5 comments about Fillmore East: April 1971.

1. i am not embarrassed to say i am one of grateful dead's biggest and long time fans. all things considered, this may be their best album. it shows the group as they really were; beyond belief, and a complete mess , sometimes in the same song. the 'beyond' parts make the experience more than worth the sloppiness and there are some chill inducing beyondo highs here. you dead lovers know what i mean. this is the album i always thought [hoped] they would release, but i believe they got cold feat, and scrubbed them up best they could. but we all knew better. for instance, when the dead would start a song that was special [i know; very subjective] like st stephen, the crowd would go nuts on that first note, but on other albums, what do you know, no crowd! not here, though. if you have been there, you'll get back that good old feeling. when the drum intro for alligator starts, and the crowd cries out in sheer joy, well, you get that experience of what it was like to be there in the audience. by the way, it is a great version , but they hit the wrong chords on the first change. now how can that be great? well, the rest hits the highs. if you had been there, let's just say you were able to forgive mistakes because you knew what was coming. there are great versions of st. stephen, casey jones, with bill graham acting up, bird song, cumberland blues, china cat/know your rider, a really exciting hard to handle, wharf rat, and dark star. i was actually at these concerts [ i think i missed one night, or i just can't find the ticket stubb] and i really can't believe that i can now get to be there again. so can you



2. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Grateful Dead the cover states, and so the original issue was named. Did it get confused with the George Michael(!) release, or what?
   
   Nevermind, this is an easy release to recommend, even to newbies. Think of the finest Grateful Dead albums, and put this one right beside those.
   
   Yes, there's lots of Pigpen, but this really all about Jerry and Bob and Phil playing one great tune after another in that "bar band Dead" style that included Motown and Merle Haggard and psychedelia, during the era that made deadheads out of all who attended their shows.
   
   Highlights include the St Stephen hints in the Alligator jam in disc four, routinely cited as one of the best jams ever, or the killer Hard to Handle right beside a Merle Haggard cover, or "Second that Emotion" or Bobby Weir's "Me and Bobby McGee" there are so many fine songs on this set. It's got a "Morning Dew" set opener!
   
   This is Europe 72, less polished, with more Pigpen, and a Dark Star, and all concerned earnestly playing and singing and having a good time doing it.
   
   Think of it this way: it's got Tom Constanten on the Dark Star, as good a Pigpen as you can find, and a ton rare tunes found seldom elsewhere, done very well, and Jerry and Bob and Phil playing together as well as they ever did, while right in the middle of the Workingmans and American Beauty era. So, you like those discs? You like Live Dead and the Skeleton Album and Europe '72?
   
   Then "add to cart" and smile, smile, smile!



3. This is a great addition to any Dead collection. It has a great variety of classics and quite a few deep cuts. I think it was a great value and have been really enjoying it!



4. This CD captures the Dead in their heyday. I still liked them a lot when they went through changes later on, but the early 70s were the best. Bob Weir had learned how to fit in between Jerry's lead and Phil's bottom end.
   
   I can't seem to get enough of their excellent 'funkadelic' rendition of the Smokey Robinson song "I Second That Emotion", which I had never heard by the Dead before. There's a lot of other very good material spanning the range of the Dead's musical experimentation.
   
   This CD is highly recommended by me for Deadheads and casual Dead fans as well. It's very tight at times, and not so tight at other times. Exactly what you expect from these musical innovators.



5. This Show has been on bootlegs for years but you will reconise this version of Bertha - yes it's the same recording used on Skull and Roses - so is Warf Rat - but why all these songs were not used is a shame - Trucking is outstanding and clocks in almost 12 minutes - Phil's bass playing is really out front and good - this is actually two shows taped for Skull and Roses planned outtakes etc...The Byrds played and were taped too on the same dates (not on this CD though) They opened the first show and the Dead opened the second for the Byrds etc..Hard to Handle is the same arrangement the Black Crows covered in the early 90's and has Pigpen singing on that one - These were the last shows by any group at the Fillmore a small theater in New York City run by Phil Graham - it was closed down because it was too small for the growing number of fans after the Woodstock concert movie came out in 1970 and the new Madison Square Garden build on top of the old Penn Station was now open for bigger concerts in late 1970 ( multiple bands played there too in concerts - The Dead played at the Woodstock Concert too in 1969 and were terrible - they were high on a unplanned acid trip and it rained most of the set - they lost their light show streen to high winds and Bobby got electricuted at his mic - Jerry was the only one that sounded good and Phil stopped playing on a lot of the songs and thier soundman Ramrod was thrown in a near by lake by irrate hippies who blamed him for the bad low level of sound etc.. - but this show is really outstanding a year and a half later - you won't be sorry to buy this last Fillmore Show - most of all the best bootlegs out there was recorded at this place - THe Who (1968 Sellout and 1969 Tommy material)- Hendrix (Band of Gypsys 1969 to 1970 New Years day - 3 shows) - The Byrds (1971) etc...The sound was excellent there because of the small 2000 seat Venue there - Can you Imagine seeing all these bands for 6 dallors a show back then in a 2000 seat theater - unblievable man - The Dead were Jamming this Night for sure - Jerry was Playing the Sunburst Stratocaster Hendrix gave him over a year before ( he played it from end of 1969 to 1971 till he started to play the bare wood Stratocaster with the Harley Davision logo on it till that was even replaced by the famous Ambelic Wolf guitar ( 1973 to 1979 )seen in the Greatdful Dead Movie - man you wish you could go back in time but this is the next best thing I guess - thank God for these recordings people - by the way the booleg CD version was 75 dallors of these shows back in 1991 so your getting a deal and more songs too - all the songs are good on this CD
   
   - Driven that Train - High on Cocaine - Casey Jones you better Watch your Speed - Bump Bump - Trouble ahead Trouble Behind you know that notion just crossed my mind is that right?

5 comments about The Dance.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1YT4B4XIGXPVQ My name is Jeremy Gloff. I am a musician (check me out on Amazon!) and retro music enthusiast. If you enjoyed this review make sure to check out my Amazon user profile to check out my other reviews. I am always up for making new friends and discussing the music I love!!!



2. The Dance by Fleetwood Mac was probably one of the best concerts ever but the final product doesn't sound so great on an audio cd. Standout live tracks include: Silver Springs, You Can Go Your On Way, You Make Loving Fun, Everywhere, Bleed To Love Her, and Don't Stop. I'm not sure if there is a way to buy the live concert on DVD but if there is I would go with that version instead.



3. First of all I want to say I'm only giving this 2 stars based on the content which has been cut from the cd compared to the DVD. The DVD I give 5 stars, how could any "Fleetwood Mac" fan not, but as for the cd release what's going on? Even the song order is different on the cd, for those who are not aware the missing songs from the DVD they are "Gold Dust Woman", "Go Insane", "Gypsy", "Over My Head" and "Songbird". Now you can understand why I'm pissed, especially leaving out "Gypsy" and "Songbird". If anyone knows why please let me know. Apart from that this is a magnificent concert, let's just hope the full and correct order version will be released one day.



4. 
   This album is definitely worth it for fans of Fleetwood Mac. I would think that most fans would be quite sceptical of bands getting back together but the only hint that you get of a separation is a softness and maturity in sound. This may come from new ideas and experiences. On the whole a very enjoyable trip down memory lane.



5. This is how much I love this album; I bought it twice in a month on cassette when it first came out because my first copy got stolen. Don't think that I wasn't furious about that. Now I'm finally purchasing it on CD. I've loved Fleetwood Mac since junior high school in the 70s. They rarely disappoint. Is it considered sacreligious to say that I love this album more than "Rumours"? Stevie Nicks still rocks after all these years and age doesn't seem to be slowing anyone in the group down. The songs on "The Dance" are timeless and still bring back wonderful memories from my formative years. The current rendition of "Rhiannon" is my absolute favorite. It feels the way it is meant to feel: mystical and haunting. After nearly a decade, this is still a CD that I recommend to anyone who doesn't have it already.

5 comments about Live / Dead.

1. You can play me any album that opens with a 23 minute 19 second live version of Dark Star. Live/Dead hits the spot; scratches that 40-year old itch; tells it like it was back when it really was. Makes you wish you could've been there or could go back again. Well, you can at least go visit for a while when you're listening to this album.



2. just bought this to replace my 30 year old vinyl. only comment is that the sound quality for some of the vocals was noticably more like the dead were singing in a tunnel. odd!



3. I am a big fan of Psychedelic Music of the late 60s. So that being said you know where I am coming from. I am also not a country / folk fan. I'm a Rock & Roll Fan. So that being said I love the Dead from 1965 to 1969 and after that its hit and or miss.
   I like some of there later songs and some of there live jams.
   This is an Awesome !!! CD if you are into 60s Psych music.
   I consider this the Deads best Album right with Aoxomoxoa then Anthem of the Sun then Live Dead in that order there best four Albums.
   My reaction to Workingman's Dead and American Beauty (Both great Albums if you like that type of music) is this a Rock band? Where are the electric Guitars?
   Sorry I love the Deads early Rock Music.



4. I'll keep this simple -- the Dead had their great performances and had their so-so performances. But this is one of the great ones.
   It's madness to say that Cream or Country Joe and the Fish (or whoever) were better at this. The Dead were in the vanguard, period.
   
   With regard to the Allman Brothers, the Allman Brothers and the Dead were obviously influenced by each other. The Allman Brothers were gods when it came to jams, but after Duane and Berry died, it couldn't be the same. It really wasn't until Greg broke through with "I'm No Angel" and the subsequent Columbia albums that he started to get his groove back with some outstanding new songs and players all the way to this day.
   
   I urge anyone who thinks that the Allman Brothers were out front to pick up "Two From the Vault", recorded August 23-24, 1968 by the Grateful Dead. Listen to "The Eleven", and you will get a preview of what the Allman Brothers were doing two years later in 1970-1971 (often opening for the Dead) with "Mountain Jam" and "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" at Fillmore East as well as on Dickey Betts' "Blue Sky" on Eat a Peach in 1972.
   
   Duane and Jerry were on a very similar wavelength. But the Dead were formed first and were literally playing Allman Brothers music before there even was an "Allman Brothers." That's just historical fact, but I'm not saying that the Allman Brothers didn't do it better for that brief period of time when they were literally on fire with Duane out front. Live/Dead is belongs in the collection of every Allman Brothers fan and Fillmore East belongs in the collection of every Deadhead, and today's shallow, computer-created teenage bands could learn a hell of a lot from both.
   
   Peace, rock on and don't forget the folk, country and blues/r&b roots of our music!



5. Many years ago during the early 70's, I was introduced to the Grateful Dead and as the years went on I bought most of their albums and attended around 25 (not that many in the world of Deadheads) concerts. Although my interest has periodically waxed and waned through the decades, I consider myself to be a Deadhead for life. My interest went on another upswing when I got an Ipod as a gift and started loading some of my music onto it. Of course I included some Grateful Dead songs leading me to happily see that their music ages well and sounds better than ever. I could have said the same thing throughout the eighties and nineties. They truly are a band for the ages and not an embarrassment from my late adolescence. The best part of my latest reunion with their music is rediscovering the "Live Dead" album. This album does not neatly fit any specific definition. One can call it acid rock, but with is a heavy element of jazz, blues, and even what is now called new age. The music on Live Dead is powerful and throbbing, but at the same time it is mellow with a mystical, playful, and sentimental sense that transports the listener to another world. It starts with "Dark Star" which has a mysterious and probing air. Dark Star is the least accessible piece, but brings the most reward to those who take the time to study it. "Saint Stephen" follows and is like a gently revving engine that tells a whimsical and enchanting fairytale. Next is "The Eleven." It showcases the Dead at full blast in an accelerating and exuberant session that leaves the listener breathless. The remainder of the collection does not seem to be up at the same level, but perhaps I simply need to give it another chance to produce a similar enchantment. "Live Dead" is quintessential Grateful Dead for one to cherish for life.

5 comments about Europe 72.

1. "There is nothing like a Grateful Dead concert"--album liner notes.
   
   Most Deadheads I know prefer Live Dead shows over Studio Dead recordings. Europe '72 (1972) is a collection of classic Live Dead performances recorded during the band's tour of Western Europe in early 1972. (If you could only own one live Dead album, this is The One to own. It is not only the Dead's best-selling live album, it is one of their best-selling albums to date.) It is a landmark fusion of rock, folk, blues, bluegrass, country, and improvisational jam. Although it is considered a live album, many of the songs were subjected to later vocal overdubbing. This album represents Ron "Pigpen" McKernan's last tour with the Dead before he died from a stomach hemorrhage in 1973, and this was the last album featuring him as an active member of the band. It was also the first album to feature Keith Godchaux and his wife Donna Jean Godchaux. The album includes the impossible-to-escape-in-the-70's radio single, "Truckin'" (the song that first introduced me to the Dead). The album features Garcia on vocals and guitar, Weir on vocals and guitar, Lesh on bass and vocals, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan on harmonica and vocals, Keith Godchaux on piano, Donna Godchaux on vocals, and Kreutzmann on percussion. I first experienced this album on vinyl. The remastered CD is worth the upgrade from vinyl, featuring the following setlist:
   
   Disc: 1
   1. Cumberland Blues (live at Wembley, London, 4/8/72))
   2. He's Gone (live at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, 5/10/72)
   3. One More Saturday Night (live at the Strand, London, 5/24/72)
   4. Jack Straw (live at L'Olympia, Paris, France 5/3/72)
   5. You Win Again (live at the Strand, London, 5/24/72)
   6. China Cat Sunflower (live at L'Olympia, Paris, France 5/3/72)
   7. I Know You Rider (live at L'Olympia, Paris, France 5/3/72)
   8. Brown-Eyed Woman (live at Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark 4/14/72)
   9. Hurts Me Too (live at the Strand, London, 5/24/72)
   10. Ramble On Rose (live at the Strand, London, 5/26/72)
   11. Sugar Magnolia (live at L'Olympia, Paris, France 5/4/72)
   12. Mr. Charlie (live at the Strand, London, 5/26/72)
   13. Tennessee Jed (live at L'Olympia, Paris, France 5/3/72)
   14. The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion)(live in Frankfurt, 4/26/72)
   
   Disc: 2
   1. Truckin' (live at the Strand, London, 5/26/72)
   2. Epilogue (live at the Strand, London, 5/26/72)
   3. Prelude (live at the Strand, London, 5/26/72)
   4. Morning Dew (live at the Strand, London, 5/26/72)
   5. Looks Like Rain (live at Wembley, London, 4/8/72))
   6. Good Lovin' (live at Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark 4/14/72)
   7. Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) (live at Tivoli, Copenhagen, 4/14/72)
   8. Who Do You Love? (live at Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark 4/14/72)
   9. Caution (Do Not Stop On The Tracks) (live at Tivoli, Copenhagen, 4/14/72)
   10. Good Lovin' (live at Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark 4/14/72)
   11. The Yellow Dog Story (live in London, 4/8/72)
   
   G. Merritt



2. The CD came very fast for me to enjoy. The CD was in perfect condition as well as the case and everything!!!



3. This purchase was to replace an old, long-lost copy. I've always liked their studio-produced stuff, much to the chagrin of some more serious aficionados. Every once in a while it's nice to hear a nice crisp rendition than to have to pore over tons of bootlegs to find just the one. There are some really good renditions on this 2-disc set. For me, He's Gone and B.E. Women were killer.



4. The extended play of this release brings additional live cuts to an already jam packed set. The variety of song writers that the Dead reference here make it worth every penny. At times Donna's voice is hard to take, but the band is tight enough to allow one to overlook those flaws.



5. I finally got around to purchasing this disc and I'm so glad I did. I've owned the vinyl for over 25 years but haven't been able to listen to it for lack of a turntable. The trend toward the Dick's Pick's and other live Dead releases has come to obscure the traditional live recordings such as this and "Skull and Roses." While many of them are exceptionally good and do provide the intact set feel, I still gravitate back to these old stand-bys. Just personal preference I guess, or nostalgia for those initial discoveries of what the Dead could do when I turned the volume knob up and tuned in so to speak.
   This is just a great compilation of live tunes and at the friendly price at which I obtained it through Amazon, I won't spend $30.00 + to hear the same cuts done specifically in England or Germany. If this makes me less the Head, so be it- I left all that silliness in the parking lots of another era. (No, sorry dude, I wasn't at Red Rocks- and you can't have a dollar, either!)
   Europe '72 continues to rank up there with Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East as amongst my favorite records of all time. (throw in Santana's "Lotus" as well) It is classic Dead. I need not review the songs here. Not a great fan of what folks seem to call the "Primal" Dead phase, I enjoy the multiple keyboards, bluesiness, and Country swing feel of the recordings here. This is my favorite period of Dead sound (followed closely by the Terrapin era stuff). You can't miss with this record, and if you are new to the Dead's music- its just a great place to start without spending a fortune.
   Best,
   Rick D
   P.S. It's New Years' Eve- and it has not been exciting for a long time without the Dead's New Year's Eve broadcasts to look forward to.

5 comments about The Concert for Bangladesh.

1. This 1971 album was the first of the all-star benefit albums. And arguably the best. In a nut shell, George Harrison, fresh off his success with "All Things Must Pass" raised his profile even further when he joined with Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar for 2 benefit shows at Madison Square Garden. At the time, Bangladesh was ½ a world away and largely unknown and forgotten by Americans and the rest of the world for that matter. Plus it had been born out of a war between religions and torn apart even further by devastating floods. George's idea was simple; gather as many musician friends as he could for a concert and maybe raise some money to aid the citizens of the emerging nation of Bangladesh. But even with his high profile, George was uncertain the shows would even be sellouts, billing it only as "George Harrison & Friends". Other than a few gigs as a sideman, he hadn't performed live since the final Beatles tour in 1966. And never as a solo act. Everyone here was established stars whose careers got a boost as a result of the shows. Harrison wisely lets Shankar open the show with a set of Indian sitar music that receives a warm response from the crowd, before kicking off his own set with "Wah-Wah" from ATMP. Eric Clapton was still in the midst of his heroin addiction, but kept himself together for this show to recreate "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with George onstage (although in his memoirs, he regretfully admits that the haze of drugs fogged whatever memories he has of the show). Ringo Starr contributes a rousing version of "It Don't Come Easy", complete with lyric flubs. Bob Dylan was the big surprise here, it was questionable weather or not he'd show up at all. Like Harrison, he'd largely retreated from live performances (the last being at the Isle of Wight Festival the year before). Here, he does a 5 song acoustic set with help from George and Leon Russell (an extra Dylan song is included as a bonus track). We can only imagine (sorry, Mr. Lennon!) what George could've been as a solo performer live. For his own songs, he performs here with a great ease, especially on the delicate rendition of "Here Comes the Sun". But other than a disastrous 1974 tour, he rarely ever performed live again except in situations like this where he could fade into the background if he chose and let others like Dylan, Billy Preston or Ringo bask in the spotlight. The context of this show certainly forced him to give his all.



2. Besides the upgraded sound, the great thing about this cd edition is that all the music fits on two discs. The vinyl version averabed about fifteen minutes of music on a side, so you had to keep changing records to hear it. If I remember, the final side of vinyl was only two songs. Maybe ten minutes of music?
   
   George Harrison is OUTSTANDING on this album. When he performs "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," you get the closest thing there is to a live Beatles performance at the end of their career, because with Eric Clapton present you have 3 of the five musicians who play on the White Album version. The Bob Dylan material is a wonderful acoustic performance.
   
   The only negative is that the vinyl box set gave you a big book of photos, and here you have the little tiny booklet.



3. This is right up there with 'The Last Waltz,' Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' and the Dead closing the Winterland in '78 in my pantheon of concert DVDs, and it might be better than all of them. Two drummers are always better than one, even if one of those drummers IS Ringo Starr, rocking the freakiest beard I've ever seen (I'm actually reviewing the DVD, but it's the same songs, soooo...).
   
   But the setlist just rocks all to hell. It kicks into high gear with "Wah Wah," as Harrison and Clapton peel licks off one another and the beat bangs out. Leon Russell, if I'm not mistaken, assembled most of this band as well as Cocker's slapdash group, and I think a lot of the same musicians are here as well (Badfinger, "the Space Choir," Leon himself).
   
   The appearance of Bob Dylan doing a three-song set is icing on the cake, but the true showstopper is a "Jumping Jack Flash > Young Blood > Jumping Jack Flash" medley, sung by Russell, that plain and simple knocks the Rolling Stones' version out of the park. A slick little riff after the chorus and the double-drum drive propels it beyond a bluesy rocker and into the stratosphere. I can seriously watch/listen to it over and over and not get tired of it.
   
   A great buy.



4. Wow dose this bring me back it is sad that George n friends are all but forgotten by most
   This show was epic and a wonderful snapshot in time



5. Rock can always contribute to a gentle cause in a unique manner. Real good music. Excellent performances by the artists. Sensational late 60's -early 70's. Buy it and listen to it.

5 comments about Secret World Live.

1. I typically find it hard to enjoy a live album if I know the studio versions really well (and vice-versa if I knew the live versions first). But this one is an amazing exception (along with Wilco's 'Kicking Television')! "Secret World" and "Shaking The Tree" are OUTSTANDING! The energy is insane. Paula Cole sang on the Eurpean leg of this tour (damn, I wish she had been with him in Orlando '93). She's just brilliant! I know some may find this blasphemous, but I prefer her vocals on "Don't Give Up" over Kate Bush. And that's my .02. Buy this CD!!!!



2. Secret World Live is a must for any Peter Gabriel fan or someone who wants to become one. The live show accentuates his already masterful songs. It is heavy on songs from US his new album at the time but also includes such classics as In Your Eyes, Sledgehammer, etc.



3. I saw this concert on DVD and love it! I had to have the cd to listen to on the go. Paula Cole, Tony Levin and all the other musicians in this show are a great compliment to Peters vision and sound. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a Peter Gabriel fan! Buy this CD!



4. I've loved Peter Gabriel's inspiration and creativity since the early 'Genesis days' and really appreciate his eclectic field of diverse interests and influences.
   This is a killer CD. If you're put off buying it because you have the tracks imbeded in other CD collections etc- don't be. Gabriel does really well bringing fresh energy to his works in different seasons and this is no exception. It is just fantastic. Consider it a fresh interpretation of many classics and an exercise powerfully assisted by the energy of the perfomances, the vib of the audience and the not inconsequential collaboration with Paula Cole.
   The DVD is also great!



5. I actually wanted to buy the DVD of the concert but I kept it anyway. Now I can enjoy it in the car as well.

5 comments about Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

1. This cd is def a must have for fans of Procol Harum and their foray into Orchestral recordings. Includes their single release of "Conquistador" which is just as relevant today as it was when recorded in 1971. This showcases the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at its finest and the whole cd well withstands the test of time. Proves that wine isn't the only thing that improves with age. Loved it!



2. This magnificent album, whose daring and experimentalism has been eclipsed by its instant popularity (it peaked in the Top Ten on the USA album charts in 1972), has lost none of its power or mystery in over 35 years -- so why is it only available as an expensive import? Gary Brooker's orchestral charts are elegant and dramatic -- always reinforcing the song and not overpowering it (that cannot be said about the horrid muzak-reeking CD, "The Long Goodbye", which is, gracefully, now out-of-print). The artful meetings of "classical" and "rock" have been few and far between (The Beatles seem to have gotten it right every time, thanks to Sir George Martin), and the Edmonton concert is surely one of the most bewitching meetings ever (just listen to the unadorned versions of these same PH songs on their original albums and wonder at the tightrope Brooker successfully danced with his orchestral arrangements).
   When you combine the magesterial orchestrations with Brooker's soulful singing, the imaginative drumming of BJ Wilson, the underrated guitarist, Dave Ball, and the atmospheric production of Chris Thomas, who organist Copping credits with saving the project, you have hit sonic Heaven.
   My question is: when is someone going to put together a full-concert version of this album? The West Side CD series of the first four studio albums contained often fascinating extra tracks. According to the PH website, Beyond the Pale, there were three songs that were recorded, but not issued: Shine On Brightly, Simple Sister, and Repent Walpurgis. (In addition, Luskus Delph, was recorded and released as a B-side.) Even after all of these years, I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing for a full definitive edition of this concert, warts and all.



3. I've worn out at least three vinyl copies of this album since I first came across it. Being a vintage audio nut, (I'm listening to this played on a 1975 Craig Belt-drive TT through a Pioneer SA-8800 and on a pair of Pioneer HPM 100s) I didn't expect a CD copy of this Procul Harum's Live With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra to come close to the purity of vinyl. I was wrong. The highs are high, the lows are low, there's depth and dynamics and...Look this is one of the best marriages of balls-out Rock and Roll to Classical Symphony Music EVER!!! Normally, screaming electrical guitars don't blend well with violins, and drum traps don't mate well with Tympanis. Here, they do, and damn well seamlessly. If that weren't enough reason for buying this jewel, most live recordings...well...suck. This doesn't. It's great, it's beautiful, buy it!



4. Although primarily remembered for A WHITER SHADE OF PALE, Procol Harem earned their place in the history of rock by the magnificence of their work. This album, recorded live, demonstrates the point admirably.
   
   Their lyrics were always intricately worded pieces of poetry that were never quite understood by the public but accepted as something quite deep. Their voices blended into a magical force and the accompanying orchestration was always mythical. It seemed a natural that they should try something along the lines of sophisticated rock married to classical music. The Who had already broken the barrier when TOMMY played at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1969. Now Procol Harem took it to the next level.
   
   CONQUISTIDOR had originally been released as a studio single. Here it is given the full treatment and when played side-by-side, this album has the winner. All the music here is lush, and quite enchanting. The result is an album that has always been highly respected. It never became the quintessential Procol Harem album as it did not contain the songs that they were primarily known for at the time of its release (A Whiter Shade of Pale/ Homburg). But today it still plays quite well and tells the world the serious contributions that Procol Harem made to the world of music.



5. I originally wanted this cd because I previously purchased Procol Harum's "First Album...Plus" and was disappointed in the version of Conquistador that was on it. It was a studio version and I was familiar with the live version I used to hear as a kid on the radio. I was hoping that was the version on this live cd (which it was), but I also bought it because of all the other great reviews. Little did I think it would be the fantastic cd that it is. The bonus track wasn't that great, but the other tracks are just phenomenal. I feel "Whaling Stories" is the weakest of the tracks (and it's still very, very good), and by the time "In Held 'Twas In I" finished, I had goose bumps. I agree that, especially for being 1972, this is one of the best rock-orchestra cd's I've ever heard, if not the best. If you were to only own one Procol Harum CD, this would be the one I'd recommend, even though "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" isn't on it. Excellent!

5 comments about Strangers in the Night.

1. This is the greatest album ever recorded. And no, I'm not just talking in the prespective of only live albums or even hardrock albums for that matter, this is seriously the greatest work of music ever made by mankind. I don't know how to put it but "Strangers in the Night" has a certain magic, power and honesty to it that makes me wonder why rock music, or even UFO themselves, even countiued past 1978 due to the fact that NOTHING will ever be this good again. Makes me wonder how hardrock/metal bands of today can happily put out their sonic v a g i n a l execrement, knowing deep in their hearts that they will never be able to slay this F v C k I n G beast that is "Strangers in the Night". Of course it is a live album as well, I am particulary not a strong lover of live albums, however here an exception will be made. The live atmosphere allows UFO to be at their very best and unhinged to the max. The production on the studio records were less then stellar, on "Strangers.." the sound, production and preformances are not just flawless, they are superhuman, I might even say godly. Schenker's abilties with his guitar just send chills down my body. Mogg has to be the most inspiring singer too, he doesn't need a fancy costume or some stupid, trendy vocal technique, he just sings his heart out. Mogg is rock 'n' roll personified. Forget the trendy $ h ! t you've seen on T.V. about "RocK STaRz". Forget f v c k i n g wastoids like Elvis, Robert Plant or even Steve Tyler. This man, Philip Mogg, right here is the real deal, kiddies. He is by far my favorite part of the UFO machine.
   
   If you do not have this then your life has been meaningless up untill this point in time. Get this cd now, or forever be a mallcore baby,



2. Strangers in the Night is live and a favorite of mine by UFO. Of course any UFO fan would already have this cd in their collection, but if you don't, you need to get it right here at Amazon, for the service is great and I recieved mine in perfect condition with a rapid delivery. Get it now, what are you waiting for?



3. Hands down pound for pound the Best Live Cd ever recorded.Every true Rock fan should own this they just should! Just seen these guys in Seattle and I have to say UFO will never be forgotten every era has been a Rock and Rock Joy with this band. Vinnie Moore does an awesome job displaying some out of this world chops.Schenker will always be the most unique and recognizable this band has ever had but noone should ever forget Chapman in my opinion Chapmans contributions to this band were huge on those 4 early 80's albums every song was killer on all those cd's. Ok now again on Vinnie you are a shredding god in your own right and alot of fun to watch a killer addition to the current UFO lineup. CATCH THESE GUYS LIVE PEOPLE YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED!!



4. Fantastic live album. Had it when it came out. Still listen to it today. A must have. UFO at their peak. Michael Schenker is brilliant. One of the truly great rock & roll gutar players. Metallica's guitar player said in an interview, that when he thinks he's really getting good, he listens to this album to remind him what good really is.



5. If you're into hard rock and terrific guitar licks, this is an absolute must have title. Captured in their prime, Strangers serves as UFO's best effort live or otherwise. One listen to tracks like Mother Mary, Lights Out and This Kid will have you shaking your head as to how these guys ever slipped under the radar. Solid toe-tappin' tunes from front to back. Excellent sound quality, especially for a live releases. Without a doubt, one of the best hard rock live albums of all time!

5 comments about Live Album.

1. One of the best live hard rock albmus of all time. Early Grand Funk was one of the BEST hard rock bands of the late 60's and early 70's and this is an historic testament to the great music from back then. If you like hard rock you should check this CD out.
   
   If a CD can be worn out by playing it a zillion times, then I'm well on my way to wearing this one out!!!!



2. this is not a greatest hits cd, the stuff you would hear on fm classic rock stations - although you should! this is rockin', killer stuff! live music energy, big guitars, 70's rock, and the monster drum solos. what's not to like?



3. This record blew my mind the first time I heard it. As a fan of high energy rock I had been listening to the MC5, Nugent, Motorhead, etc for years - especially their live albums. Why this album isn't mentioned along with Kick Out the Jams, No Sleep Til Hammersmith and Double Live Gonzo for sheer energy and insanity is beyond me. GRAND FUNK RULES!
   
   Check out Mighty High...In Drug City if you like the high energy Detroit style.



4. The details have all been stated very well but I absolutely had to concur.
   I have felt for decades that there is NO OTHER album ever made that more clearly captures the raw majesty of HARD ROCK music! Back in the day this was labeled "Punk", as well as "Heavy Metal" before those genres were fully developed, but this is the Mothership of all Hard Acid Rock music!
   Mark Farner's fuzz guitar overload is brilliantly raw, while the rhythm section of Mel Schacher on Bass and Don Brewer on Drums has NEVER been topped in all Hard Rock history! And Yes, Mel is the God of all Bass players. His basslines are hypnotic, and LOUD, and You will follow and focus on them throughout! I agree that when the band decided to take a much more commercial turn we forever lost a GREAT Hard Rock band. Even though it was the original band plus the addition of keyboardist Craig Frost it really was (sadly) a completely different sound. But we do have this absolutely brilliant testament of raw, Hard Rock PERFECTION!! This is the one! If You have only one GRAND FUNK cd, it has to be this one!!!
   This is a PERFECT Hard Rock album!!



5. Are you kidding me??? I cut my teeth on these guys rock and roll. I sat down on Christmas day with my sister and we rocked our way through the whole set...incredible energy! A MUST HAVE for every GFR fan!!!

5 comments about 24 Nights.

1. The premise of Eric Clapton's live double compact disc, `24 Nights,' to quote Derek Taylor's liner notes, was an undertaking "to celebrate his (Clapton's) music at the Royal Albert Hall over 24 nights with first a four-piece band and then a nine-piece and then a batch of blues giants and finally a mighty orchestra..." For any fan of rock, but especially for fans of Eric Clapton, there is lot to like about `24 Nights.'
   
   Recorded live in 1990 and 1991 at about the same time as Clapton's studio release, `Journeyman,' `24 Nights' includes classics such as `Badge,' `White Room,' and `Sunshine of Your Love' recorded with the four-piece band, blues standards `Have You Ever Loved A Woman' and `Hoodoo Man' with the blues band, `Pretending' and `Bad Love' with the more contemporary nine-piece band, and `Bell Bottom Blues' with the National Philharmonic Orchestra.
   
   As one would expect, many of the musicians with whom Clapton surrounds himself are legends in their own right. The various line-ups feature such Phil Collins, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Jimmy Vaughn, and Johnnie Johnson. There are quite a few names familiar to the fans of "Eric Clapton and His Band" releases and tours, including Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East, and Ray Cooper. Even Jamie Oldaker, who was a part of Clapton's bands during the 1970's and early 1980's on the studio release `Backless,' among others, is the percussionist for the `24 Nights' blues band.
   
   Each of the bands produce a sound that combines both Clapton's blues and "Cream-y" roots as well as Clapton's mature and confident style reminiscent of the more recent Clapton releases. The `Sunshine of Your Love' track is the Clapton/Bruce/Baker edition on steroids. The energetic `Pretending' and `Bad Love' jump right through the speakers, while the version of `Wonderful Tonight' featuring vocalist Kitty Kissoon is literally erotic.
   
   The only criticism for `24 Nights' is relates to the collaboration with the orchestra. While other rock band/orchestra associations really seemed to have clicked, Clapton's effort just misses the mark. On the `Bell Bottom Blues' track, in particular, the band and the orchestra seem to be about a half or quarter note off, although `Edge of Darkness' is fairly powerful and quite a bit more on. Maybe it just took a while for the band and the symphony to warm to one another.
   
   In all, `24 Nights' is bottled lightning. Clapton's guitar riffs shoot right out from the tracks and, with the exception of the symphony tracks, the music and the musicians are tight. `24 Nights' provides just about any music fan with a great listen, while dedicated Clapton fans will appreciate both the classic style as well as the experience and the maturity of a true rock legend.



2. 24 Nights is a concert that was recorded over the period of 9 evenings at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
   During the couse of the 24 evenings he uses essentially 2 bands and a band with an orchestra.
   The fist installment is his current band at the time.
   They do songs from his latest CD. The songs include, Pretending, Bad Love, Old Love, and Wonderful Tonight.
   The second phase is a blues phase with Robert Cray and Buddy Guy playing guitar with Chuck Berrys piano player Johnny Johnson.
   The Blues tracks in my mind are the best on the CD.
   Clapton does Watch Yourself, Worried Life Blues and Voodoo Man, as well as Have You Ever Loved A Woman.
   The third phase is with an orchestra that includes Bell Bottom Blues, Hard Times and Edge of Darkness.
   The version of Wonderful Tonight is haunting. He slows the song down and with Katie Kasssons vocals the song is outstanding.
   If you like Blues or if you like EC you need to get this one.



3. Solid and powerful music. The live recording quality is A+. A reminder that EC still has it. Make it part of your collection.



4. I love live Clapton releases. This is a good release but I feel the songs are rushed and bland compared to other "live" versions. I cannot stomach the end of "Wonderful Tonight", especially if you ever seen the video of it, sounds like a cat in heat...but there are highlights including the songs released during this time period "Pretending", "Bad Love", and a nice version of "Bell Bottom Blues"....maybe this was the 24th night, I just feel the energy had left the building.



5. This is an excellent compilation taken from 24 night run at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1990. This is a great CD for hardcore Clapton fans or for the unfamiliar music lover. The sound quality is top notch and the whole band is in fine form.

   Disc one- Badge is a great opener with a cathcy little piano riff that will bring a smile to your face and get your head boppin. White Room and Sunshine kick as usual although a little more soloing from Clapton and few other insturments would of been appreciated. A fun Watch Yourself and interesting Edge round out an overall solid disc that you will leave in your player for a long while

   Disc two- Pretending is my favorite song on the whole album and this song prooves that Clapton hasn't lost contrary to what some of his fans think. He still has the ability and the drive/energy, he just displays less often which is a little unfortuante. Both Bad and Old Love are good follow ups and the rest finish suit nicely.

   Bottom Line: a great two disc set. If you are new to Clapton than go with Crossroads 2 instead but if you don't want shell out a 50 than you might want to consider 24 nights although there are decent Clapton offerings for the rookies that might be better.