5 comments about The Essential Live.

1. This live album captures most of what dnc is about. Mixing heavy rock with folk/country numbers, like a weird mix of the Dictators and John Denver, Kevn Kinney and his bandmates rip through nearly 20 of their greatest hits, warts and all. The band, with help from Joey Huffman on organ and David Franklin on guitar, is typically rough and spontaneous, delivering blistering versions of classics such as "The Innocent," "Build a Fire," "Straight to Hell" and the great unreleased song "Dirty Angels." The only weakness derives from the track list, which evinces the band's intention in making this a "greatest hits" affair. Some of the songs, such as "Honeysuckle Blue" and "Scarred but Smarter" don't come off very well here, but as "greatest hits" they're indispensable. In short, a less predictable track list featuring more rarities would have made this fan happier. But if you like rough performances from earnest bands or remember fondly waking up with ringing ears, a hangover, and the stale cigarette smoke in your clothes after a night with dnc, you'll like this one.



2. I worked at Elizabeth reed Music Hall in Macon where some of this album was recorded. In my 5 years of working at this once great venue, Drivin N Cryin was one of my favorite live acts. This Disc captures the band very well. Kevin and the boys know how to rock. I miss the band and the venue. ....Im pretty sure I can hear myself yell.."Get used to it!!...Its an awsome disc..just like all their albums are...DC Liz Reeds 08/94 to 10/99



3. As a rule, I've eschewed "live" albums. However, my knowledge of DNC's strengths performing live pushed me just enough so that I purchased "Essential Live." I was NOT disappointed. This quite possibly is the best live album I've heard. By "best" I mean that it accurately portrays what it's like to see DNC live. The production is great; and each song warrants playing over and over.

   DNC, see you in Murfreesboro, TN, and on Thanksgiving!




4. This album is second only to seeing DNC live yourself. The quality of recording is excellent, and really captures Kevn Kinney's guitar punch. Finally, an album that totally captures this great rock band's potential. I personally was at the Atlanta show (one of the three represented on this album), and am now ready to see them again ASAP!



5. This Album shows how a Band from Atlanta can really rock at a live venue. I have followed the band for many years now, This is a true album that shows how a great band sounds live without a lot of noise interfearance. Anyone from Atlanta and the south knows the band and has more than likely seen the band before and this album has tracks from all the albums we love. In other words, BUY THIS LIVE ALBUM!

4 comments about Panic in the Streets.

1. This was my first panic cd and I think it is GREAT! You can listen to it from beginning to end, over and over again! The music being "live" helps create the atmosphere when you listen and I believe it is impossible to get or be in a bad mood when this GREAT band is playin'!



2. It's easy to say that Widespread is one of, if not the best, kept secrets in modern rock. I was a little weiry about buying this two disc set, because of how breif the second disc was, but I am glad I took the chance. The first disc shows panic at their finest, A good get-you-movin Disco into Tallboy (a personal favorite) is a great way to start the CD. The Chilly Water sandwhich in the middle of the CD really stands out, and ending the disc with Ain't LIfe Grand was a perfect way to keep me psyched for the next CD. (I also have to mention a smoking Wrangler on Disc 1). It took a couple of times to listen through it, but what disc 2 may lack in length, it makes up with in great song selection and high octain early Panic. A supper powerful pigeons, a great sing along Walkin, and the always explosive Sense to Me, with a gentley brutal Mercy to end it. Wow, I'd buy it again if I had to, I suggest this to anyone who loves Panic or needs to hear some southern roots-rock at it's finest... The boys from Georgia do it again.



3. I bought this disc since it was a 2 disc set for a single disc price, a bargain eh? Well...not quite. Disc 1 is an absolute stunner, everything you'd expect from WP. While I can't say the vocalist is anything to rave about, the band makes up for it with long extended jams. Disc 2 is a throwaway in my opinion, Who plays such a short show? I foolishly was expecting a full complete concert on this second bonus disc. Sound quality is fine, clean and loud. The booklet is all photos and credits are sparse. 4 stars for the package docked 1 star for disc 2. Disc 1:
   10 tracks/76.15. DISC 2: 6 tracks/20.35.



4. What will they think of next? This is a live set recorded at the record release party for another live set. And most Panic fans will probably disagree, but this one is even better than "Light Fuse, Get Away" albeit a bit shorter.

   Interestingly, both sets have a number of songs in common. "Disco" sounds better here as a stand-alone, rather than part of a medley of sorts on "Light Fuse." Pilgrims absolutely blows away the version on "Light Fuse" although it still falls short of the studio version from Everyday (yes folks, while they are a great live band their studio material is often underrated). "Love Tractor" is good on both sets, so the only song that "Light Fuse" has over "Panic In The Streets" is "Porch Song" which an unbelievable opener on the earlier set.

   It is also important to note that this set is an expanded version of the 4-track CD that came with some versions of the original "Panic In The Streets" VHS set. However, the sound quality now blows away the original CD. Also, "Tall Boy" fades out early on the original CD which is a shame because the extended jam available now is terrific.

   As far as the Georgia Theatre disc goes, it's a shame that it's so short (6 songs), but there's some great stuff on it, particluarly the extended versions of "Pigeons" and "Walkin'". But the real highlight is the semi-acoustic versions of "Mercy" with John Bell and a woman named Samantha Woods on vocals. They're sparse but beautiful. Best...Renditions...Ever!

   Bottom line, this live set is not quite as strong as last year's "Live In The Classic City" set, but it is better than both "Light Fuse, Get Away" and "Another Joyous Occasion". At least those are my thoughts after one listen. Enjoy!

5 comments about Raunch 'N' Roll Live.

1. As several have stated, the original lp and this cd contain a condensed program of the original show. BUT, Rhino's Handmade series is a numbered, limited, 2 cd set of two complete shows! Yes, it's 2 nights of Raunch 'n Roll! Some songs are repeated, but there's plenty of additional material exclusive for each night. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as though Amazon carries the Rhino release, but I believe it's still available at Rhino Handmade web site.
   The remastering is quite good for what it is (Raunch 'n Roll), though I still prefer the sound of the orginal vinyl--hence the 3 stars. Forgetting the comparison to the lp, the Rhino edition is the best, and the one to buy!



2. Thank you BOA for releasing this on CD! Like an earlier reviewer, I too saw them on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" back in the day and ran out to buy this album. This is everything a live rock & roll record should be. You can almost feel the energy emitting from this this live collection. Tommy A. was simply on fire behind the kit during these shows! The only reason I gave the CD 4 stars instead of 5 is because of it's length. I agree with another reviewer that they really should have added some tracks. Atlantic Records (this was originally released on their Atco label) MUST have some additional live cuts collecting dust in a vault from this tour. I own a lot of well done live albums from the 70's, but this one absolutely smokes from start to finish!



3. I was lucky enough to see these guys live twice in the early '70's and once in the mid 80's. Always raw, always wild and lots of fun! Jim Dandy Mangrum's antics on stage always a blast to watch. This release comes as close as possible to the energy of being there. Every song on here blows the studio versions out of the water! Southern hills party rock at it's best. HOT AND NASTY never sounded so good, WHEN ELECTRICITY CAME TO ARKANSAS, and HOT ROD are true gems. I've heard THE ALLMAN BROTHERS, LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST, hailed many times as the best live album ever made, but for power, energy, and pure kick ass fun, I believe this one leaves the ALLMAN's offering far behind in the dust. And that is not meant as an insult to the ALLMAN BROTHERS, I have the afore mentioned album on c.d., and enjoy it. It just doesn't live up to this one. The only flaw with this c.d. is that it comes in at only a little over 33 minutes. Short by today's c.d. standards. But then again, I'm not sure adding filler and fluff would have really been an improvement to an already great performance.
   Thanks,
   Tom



4. "If you believe..." OK, I'll admit it, there was a time back when I was but a wee kid, that my idea of rock and roll was stuff like "Down By The Lazy River" by the Osmond Brothers. Then, late one night, a miracle happened! I saw Black Oak Arkansas on one of the old Don Kirshner or Midnight Special concert programs and it changed my life. And yes, 30 some odd (!) years later I still say that was for the good.
   
   Raunch and Roll was one of the very first albums I ever bought (along with Machine Head and Band of Gypsies) and it still ranks as one of my all time favorite releases.
   
   This album is everything that rock and roll ought to be - it's loud, rude, crude, and socially unacceptable (to borrow lyrics from a later BOA song). These guys rocked, they may not have been the most accomplished of musicians, and while you can call me a backwoods uneducated mutant hillbilly, I'll take the guitar tandem of Stan Knight and Harvey Jett over those two guys in Aerosmith any day.
   
   BOA was one of the greatest live acts in rock history and this captures them at their peak. Jim Dandy set the standard for front men and, for those who may have only known of him from his days with Ozzy or Whitesnake (or Pat Travers, or Nugent, or Gary Moore, Vinnie Moore, Thin Lizzy, etc...) Tommy Aldridge's blueprint for his incredible drum solos was captured live here, first!
   
   Tom Dowd's production was stellar and, IMHO, is one of the biggest differences between RnR and their later (and lesser) live album, "Live Mutha".
   
   The only thing wrong with RnR is that it screams for a full blown remastering job. Not that there's anything wrong with the sound quality. It's just that RnR went Gold, the fact that it hasn't been re-released with bonus tracks is a cryin' shame.



5. One of the great party bands of the 70's!! I saw them several times live in the early 70's and the energy they dispayed on stage puts many of the acts today to shame. They might not have been the "prettiest" bands around but for good old Southern rock, they couldn`t be beat. Rock on Jim Dandy and the gang!!!

5 comments about Two from the Vault.

1. This cd spoiled me. I have tried in vain to find an equal or better version of Turn On Your Lovelight, and have come to the conclusion there is none.
   
   Recorded in 1968, this is the band young, goofy and fresh from the acid tests. The jam really groves and heads toward the finish, rather than drifts aimlessly to nowhere.
   
   Before the synecism of the Seventies, or and corporate bloat of the Eightes and beyond, THIS is the fun band that I love.



2. There is no doubt that this two disc concert epitamizes the Dead, there is so much harmony, jamming and pure music happening throughout this album. I toured with the Dead year ago and to this day jam this recording to get back to the vibe of how it was. Listen to Jerry go off while Phil and the crew keep a backbone unlike any other.



3. Like many long-lasting bands, the Grateful Dead evolved significantly over the course of their career, so it's hard for beginners to navigate the catalogue. You may love the music from one period and have little use for the music from another. This concert comes from the early years, so it's not going to sound like the 70s roots-rock songs by which they are best known (e.g., "Truckin" or "Casey Jones"), let alone the more-recent pop hits (e.g., "Touch of Gray"). This is a combination of blues and psychedelic jams, with even less emphasis on pop songcraft and even more focus on instrumental explorations than found in most of their contemporaries (e.g., Jefferson Airplane). It's interesting stuff, usually good and occasionally great, but it has all the flaws one would expect from a concert recording made so long ago (i.e., limitations in sound quality, occasional gaffes by the band, and uninspired bits). Better to start with the more accessible and polished packages, such as the "Live Dead" album from the same period, and move to this one later so that you can hear fresh explorations of the songs you've already learned to love.



4. This is probably the best recording to ever come out of the Grateful Dead's vault.If you are new to the dead and have only heard their radio hits like Uncle John's Band or Casey Jones, and buy this, you'll get in my opinion, their best. Oh yeah, the last 2 songs are great, but this is what the Grateful Dead were known for. The first disc opens with classic blues sung by the greatest frontman in the history of rock and roll, the late Great Pigpen McKernan (1945-1973) "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" is the name and it lasts for 14 minutes. That's what the Grateful Dead usually did to the songs, jam. I have to say now that the Grateful Dead were obviously the greatest band ever. Yes, I am a Deadhead but it's pretty plain to see. They could play pretty much everything. This was recorded back on August 23, 1968 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA and is classic prime psychadellic dead.The jams on this gem are priceless and the songs really show that the Grateful Dead were already sprouting out to other genres, especially in their great cover of the Vietnam protest song Morning Dew. I definatly recommend this to a Grateful Dead newcomer and if you are I say WELCOME! WELCOME to the wonderful world of the Grateful Dead. It is clear to me that you have a great taste in music.



5. This was my first ever dead album I bought in 1994. I have played this album so much, I think I wore out the cds. I have come back to buy new ones cause mine are full of skips. Everytime I listen to this album, I always get happy. I am listening right now as I have found it, dusted it off and am enjoying.
   There is a lot of really really good dead and this is at the top of the list for the era. Just PURE listen pleasure. BUY IT! SPREAD THE DEAD!!!!!

4 comments about Live at the BBC.

1. While this album does have many of the great songs that made the early Fleetwood Mac great, it seems as if the band is watering down its sound on many tracks. It's as if they wanted their recordings for the BBC to be listener-friendly, and they threw in some more pop-sounding songs to give people something to like about their music. One example, the reworking of Long Grey Mare found here. In my opinion, the sound you'll find on their main albums is what's really great, and it's present here. I just wish they would have left out some of the songs like Jenny Lee and Heavenly. I have to skip past those songs...



2. If you were born after the first half of the Baby Boom (1946-55), this is your father's Fleetwood Mac. Although three of the main players in the popular, late 1970's incarnation of the band are present here (Mick Fleetwood on drums, John McVie on bass, and the future Mrs. McVie, Christine Perfect, making guest appearances on three tracks, but offering no vocals), the sound is completely different, save a few pop offerings. The male McVie, Fleetwood, and lead guitarist Peter Green all emerged from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers to form Fleetwood Mac, at Green's behest, in 1967. Given their heritage in John Mayall's band, it's no surprise that the bulk of Fleetwood Mac's circa 1970 productions are grounded in the blues. What is surprising is the gamut of other genre's visited by the band, ranging from down and dirty, Jim Morrison style blues and psychedelic rock (Green's 'Rattlesnake Shake'), to almost pure bubblegum fare (guitarist Jeremy Spencer's 'Jenny Lee'). In between are convincing and entertaining parodies on Buddy Holly (Spencer's 'Linda' and Danny Kirwan's 'When I See My Baby'), Elvis (Spencer's 'You Never Know What You're Missing' and 'Heavenly'), and even the power pop sound of Badfinger ('Honey Hush').
   
   The bulk of the better tracks are found on the first disc, and most of them are Peter Green compositions, as well as nice covers of Tim Hardin's 'How Can We Hang On To a Dream' (unusual given its piano foundation) and Phil Everly's 'When Will I Be Loved'. The first disc opens with the two heaviest numbers, every bit as weighty and psychedelic as anything by Led Zeppelin. 'Rattlesnake Shake' is the longest performance on the disc, running seven and a half minutes, and actually is faded out rather than brought to a conclusion by the band. For my money, they could have gone on for another twenty minutes with this roof-raising guitar-fest. The entire disc features an abundance of superb guitar work, courtesy of the three talented guitarists (Green, Kirwan, and Spencer), but nowhere near as flamboyant as on the opening track. Another Green composition follows, 'Sandy Mary', featuring more blues than psychedelia, but just as much appeal as the opening track. Green is on again with perhaps his most recognizable composition, 'Oh Well' on track seven ("don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to..."). It's not until the fourteenth track on the second disc that we find another superb Green composition, 'Looking For Somebody', a slow-tempo blues track with a fetching melody. In between are a wealth of fine tunes from a host of composers including Robert Johnson (3 tracks) and Elmore James (3 tracks). Green supplies ten compositions, and Danny Kirwin five. The emphasis is heavily on the blues. There really aren't any losers, but only seven or eight tracks worthy of mention among the 36 offered.
   
   The recording quality varies greatly. I have no complaint about the quality of the bulk of the tracks, but several, such as 'Need Your Love So Bad' (the last track on the first disc) suffer from poor fidelity, as though the Dolby Noise Reduction accidentally got switched on. The discs were produced by Mick Fleetwood, and he apparently decided to arrange the tracks in his own mysterious manner. Because of this, the contrasting characteristics of each recording session are highlighted, and the listening experience takes on a patchwork quality. I believe Fleetwood would have been better off keeping the tracks from each recording session together. There are five tracks offered from 1967, nine from 1968, eleven from 1969, eight from 1970, and one from January of 1971.
   
   Listening to 'Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac Live At the BBC' is an archival experience. While the band wasn't the most influential band of the era, they are clearly an eclectic outfit that reflected, and encapsuled, the dominant sounds of the 1960's. The musicianship is exemplary, and while none of the several vocalists has outstanding talent, they are all adroit, and in combination produce some enticing harmonies. Guests on the disc include Chicago bluesman Eddie Boyd and guitarist Nick Pickett (no relation to Wilson...). This two disc set includes an inlay featuring numerous band photographs, an introduction from Mick Fleetwood, background on the BBC broadcasts from Stephen Davis, and detailed track listings. Altogether, a thoroughly enjoyable package.



3. This two cd set belongs in every music lover's collection. It's THAT great! This is a fantastic set of songs by Peter, Jeremy, Danny, Mick, and Jon. Extraordinary!



4. ... the ORIGINAL Fleetwood Mac was a force to be reconned with in their heyday 1968-1970. Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood (from ONE incarnation of John Mayall's legendary Bluesbreakers) recruited slide virtuoso and 50's stars aping Jeremy Spencer and third guitarist Danny Kirwan (and one Cristine Perfect, soon to be Mrs McVie on some of the later sessions) and took on the world.

   Riding british hits (the reverb drenched ALBATROSS which inspired the Beatles SUN KING, the sad and world weary MAN OF THE WORLD and the original BLACK MAGIC WOMAN) the band did these sessions for the BBC 1968-1970 (last broacast was Jan 1971, shortly after Spencer and Green had both left the band). Included are the bluesy stomp of RATTLESNAKE SHAKE (a short version at 7:30, the Elmore James-ey BELIEVE MY TIME AIN'T LONG and BABY PLEASE SET A DATE, a rockin' twin lead peice by Kirwan called ONLY YOU, Spencer's 50s favorites JENNY LEE and a smoking TALLAHASSIE LASSIE), more of Green's trademark world weariness on JUMPING AT SHADOWS and the classic NEED YOUR LOVE SO BAD. Add a couple of solo slide pieces (think Robert Johnson) in PREACHIN' and EARLY MORNING COME. They even perform a pretty good imitation of their old boss Mayall on BLUES WITH A FEELING.

   If it sounds like this band is all over the map... well maybe. But as a BAND, they make it all work and run together so well. One of the surprising aspects of the set is how much FUN it sounds like these guys are having just playing together. It's hard NOT to be taken in by the shear JOY of SANDY MARY or BUDDY'S SONG (a send up to Holly). This might be the most fun record this side of THE WHO SELL OUT.

   This record is NOT for fans of the Buckingham/Nicks Fleetwood Mac or even the Bob Welch Mac, unless you like the blues, and like your blues a little loose at that. Personally and as a guitar player I love Green's tone and use of reverb and there is little of that on display here (try THEN PLAY ON or THE VAUDEVILLE YEARS 1968-1970 for big slices or even his album with Mayall, A HARD ROAD), but I really REALLY like this record.

   The quality sometimes slips,things get a little "thin" soundwise, but the performances are ACES! A good reference point for digging into the Peter Green era, sadly only three albums and a couple of collctions long.

5 comments about Happy Trails.

1. I fail to see why Amazon can't package this collection better. On the record, "Who Do You Love's sections are not separated by silent spaces, but are segued together almost imperceptably, to make it one long piece of music. The way Amazon separates the sections is clumsy at best, and the breaks destroy the flow of the piece.
   For those of us buying the album, at least, Mr. Bezos should provide the music as was originally presented.



2. The two top albums by Quicksilver Messenger Service are their self-titled first album and this live album. Both of these albums demonstrate the musicianship was far ahead of many better known "Summer of Love" San Francisco Bands. I had heard the LP and the other available CD pressing of this and was underwhelmed. Yeah it's a Bo Diddley tribute, but I couldn't see why people thought that much of it. I always preferred the first album (QMS) and I still like the mostly original tunes esp. "Pride of Man", "Dino's Song" and "the Fool".
   
   But then I got this mix and it is just spectacular! WOW!! The depth and the three-dimensional image are really outstanding, jawdropping. I could see why people like it so much. The playing, esp dual-lead guitarists John Cipollina playing against Gary Duncan, is yes, telepathic. The bass goes down accurately into the first octave, (20-40hz) which one rarely hears on any CD, much less one nearly 40 years old. "EROC at the Ranch"- Whoever the remix/remastering people were, they really know their stuff. This import version contains 2 octaves deeper bass and one octave higher treble than the Capitol mix!
   
   Yes, they go on a tad too long in "Who do You Love" and interest flags a bit, but "Mona" and the subsequent variations on it are really perfection. On a good full-spectrum hi-fi, this album is a rare audiophile demo quality album! This CD makes the other, cheaper, better-selling non-import version, frankly, a waste of money.
   
   The Real authentic feeling of the Haight Ashbury, psychedelic, Summer of Love, live Golden Gate Park-type free concerts. Unfortunately Quicksilver never achieved these Olympian heights again, after the first two albums. With changes of personnel and the return of Dino Valenti, they changed from the premiere instumental band to mostly just another SanFran group with a vocalist.
   
   It sounds like an SACD demo disc - its' that good!
   
   As Matthew Sweet said about his album Girlfriend "Don't be afraid to turn it up LOUD!"



3. One of the two greatest live (non-bootleg) performances of a '60s San Francisco band around -the other being "Bless Its Pointed Little Head" by the Jefferson Airplane. I first heard Happy Trails when it was first released, and only recently got the CD. Despite a couple of decades between the time I last listened to it and today, the music was a fresh and creative, and exciting as ever. It had lost nothing of its power and spacey appeal and could easily hold its own against any contemporary band if released for the first time today. Anyone who'se serious about music ought to own Happy Trails -and "Bless Its Pointed Little Head", too.



4. I remember perfectly my evenings with my friends listening to this specific album. The first time I listened to it I got astonished, that sound belonged to another realm. It was in 1983 approximately, a rather crazy period of my life.

   Now I find that this album, which I kept scrupulously in tape is reissued in CD format. No doubt about the purchase. The quality of remastering is excellent.

   How imaginative this music is.

   Who do you love? Quicksilver Messenger Service, of course.

   Get it and you'll never regret.

   Bye




5. One of the greatest records of the sixties and one of my favorites. The guitar playing is simply phenomenal! But it is also a psychedelic album, taking you on a "trip" that winds down at the end of "Calvary", sort of like someone walking off into the sunset, then the somewhat ironic "Happy Trails" last. What a nice trip, now bye! Also the last we would hear of the great sounds of the original quartet on the first 2 albums.
   I think this Repertoire release sounds a little better than the previous Capitol release, but not much. It's still worth getting, though. Repertoire has released some really good sounding CD's recently, especially the Yardbirds albums, so you can trust that the sound will be good. The booklet has the usual information about the band's career, i.e., the first album didn't capture how they sounded live, the 2nd live one was great, the third not so great, they had a semi-hit with Fresh Air, etc. Not really a whole lot of new revealing information if you already are familiar with QMS. I would like to have found more specific information about the recording of "Happy Trails" and what the band was up to at that time. Oh well, it was a long time ago...

2 comments about Live at the Barbican Theatre 2006.

1. I have only one thing to ad to E.A. Solinas excellent review. What impresses me most is the strong group vocals. If you like hearing
   assertive and gloriously unpredictable ensemble singing, this album is a
   must have.
   
   Whether they are selling us with 'Tropicalia', or sending us
   on a far-flung Zappa influenced excursion, or just plain outplaying
   other Psychedelic Bands, it is a wonder that after 40 years,
   (and 30 years apart), they just wail on some huge mouth blossems.



2. For fans of the tropicalia band Os Mutantes, May of 2006 was a momentous time -- the band reunited for the first time since 1978.
   
   Specifically, they played a long live performance in the at London's Barbican Arts Centre, sparking off a brief tour. And in these songs, they're in wonderful form -- shimmering, richly raucous pop music wound with colourful rock'n'roll, returning to the songs that made them musical legends. No wonder the crowds scream as they play.
   
   In fact, they scream a lot during the opening number, "Don Quixote" -- as a stately, epic march plays, you can hear whoops, yowls and cheers over the drums and horns. Then suddenly there's a triangle, a flute.... and it melts into a complex, dramatic, colourful rock intro.
   
   Then it's time for an extended medley of their various other songs -- twining psychedelic rockers, joyously colourful tropicalia with a distinctly Brazilian flavour, rollicking psychpop full of flutes and keyboard, eerie psychedelic interludes, and some mellow little ballads sprinkled here and there. But even the quietest song has that dancey, mellow flavour.
   
   There's no rust on this performance, even though it's been nearly thirty years since they last worked together. In fact, you'd never think that Os Mutantes had broken up in the first place -- their music is still energetic, colourful, and full of gorgeous little flourishes.
   
   And they sound amazing live. Everything comes through crystal-clear, including all the little flutes, chimes and bells, and Sérgio Dias thanking the crowd. But the audience enthusiasm -- while very commendable and understandable -- does get a bit distracting, when you can hear shouting under some of the songs.
   
   But in the whole expanse of this two-disc set, the instrumentation is simply mind-blowing, especially for a live performance. The roaring bass, the twisting elusive guitar, clattery drums, the retro keyboard and the Brazilian flourishes all weave into a sensual, fun-loving tapestry. The rich, full energy of this music is enough to blow you off your chair.
   
   And Dias' vocals have gotten a bit scratchy over the years, but he can still sound mellow and joyously smooth. Occasionally he stops singing to tell the audience how to do the "choo choo samba," and announce, "So England, we love ya! You guys are wonderful! We had a great time!"
   
   "Live at the Barbican Theatre 2006" is a triumphant return for the reformed, broken-up and reformed again Os Mutantes. Gloriously energetic and colourful, from start to finish.

5 comments about Dozin' at the Knick.

1. A more fitting title couldn't have been given. Dozin' is what the band sounds like they're doing on this disk. Sorry to those who love this recording, to my ears this show is flat and dull. The jams go nowhere and the drums/space section should be called Variations In Coma. Yawn. The sound is excellent but the show is just another competent, workmanlike release from the over-covered year of 1990. Kinda ho hum in fact with the "x" factor nowhere to be found. To add insult to injury Brent's keyboards are at their most "twinkly", sounding more like a carnival calliope than a rock band and that just gets on my last nerve. Though he never got as teeth gnashinly annoying as their last keyboardist Vince Wellnick, he used those dated synths a little too much at times. He was capable of much better playing than this. Now if you want to hear a very inspired and energetic show from 90 (not a banner year either by any stretch of the imagination) then I suggest finding the limited edition Terrapin Station Live at the Capital Center in Largo Md. Now that one smokes (in a 1990 definition of the word) from beginning to end, but then the Dead always played well at the Cap Center, RIP.



2. These 3 discs are very nice. i have well over 100 grateful dead cd's and i really like this set of 3 cd's. they are not my favorite but they do get into the rotation quite a bit. This era of the grateful dead before brents death is one of the best eras of the dead and definatally the best scince the late 70's.
   All and all if you like brent you should pick up these 3 cd's becuase he is featured on a number of songs such as blow away and i will take you home.
   Bottom line is if you are a fan of the grateful dead and you are even thinking about purchasing these cd's do so because you will not regret it.



3. This being the first live cd I was on, (you can hear me if you listen), my only complaint are the omissions. The first night's LTGTR> Help> Slipknot> Franklin's; the second night's Eyes> Samson> Crazy Fingers> Truckin> Spoonful, and the third night's Miracle> Mr. Fantasy> Gimme Some Lovin> Morning Dew. But I just doubled the length of the the package. Who the heck cares. I would buy it



4. I was at all three of these shows...it was a pain to get in but once in, the music was magic...I went to school outside of Albany at the time and was out of my mind to think they were playing albany...the first night was the best of the run..the last night was the weakest (broadcast on the radio so there are good versions out there)...terrapin>mud love body jam>drums>space is a piece of art...great run into nassau with branford..get any show from the spring of '90



5. this may not be one of the dead's finest, most outstanding sets, but it is certainly worth buying. the "drums" and "space" on dics 2 are two of my favorite versions. the whole thing is just a strange and original dead night. very fun to listen to. other great dead choices are, "dicks picks 18","dicks picks 15", and "ladies and gentlemen, the grateful dead".

5 comments about BBC Sessions.

1. I am a huge Led Zeppelin fan and never knew this existed until I heard a song on Pandora radio. I had to have it and bought through them which went to you.
   Thanks
   John



2. I like this album for the most part, I own every recording by LZ (except some rare imports), including DVD versions and DVD-A (5.1). The second disc is recorded with reasonably good sound for that period. The first disc is MONO not stereo, which ruins it for me. Still a good purchase for any true Zepp fan.



3. I first heard this album while hanging with a buddy of mine. I didn't get it right away but with I would have. Since purchasing it I bet I have listened to it dozens of times. I think it is their best live album.



4. This is another must-have for anyone who can't hear enough live Led Zeppelin.
   This album seems a little less polished than the other live recordings; the tracks
   are older and there are multiple versions of some of the classics. There is nothing
   on this I don't enjoy listening to.



5. One should never question an album with Led Zeppelin on it. This one proves that they did it. They rocked the 60s into the 70s. These sessions are raw proof of their live abilities, stay away from the knobs, Satan! If you believe in real music, without overdone overdubs, but just real musicians getting it on at blues and rock, you cannot be wrong buying this one. For everybody else: buy this one and start getting a life!

5 comments about One Night Only.

1. First of all This is not just some band pretending to be Thin Lizzy,This is Guitar Ace/singer John Sykes and Guitar Master Scott Gorham shredding from start to finish. With Marco Mendoza On Bass Who is one of the best Bass players out there Darren Wharton is on the keyboars Who Was On The Renegade And Thunder & Lightning albums. And One of The Greatest F***ing Rock N' Roll Drummers of all time Tommy Aldridge who has jammed with (Ozzy,Whitesnake,Sykes,nugent,vai,) need I say more. This Whole Album Is a 10 from start to finish Sykes does an awesome job on vocals. get this album now DON'T FORGET THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST ROCK"N"ROLLER OF ALL-TIME MR. PHIL LYNOTT.



2. if your a true Scorpians fan you will be bitterly dissapointed with this album. It doesn,t contain a single SCORPS song or band member.



3. It's sad this group called itself Thin Lizzy,since it would've been a great new band if they had written and recorded original material.It's really a disgrace that a bad without Phil Lynnott and Brian Downey would call itself Thin Lizzy.What's next,a Doors tour without Jim Morrison??



4. I think most would agree that the man below who said this would be a great introduction to Thin Lizzy is a bit of an insult to Phillip Lynott. I know the reviewer means well but come on, now. This album is a Thin Lizzy tribute and should be called as such. When the guy who wrote most of the songs and sang on all of them as well as being the bass player is dead this would not be a great introduction to his work! There are no original members of Thin Lizzy on this disc! The reviewer who said Scott Gorham was the only original member has forgotten their first 3 albums and Eric Bell. 3 albums is a good chunk of music and the original line up had Bell, Downey and Lynott. This cd sounds real good and Sykes and Gorham are both great but it should be a Thin Lizzy tribute to Phillip Lynott not Thin Lizzy. I think the man, who slipped into a coma, alone on christmas day, 1985, deserves the respect of having the band he named and led retired after he's gone. Thank you.



5. Calling this a Thin Lizzy concert is a bit of a stretch. Without Phil Lynott's contribution, this becomes more of a tribute album. A valiant effort, with John Sykes constantly trying to invoke the spirit of Lynott and the band playing the music as well as any band could. The problem is it's really not Thin Lizzy. It's just another band playing their music. Musically I could have rated this as high as three stars but for its value to any but the most desperate fan, I can't give it more than one. Stick with Live and Dangerous for the sound of the real Thin Lizzy.