5 comments about Are You Ready to Testify?: The Live Bootleg Anthology.

1. FIRST OF ALL I SAW MC5 LIVE SEVERAL TIMES LIVE AND "YES" THEY WERE AHEAD OF THEIR TIME AND ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES AS HEAVY-PUNK BASED ROCKERS...."HOWEVER" THIS RELEASE DOES NOT DO THE BAND JUSTICE AS THE SOUND QUALITY IS SIMPLY AWFUL.SOMEONE SORTING THROUGH SOME THROW AWAY TAPES DECIDED TO RELEASE THEM ON CD AND HOPE THE TIN-CAN SOUND WOULD ATTRACT DIE-HARD FANS.ITS A SHAME.....SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED DOLLARS FOR A RELEASE MORE DESERVING$$$$



2. I think any diehard MC5 fans would enjoy this set. The packaging is nice, and it includes the notorious full page ad that the band and/or John Sinclair put out when their 1st LP was banned from Hudsons. Of the 3 MC5 LP's, I'd say the sound quality on this set is closest to the 1st LP. There are disclaimers on the CD liner notes concerning the quality, since the recordings may well be soundboard or audience recordings. Knowing that in advance, I was prepared for the worst, but I've enjoyed listening to the 3 CD's many times. It seems like everyone involved did a good job with what they had to work with. I'm not sure, but this may be the only source to hear some of these songs live-at the least, some aren't on the 3 LP's. On disc #2, a nice surprise was the clarity of Dennis's drums. It's also neat to hear their shows unedited, and the conversation with the audience in between. I hate to even allude to anything negative, since this seems to be a labor of love, and I may be wrong, so take this with a grain of salt, but: I'm not sure that all of the music was transfered to the correct speed. I did several cross referencing checks with the LP's, and most everything seems to be fairly relative to the keys the band played in. But, (and again I may be wrong), it seemed to me that some may be 1/4 or 1/2 step off. Which means, the music may be a bit slower than the actual performance. There's several factors to consider, though. One, bands didn't generally use tuners back then. Two, it sounds as though the band may have tuned down a half step in those days. To the average fan this may not be important, but to a musician it might be. Still, I think it's great stuff. It appeared to me to be somewhat authorized, but, I'm certainly not the one who could answer that question.



3. This collection is a great buy. Not only is the packaging superb, but there are extensive liner notes and the official bullet-points of The White Panther party so you can understand the rights, people, and beliefs this band stood up for.
   
   Included in this box set are two complete concerts and one EP (half concert?)that will kick your head straight into the next election year.
   
   Side note: There have been complaints about these concerts being of poor sound quality...nothing a decent equalizer can't solve. In fact, let that be a musical life lesson to you.



4. The MC5 are one of the most influential and underrated bands of the late 1960's. They only released three albums before they imploded in the early 1970's. This is a great re-release of some previously released bootlegs. The sound quality isn't the greatest, but these are bootleg recording from over 30 years ago. That does not take away from the passion that the band plays with, nor there skills as musicians. This is an excellent release for anyone interested in a band that has been an influence hard rock, heavy metal, and punk rock.



5. the sound quality of this box set is lousy. it varies somewhat from cd to cd (separate performances) but it's never good. vocals are muffled and distorted throughout and even some spoken song intros are hard to understand. at times the bass is nonexistent. in short, real bootleg recordings from 1968 & 70. so although the band seems to be in very good form here, only ardent MC5 fans need consider buying this because the sound quality's a real problem. 2 and 1/2 stars.

3 comments about Live 1980.

1. First let me state that I rarely like live albums. Usually all the noise just disrupts my listening. This is one of the few that I like. Classic Hagar songs, and an energy filled performance.



2. Hagar live,released about 3 years after it was recorded.At the time of its release he was a big star on Geffen records.This album is rather skimpy,most songs are fairly weak,but ok.



3. Released after Sammy signed with Geffen records and exploded with the great "Standing Hampton", this album features poor sound quality but great songs from "Street Machine", "Danger Zone" and also his days with Ronnie Montrose.You will appreciate this piece of work if you are a true Hagar fan, though if you are you probably already have it. If you have only jumped on Sammy's bandwagon after a recent trip to the Cabo Wabo,then start with his other live release, "All Night Long "

5 comments about Steppin' Out with the Grateful Dead - England '72.

1. High Tech copy guard on a Dead album?
   Jerry is rolling over in his grave as I type this



2. 
   Whereas I recommend Europe '72 as a first purchase for newcomers, those who already appreciate the Dead and are disappointed by Europe '72's lack of extended improv. will no doubt find this set superior. It covers a much broader selection of tunes, all cherry-picked from the same tour, and in sad contrast to so much of the official live material released by the band, the performances consistently marry inspiration (emotion) and tight, in-tune musicianship. I have nothing personal against Dick Latvala, but can't help but wonder sometimes what might have been had someone else-- someone who was not so deeply invested in the "ragged-but-right" (read: "sloppy-and-out-of-tune-is-right") ethic-- had been in charge of choosing shows for release. IMO, when the 60's/70's Dead were playing at their best, few could touch them, and yet, to these ears, much of the live material that's been released so far is sub-par. Oh well. In any event, this delightful exception to the rule is to be cherished.



3. The album exemplifies the Grateful Dead at one of the high points in their time together. This is a great collection of their best known concert songs (China Cat > I Know you Rider, Playing in the Band, Jack Straw...) and what is undoubtable the BEST quality recording outside of their originally released live albums (Europe 72, Skull & Roses...).
   
   The venue that they are playing in is a smaller club and it is fun listening to the band (ok - Bobby) interact with the crowd. Also, this was recorded during the brief interlude where Micky Hart had left the band leaving the Dead with only Bill as drummer. I have to tell you how impressed I am with his performance during the entire show. This recording highlights just how great a drummer Bill really is - outstanding.
   
   Take note... if you are a new listener to the Dead, this album will get you hooked into being a fan of their live albums. If you are a long time listener, this is an album that needs to be in your collection. It is far superior to many of the newly released live recordings (example: "Dick's Picks"). It is right up there with "Europe 72" and in fact (IMHO) is even better because it is the entire concert. On average, there are about 75 minutes on each disc (4 in all) - WOW!
   
   Positives:
   Crystal clear recording.
   Great collection of songs.
   Entire concert on recording.
   Flawless performance.
   A few "rare" songs on it (ie: "Hey, Bo Didley").
   
   Negatives:
   Only one... why did they take soooooooo long to release this!??!



4. 4 DISCS!!! 4 discs of purely awesome Grateful Dead, the greatest band ever and the greatest there ever will be. There's a whole lotta Pigpen, the most talanted vocalist of the group, Jerry Garcia, my hero and idol, and the crew. This is the best intro to the Dead and if it dissappoints than you must be deaf.



5. As a typical deadhead, I can well appreciate the concept of attending a concert or listening to one on disc where everything culminates in a single pure moment. For me, that moment occurs on this disc during the seque from Dark Star into Sugar Magnolia. That 60 second interval of music alone makes this disc a must have for anyone who really appreciates what the Dead where all about.

3 comments about Instant Live: The Fox Box.

1. Having recently read "Skydog", the late Duane Allman new highly informative biograpy, i was compelled to go back and taste some of the Allman Brothers old standbys. "The Fillmore Concerts" and "Eat a peach" immediatley came to mind, particularly since Duane still burns live on them. But even an old goat who's been glued to the Allmans since the late 60's, can reach a point in which he predicts the next bottle slide on Duane's Gibson and Dickey Betts response riff. it doesn't get boring necessarily. it gets predictable. Which is one roadmark on the way to classic rock's funeral.
   
   Browsing through ABB's category on AMAZON, I cam across "Instant Live: The Fox Box". Nine (count them!) discs of two performances in Atlanta, Georgia. The price, 90$, seemed a bit steep, but i was quick to do the math: 10$ a disc. Call me crazy. Call me the Breeze. But i'm the lunatic who'd pay 10 dollars to hear Gregg Allman singing the "Band"'s "The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down". Not only for removing the confedracy's flag from four Canadians and one American who gave it to us. But to hear the Allmans - in Atlanta of all places - make it their own. God bless Levon Helm and his sweet soulful voice, but the mature, sober and gravelly Allman, gives "Dixie" a brand new dimension. With the great Warren Haynes wailing on the right track while gallantly making way for Derek Trucks sliding on the left, the Allmans tear through most of their own repertoire, even manhandling Betts' "Blue Sky", which means war.
   
   But the greatness of this particular exciting box-set is what the Allmans do to old "Derek & the Dominos" numbers, where Eric Clapton And Duane founded the twin guitars solidarity movement. Since I was Ipoding the Allmans, I couldn't halp switching back and forth between the Allmans and the Dominos versions of "Key To The Highway". No one in his right mind will detract from the greatness Clapton/Allman acheived in 1970, but Haynes/Trucks take this blues standard to a new plateau. And "Layla". I've recently saw Clapton and Truck in New York, and it's hard to watch Clapton prepping himself to give "Layla" one more twirl after 36 years. The Allmans tear it to pieces.
   Nine discs and many hours later, totally ragged, shattered and torn, the
   "Fox Box" leave you panting for more. wishing somebody had the sense to run video with this show, and spring a triple DVD on us, sometimes when we're the least ready.



2. There will come a time when the current Allman Brothers Band line-up-- originals Gregg Allman (keys/vox), Jaimoe (dms), Butch Trucks (dms), plus Derek Trucks (gtr), Warren Haynes (gtr/vox), Oteil Burbridge (bass/sometimes vox), and Marc Quinones (perc/backing vox)-- will be universally hailed as the second classic line-up of this band. Haynes and Trucks are two of the greatest, hottest guitar players of our time, and it is hard to fathom that there is enough room in one band for both of them to shine. Haynes began his second stint in the band in March 2001, the last piece to the puzzle of this configuration, and within 2 years they had begun to alight into a realm of improvisational, smoldering jazzy blues that is truly magical.
   
   Of course the best way to appreciate this band is live, and in September 2004 they touched down in Atlanta for a 3-night run at the beautiful Fox Theater. Thanks to the Instant Live program, these three shows were captured for posterity. It was a fantastic run-- I was at all 3 shows-- and if you have the bandwidth and appetite to consume a live 9-disc set, this will charm and delight and surprise you for years to come.
   
   Over the course of these three nights, the band repeats only one song: "Dreams," which was played each show. But as Warren Haynes pointed out after the third show, "even those are all different"-- because a different player each night takes the extended and lyrical guitar solo that creates the drama and tension of the piece. The first night it is guest and former band member Jackie Pearson; the second night it is Derek Trucks; and the final night, Haynes steps out and shovels coal on the fire. And indeed, each player tells the musical story of the song in a different way.
   
   The middle show (9/25) is the real keeper. The setlist was amazing, and it was the first rendition of "Blue Sky" since the song's author, Dickey Betts, had left the band (Allman handles the vocals; the song is back in its original key.) The opening of the show features a taste of the overture that begins "Les Brers in A Minor," and then deep into the second set they return and play the song, in stirring fashion, picking up precisely where the opening overture had left off. (Four days later the band would record a live rendition of their classic Eat a Peach album for XM radio; this gig was essentially a dress rehearsal of both "Blue Sky" and "Les Brers," which are both on that record.)
   
   But all three shows are outstanding, and taken as a whole-- a movement in three nights, as it were-- the set is astounding. A skeptic might think 3 drummers is jamband excess, but listen to the intricate web they weave together, the elder Trucks driving the train, Jaimoe anchoring and accenting the rhythm (they play like one man with 4 hands), and Quinones splashing color over the top. You can hear Quinones to good affect on "Elizabeth Reed," in the way he helps create the Latin vibe at the song's outset. And the guitars are like liquid fire and ice for your ears.
   
   If any of these 3 shows had been released alone and given a big record company push, you'd probably know it by reputation as one of the best live albums of the past 25 years. As it is, hear it like one of those grand Miles Davis quintet or Coltrane quartet live boxes-- a feast of group improvisational playing, quintessentially American (and southern) music.
   
   If you're wondering about the sound quality, the Instant Lives are to my ears better than traditional live albums because they blend the fidelity of the soundboard recording with the ambiance of strategically placed audience mics. They sound great.
   
   -------------
   
   A previous reviewer notes that this is not the Fox Box. Indeed, it is in fact the Fox Box. There is (as of this writing) an incorrect listing on this page which describes the "West's Best" set as opposed to the "Fox Box" set. But the cover art and the track listings make clear that this product is indeed the Fox Box, and that it is the product description that is in error.



3. The Fox Box is a 3 night run at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta Georgia, on Sept. 24, 25 & 26th, 2004. The shows listed hear are all great shows, and it is a good price. If jam band music is your thing, ABB is as good as it gets!

No comments about Live at Royal Albert Hall.

4 comments about Greatest Hits Live.

1. Another fine vintage live performance,pulled from the vaults of the King Biscuit Flower Hour.I don't care what anyone says,I still believe that Molly Hatchet became as 'huge' as they did at first BECAUSE they filled a void that was left with the demise of Lynyrd Skynyrd.Don't get me wrong,Hatchet is a good southern rock&roll outfit.I've seen them something like at least four times.'Greatest...' was recorded on February 10,1982 at the Palladium in Los Angles in front of a very appreciative crowd.First thing you might notice about this 12 track disc is that vocalist Danny Joe Brown(R.I.P.)isn't with them,on this tour.New/short-lasting vocalist/frontman Jimmy Farrar had taken over that chore for the time being.I'd have to say that Farrar is 'okay',he appears to give it his all.Tracks here that brought back some nice memories were "Beatin' The Odds","Lady Luck",the unbeatable "Gator Country","Flirtin' With Disaster" and my personal favorite "Bounty Hunter".Line-up:Jimmy Farrar-vocals,Dave Hlubek,Steve Holland&Dwayne Roland-guitars(whew!a triple guitar attack there),Banner Thomas-bass and Bruce Crump-drums.Enjoy.



2. This album blew me away. I always liked Flirtin' with Disaster, so I figured i'd get a cd by the band. I saw this live album and figured what the hell, i had money and it had good reviews. HOLY CRAP! One of the greatest live albums ive heard in a very long time. I even have listened to Grateful Dead as late, this cd is very heavey and they play very well together. I might not know too many things about Molly Hatchet, but im very pleased with the cd and they do not sound anything like Skynrd. I recommend this cd to classic rock fans, very enjoyable cd.



3. GREATEST HITS LIVE is another great live album from the Jacksonville sextet known as Molly Hatchet. These guys really, really rock, no matter who's singing lead. Jimmy Farrar is just as great a singer as Danny Joe Brown, and the rest of the band really kicks especially guitarists Dave Hlubek, Duane Roland, and Steve Holland. This is the first live release featuring Farrar on vocals, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting great, tail-kicking Southern rock, even if the horns are a bit unnecessary.



4. Made in USA in 2003, Serial# KBFR-40001-2, Playing Time 62:56

   This CD is made up of music courtesy of the King Biscuit Flower Hour, and was recorded during the "Take No Prisoners" tour at the Palladium in Los Angeles on February 12 1982, so it features Jimmy Farrar on vocals.

   A few years ago, BMG Music released a CD entitled "Extended Versions - The Encore Collection"; what we have here are the SAME recordings, plus 2 "bonus" tracks at the end that were absent then: "Bloody Reunion" and "Boogie No More".

   The recording quality is good, and the band is in great shape; if you already own the "Extended Versions..." CD, I'm not sure it's worth picking up "Greatest Hits Live"; but if you have neither, this release is of definite enjoyment and I think you should add it to your Hatchet's collection!

   Other tracks on the disc are "Beatin' The Odds", "Let The Good Times Roll", "It's All Over Now", "Lady Luck", "One Man's Pleasure", "Dead Giveaway", "Gator Country", "Dreams I'll Never See", "Flirtin' With Disaster" and "Bounty Hunter".

3 comments about Live in San Francisco 1966.

1. The sound quality is poor, its the kind of record that sounds like a blur after you have listened to it for more than fifteen minutes, and the kind that disrupts any mix CD or playlist because of differing levels. The recording has a lot of highs and no separation. The bass is practically inaudible. The highlights are the first three songs, particularly Moanin' at Midnight which is more of a Howlin' Wolf potpourri than a straight cover. But as Janis screams, mimicking Howlin' Wolf's famous cry, you can see how much talent she really had. Overall it's an album for serious fans interested in a complete collection or the development of the band.



2. Chronlogically this was recorded before their first album on Mainstream Records in 1967. Some of the tracks here also appeared on that first studio album. So how is it? The Monterey performance was a little more polished but this disc is a nice addition although the playing is a little more ragged. The track "Coo Coo" appeared on the "Cheap Thrills" album with new lyrics as "Oh Sweet Mary". If you have all of Janis's other discs I would pick this one up; you won't be disappointed and it is interesting to hear the band in their formative stage.



3. Recorded somewhere in San Francisco (the liner notes don't say where) in the Summer of 1966, these thirteen live tracks document the bond that Joplin had formed with Big Brother after only a couple of months practice. Big Brother drummer David Getz's liner notes (written in the mid-80s, perhaps for the original vinyl issue of this material) provide an evocative description of how the band's early communal living helped forge their unity as performers.

   By the time they released their second album ("Cheap Thrills") two years later, the band would have more original material, but at this point in their career they were still relying heavily on R&B and blues standards. Covers include "I Know You Rider" (a favorite of the Grateful Dead), Shirley & Lee's "Let the Good Times Roll," Howlin' Wolf's "Moanin' At Midnight," and Jimmy McCraklin's "Blow My Mind." Joplin's take on Willie Mae ("Big Mama") Thornton's "Ball and Chain" was still developing into the full-blown showstopper she'd deliver a year later at the Monterey Pop Festival, and the single "Coo Coo" is presented in early form.

   The band would later be recorded in their more famous form on "Live at Winterland '68." This earlier tape shows off the band's formation, including their transition to, essentially, a backing band for Joplin. Though she's front-and-center for the lion's share of the vocals, her presence is occasionally diluted by other band members' vocals.

   The tape, from a source uncredited in the liner notes, is hissy, though very listenable. A bonus track, recorded at San Francisco's KQED in April 1967, provides a higher-fidelity 7-minute instrumental freakout on "Hall of the Mountain King." Most of this material was released in 1984 on a Rhino Records LP titled, "Big Brother & the Holding Company Live," and by other labels as "Cheaper Thrills." An import CD of the latter is available from the UK on Acadia, but it costs more and offers no extra material.

   Those looking for an introduction to Joplin and Big Brother are probably better served by "Cheap Thrills." Those wishing to look more deeply into the band's history will find this a compelling document.

No comments about Live in New York City.

5 comments about Extended Versions.

1. THIS IS A SLEAZY RECORD COMPANY TRICK. I THINK IT IS A VERY DISHONEST MEANS TO STEAL YOUR MONEY.
   
   BMG record company released a whole series of these "Extended Version" CD's. What they do is take some of the songs off of a previously released live album and make it look like a new CD. They don't even have the courtesy to include all of the songs. Plus, the packaging is very cheap with no liner notes.
   
   In this case, these songs come off of Styx's Return to Paradise CD. And the title is very misleading, because most of the songs are not much longer than the studio versions.
   
   Be very cautious when considering buying antything from BMG Special Products. It is probably a rip off.
   
   No wonder music fans are so upset with record companies and feel justified trading music.



2. It may not be the same but hey it's Styx any Styx CD always deserves at least 4 stars. My favorite's off of here are all the songs. from track 1 Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) to track 10 The Best Of Times. If you have nothing else to buy and you feel like waisting money go ahead buy this CD. It's worth it.



3. my favorite track & song is lady dennis did a really great job singing it. the drummer is fantastic on this cd. along with the guitar work. this cd is a cd you can enjoy listing to the whole thing, styx is not styx with out dennis at the helm of the ship. i seen styx live in lincoln nebraska in 2002. a great show but not the same without dennis singing.



4. Dennis was already out, when this was released, so the picture on the cover was a little misleading. Plus all the songs on this cd are the exact same songs off of RETURN TO PARADISE. The record company knew that STYX fans would by this, thinking that with the picture of Dennis on front, we would either think Dennis was back in, and this was a new recording of their songs, or this was some live songs that never made it to the light of day.
   If you don't have RETURN TO PARADISE, this would be a good live cd to start with. Minus one star for tricking fans, and minus one star for this material already being in print. Still worth the money.



5. If you already Own "Return to Paradise" don't Waste your time & money on this one. As the previous reviewer points out the tracks are the exact same length as those tracks found on the complete 2 CD "Return to Paradise" because they are indeed the exact same tracks. Another example of record company chislers trying to squeeze the last dime out of an artist by repackaging an existing release and confusing their fans with titles such as "Encore Collection: Extended Versions" when they should have called it "Return to Return to Paradise" so us Styx fans know what we are getting into. A good choice for the casual fan if you don't want to pony up for the 2 CD version. Check out the new "Arch Allies" 2 CD release for some fresh live Styx & Reo from the 2000 tour. I was in the 4th row at that show when they filmed and recorded it at Riverport and it kicked.

1 comments about Live in Italy.

1. This was first released in 2003 on the band's own label Schizoid with a different cover. In 2005, the band transferred both this and Volume two to Iceni when they released Pictures Of A City. This is a wonderful performance by a great band and features many classics like A Man, A City and Court Of The Crimson King mixed in with songs like Let There Be Light and Birdman. The only complaint I have is that they cut off Formentera Lady from Sailor's Tale. The studio version of Catley's Ashes is a great way to end this classic. If you like good music, grab this.