   The biggest frustration is the treatment of Glad. On this product (both CD and DVD side) it fades out before going on to Freedom Rider. It is even worse on the DVD concert, where it is abruptly cut.
   
   THE DVD CONCERT VERSION OF THIS MUSIC HAS ITS OWN PROBLEMS. This also sold as a DVD concert. The DVD comes with a worthless 15 minute bonus CD of Winwood playing around in the studio. The DVD does have concert video, so if you really want to see what they look like, playing the songs, then you might want to get the DVD concert. However, it is poorly produced, filmed and edited. Plus, it has annoying breaks between the songs showing behind the scenes footage.
   
   It is hard to believe that a major record company would put out a product with so many problems. But then, Sony is the one that brought you the famous spyware that can leave you computer open to hackers. With the spyware incident and the mess with this product, Sony may surpass BMG as the worst major record company. You have to really careful what you buy from BMG. They constantly repackage old material and try to sell it as new.



5. Okay so the packaging and track listings etc are not perfect. And why did we wait ten years for this release? THIS IS A GREAT LIVE RECORDING OF A GREAT CLASSIC BAND. And with Wood and Capaldi gone, it is definitive. Best live they ever released? Maybe. More focused than CANTEEN, less rambling than ON THE ROAD. Choice of songs is perfect. The version of Dear Mr. Fantasy with Garcia is maybe not the strongest version of that tune released but mostly due to Garcia's meandering lead lines, Winwood is on fire throughout. If you have ever loved Traffic in any incarnation, do yourself the favor and take this highway into the traffic jam.

5 comments about Dick's Picks, Vol. 1: Tampa, FL, 12/19/73.

1. The first time I truly "got" this CD was one night listening with headphones. Bobby stabs, jabs, and rakes with amazing creativity. When listening to the Dead, we get really comfortable listening to Jerry, and with good reason. But when you tune in to what Bobby is doing on this album, you will be struck by the beauty of his playing. He shows a whimsical ability to play very jazzy fills that stand on their own as an overlooked and underrated part of the band's sound. Chordal extensions and rhythmic originality are all over the place, especially in the jams. And of course, the rest of the band is right there with him. Highly recommended listening. Headphones, after midnight!



2. As a new Deadhead, when I first heard this, I was perplexed why this would be chosen as DP #1. After several listenings, I "got it." This was recorded live in Tampa in December, 1973, in the period between "Wake of the Flood" and "Mars Hotel". It's a jazzier, more exploratory dead. The tone of the jams in Weather Report Suite and Playing in the Band, particularly, is light, trippy and optimistic.
   
   Keith and Donna were very very good on this release. I keep reading complaints that she shreiks but that's just Southern soul gospel coming through and all I can say is that it worked here. Having just lost Pigpen earlier in the year, what I am hearing in these grooves is emotional commitment to the music and to each other.
   
   I remember being in the car, kind of thinking that maybe they shouldn't have made this DP #1, when it hit me that this Weather Report Suite and Playing in the Band are both really tight. They were just soaring.
   
   Disk 2's laconic, lilting He's Gone flows effortlessly. The disk reaches a high point with Nobody's Fault But Mine and the Jam preceding The Other One which reveal the band at an artistic and emotional high point.
   
   DP 1 is jazzy where it has to be jazzy, twangy where it has to be twangy, and it rocks in all the right places. The tape hiss is quickly forgotten once you get into the quality of the performances...Turn up your bass a little bit to correct the problem one reviewer mentioned with Phil being a little too low. You may also want to crank up your treble since it's a bit muddy in the high range. It's a DP, after all, and not a perfect recording but overall a very good recording, and as deserving as any to be called DP #1.



3. This is the first of many great shows to come frm Dick, may he rest in peace. Dick knew what he was doing on all his picks except a few where he blundered slightly. Here comes Sunshine is a killer opening song. This is a good CD that delivers.
   Eastcoast Phil. TCBRN, Simpsonville, SC 11/30/06



4. wow. right now i am listening to the jam/other one and my whole apartment is melting. and i'm not even on drugs! this one features the dead at their "almost-acme." it is something to truely behold, somebody chain up phil, already. the here comes sunshine, the playin in the band, the truckin, quickly it becomes clear, this is the penultimate release of the pickin' dick. whoa and right now is the time people, honk your horns and listen to it. jam has never tasted so good.



5. This was the first of the DP series I bought and I have a special place in my heart for it. As just about everyone else has noted 'Here Comes Sunshine' is incredible. If you buy the set just for that one song you'll be very happy. And while I agree with the reviewer who thought the version of 'He's Gone' was nothing special on this night I still give it 5 stars.

5 comments about Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour.

1. Quoted from another reviewer:
   -------------------------------
   Having not grown up in the 70's, I was able to be completely impartial and take a look at both singers. I have to say that after hearing Van Zant, their new singer,whatever his name is, it really sounds like the group picked the fattest drunk loser in the crowd and said, you wanna sing songs and shoot up with us? I mean, this guy is worse than reality tv. No tallent. What does this guy do for this group? Nothing. Dont buy this cd, or anything after Van Zant. The group should have died in that crash along with the man. Harsh, I know, but true. If your still looking for Skynard CD's I recommend Self Pronounced and Second Helping. After that if you still want some Down south Junking... Check out Creedence Clearwater Revival.
   -------------------------------
   The singer is Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnnie Van Zant.
   
   This live album is an incredible one. It proves that Johnnie has done an incredible job filling in the shoes of his older brother. I am sure Ronni would be very proud of his brother, and I am also sure Ronnie himself would have chosen no one else to fill his shoes.



2. I think this is a GREAT CD. I also have the DVD. Can't believe some people don't like Johnny. I think his brother Ronnie would be really proud of him. He sings great, even the old songs. As for not taking his singing seriously. He just has a good time with it. And Rickey Medlocke is AMAZING. I've been a Skynyrd fan for a lot of years. I think they are as Great now as they were before, if not better... lots of energy.



3. I have always been a Skynyrd fan the first band was right where my head was at back then and I still love to hear the old tunes but the new band is singing about what life is like now. Check out the Vicious Cycle and Last Rebel CD's as well.
   This Live CD is mostly covers of Ron's tunes.



4. These boys have been doing this for many years and still have it. I went backstage at their Pompano Beach, FL show. They had Maryland corn, Old Bay, jumbo lump, Thrasher's french fries- all Maryland style. Then the concert was unbelievable. Rebel flags everywhere, boy. Great music. Couple of fights broke out but it was all good.



5. I saw them on there comeback tour and wept.( So good) They have kept going and frankly got better. With Ricky, especially, skynyrd are are very tight band. Listen and enjoy!

5 comments about One More Car: One More Rider (CD & DVD Set).

1. [[ASIN:B00006SFLX Eric Clapton - One More Car One More Rider
   I bought this CD/DVD for my sister as a birthday gift and decided one for myself. The DVD is superb! I have a decent audio/video set up and that DVD did not leave the DVD player for 3 weeks. I had front a row seat.
   I will most certainly consider other Clapton music videos.



2. What a wonderful concert. The CD's and DVD are awesome.
   Great price, too!



3. DVD was formatted for UK and would not play. However the seller was extremenely responsive and will issue a refund.



4. This is my favorite live cd & dvd by far. Bought it for myself & a friend and had to buy another copy for myself...just in case something should happen to the original--IT'S THAT GOOD. This version of BADGE is by far the best I've heard ever. It's hard listening to the original after hearing this--it is such a jam!! I was lucky to see this tour and "re-seeing" the dvd gave me chills! How he opens LAYLA is classic. Billy Preston singing WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES is a teriffic jam too. Again, you'll never want to hear the original ever again. Definately buy, you won't regret it.



5. This CD is the hottest. Songs like Layla from Derek and the Dominoes to My Father's Eyes are some of the legendary songs by Eric himself.

5 comments about Bowie at Beeb: Best of BBC Radio 68-72.

1. If you're a bowie fan, you're in for a treat. I first heard tracks from this album while I was sitting in a coffee shop. I thought he'd done some new live acoustic recordings, they sounded so fresh. There are a lot of tracks and some clunkers, but the good ones make up for it. Bowie is of course and incredible performer and the necessity of these stripped down BBC recordings lets his performances shine. He rips into the songs in a way that's not possible on a studio album. Magical!!



2. 
   If you have any notion of buying this great set, look at the used listings for the earlier, limited edition, now OOP, 3CD set.
   
   It contains a fabulous live disc recorded at the BBC London Theatre 06/27/00 that this later edition does not have.
   
   Check out the tracklist for the live disc:
   
   Disc: 3
   1. Wild Is The Wind
   2. Ashes To Ashes
   3. Seven
   4. This Is Not America
   5. Absolute Beginners
   6. Always Crashing In The Same Car
   7. Survive
   8. Little Wonder
   9. Man Who Sold The World
   10. Fame
   11. Stay
   12. Hallo Spaceboy
   13. Cracked Actor
   14. I'm Afraid Of Americans
   15. Let's Dance
   
   As of this writing, the OOP 3CD is available here on Amazon for less, used, than this 2-disc set, new.
   
   Don't pass up the opportunity to get the live CD. The audio is first rate, and the performance is excellent.
   
   Link to the original 3CD BBC set.



3. Contrary to the reviews here- i think disc One is the stunner here featuring many of Bowies earliest mod folk and acoustic rockers. God knows im good- (Brels) Amsterdamn -In the heat of the morning and well pretty much all of the first disc capture David at his early climb to fame. The interviews and radio chatter only enhance the uniqueness and rarity for fans. Its all very informative and captures a time and place and the sound is excellent- you can almost sense coming superstardom in the confidence of the material and in the band. Disc two contains most of his Ziggy Stardust material which ofcourse is all good but basically sounds like demos of that album and for the most part is very familiar even to the casual fan. The acoustic versions of Supermen and Andy Warhol would have sat better on disc one as they flow into that material better. This is a great bargain especially used nearly 40 songs of Bowie at his peak. Disc One however finds itself on permanent rotation in my cd player- i could listen to this all day.



4. CD2 - The first CD could be a symphony of (flatus) and I'd still give this 5 stars for the nearly immaculate performances on the second disk. In particular, "Hang Onto Yourself" (track 3), "White Light/White Heat," and "Suffregette City" (featuring Mick Ronson making this totally hot kissing noise with his guitar)crackle with energy. It is truly a thrill to hear these old favorites in such a new (as such) and exciting light. Bowie and Co. burn down the BBC studios. Repeatedly. Any rock fan (but especially an old Bowie fan, of course) is likely to meltdown in ecstacy upon hearing this.
   
   CD1 - Many hardcore fans will surely (sweet milk) over CD1 as well although I'm not personally crazy about all of it. Some of David's early Brittish folk period is represented which can be a bit hippy-dippy at times. The first 4 tracks, recorded in May of '68, fit that description although they do feature brilliant in-studio orchestral accompaniment.
   
   Much of CD1 does in fact rock. "Let Me Sleep Beside You" and "Janine" are very good, easy-going rockers recorded with Junior's Eyes who had a short-lived collaboration with Bowie and the session was never broadcast. Bowie delivers a stunning solo performance of Jacques Brel's "Port of Amsterdam" (vocal and guitar). The same session shows off Mick Ronson just a few days after hooking up with Bowie for the first time. They perform an intriguing, half-written version of "Width of a Circle." Ronson really cuts loose on "Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed" and "Cygnet Committee" is positively intense. Some studio hum can be heard on the session, an atmospheric reminder of the electric nature of these proceedings (that may or may not appeal to the listener). "Memory of a Free Festival" had sadly been edited for time and remains so.
   
   Recorded in June of '71, the last session on CD1 features all of the future Spiders From Mars as well as some friends on vocals and guitarist Mark Carr-Pritchard who played for a phantom Bowie project called Arnold Corns. Early embryonic versions of "Moonage Daydream" and "Hang Onto Yourself" were recorded and released under that name. The group stomps through "Bombers," a rare HUNKY DORY-era cut that sounds better (and less cheesy) than the studio version which I have as a bonus cut from the RYCODISK release of HUNKY DORY. "Looking For A Friend" is a country-ish, Stones-y rocker and they also turn in a rousing cover of Chuck Berry's "Almost Grown." And Bowie performs "Kooks" solo on vocal and guitar which he had just written for newborn son Zowie.
   
   Note: Those concerned about excessive voice-overs from BBC radio hosts (like the ones that marred the Jimmy Hendrix BBC release) can relax. There's very little talking over the songs and quite a bit of interesting Bowie banter on CD1. CD2 has nothing but back-to-back songs. Tracks begin with actual songs, not the preceeding dialogue.



5. This is yet another interesting byproduct of the recent rush to re-release Brit groups and stars who performed during rock's glory age for various BBC TV and radio programs. Usually these are a mixed bag, as they often collect different time periods, different settings, different styles, and different sound dynamics, all wrapped onto one or two discs. Notable recent BBC collections include an early collection by the Beatles, a generally enthusiastic release from the Kinks, a great Led Zeppellin cd, and a very strong late-period Procol Harum set.
   
   This one is no different. Like those I mentioned, the first cd of Bowie at the Beeb collects several early live performances of a red-hot Bowie fresh off the high of "Space Oddity" performing an eclectic set of solo, small group acoustic, and rock performances. Leaving aside the annoying BBC host who is always omnipresent in these sets, Bowie turns in a strong yet tentative collection of his early songs, some joined by Mick Ronson toward the end of the disc. Standouts include "Janine," "The Width of a Circle," and a rave-up performance of "It Ain't Easy." Those familiar with the early Bowie sound will find it in abundance on the first cd, an obvious talent looking for the right sound and fit for his muse, trying on and abandoning different styles but always a solid performer throughout.
   
   The second cd finds a far more confident Bowie a few years later (1972) in a studio setting, bringing his amped-up Ziggy Stardust persona and ripping through a blistering set of highlights from that period. The sound (recorded with overdubs in the studio) is especially fine, and the performances first-rate -- Mick Ronson leaves no prisoners as he slashes through "Hang on to Yourself" and "Ziggy Stardust." Bowie even brings on a large contingent of supporters later on to help him with a superb set that includes "Starman," "Space Oddity," and "Changes."
   
   Bowie fans will rejoice. I hope the Bowie archivists start releasing more of his early and mid-period live sets, as we have seen with other similar artists, so we can fill in the missing pieces in the evolution of a singular rock icon.

4 comments about King Biscuit Flower Hour.

1. Just love re-discovering these vintage King Biscuit live performances of many days gone by. This fourteen track CD is of a gig that took place in March, 1983 in Worchester, MA. If I remember correctly, Def Leppard opened for Squire on that stateside tour. Damn fine arena rock to experience here. Best tunes {without a doubt} are the uplifting "Everybody Wants You", What Da Ya Want From Me", "My Kind Of Lover", "Emotions In Motion", the super radio friendly "Lonely Is The Night", "The Stroke" and {haven't heard this song in ages} "Rip This Joint". Line-up: Billy Squire-guitar & vocals, Jeff Golub-guitar, Alan St. Jon-keyboards & backing vocals, Doug Lubahn-bass & backing vocals and Bobby Chouinard-drums. Great work, King Biscuit. I can still think of several (very cool) shows they had on the weekly radio show every Sunday night but will never likely see a legit release. A must-have.



2. Billy Squier was the first live concert I ever attended and it was during the "Emotions In Motion" tour, so this CD is also a keepsake for me. I remember listening to The King Biscuit Flower Hour when I was younger and I am not sure if this was intended to be put on a CD when it was recorded for radio airplay, but I feel like the quality is pretty good over all. I am no sound engineer, but I found the sound to be good quality. I saw Billy Squier on the Ringo Starr tour and it made me yearn for his music, so I bought this as well as "Happy Blue" and I have been listening to both almost non-stop. If you are a Billy Squier fan, you should definitely buy this CD.



3. Recorded in 1983, this collection includes all of Squier's major hits up to that point, including "Everybody Wants You", "Learn How to Live", "My Kinda Lover", "Lonely is the Night', "In the Dark", & of course, "The Stroke." If it had been recorded just a couple of years later, to include a few later Squier essential hits, it surely would have been a classic.



4. This live concert CD is great. I loved Squier's slightly different interpretations of some of his music. A classic rock CD. The energy is electric in this concert.