Search - Big Star :: Nobody Can Dance

A Treat For Fans, But Not The Place To Start

03/14/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The first half of "Nobody Can Dance" comes from the rehearsal and soundcheck for a March, 1974 live radio broadcast that was released a few years ago on Rykodisc's "Big Star Live." Apart from a few blown bass notes (John Lightman had only joined the group three weeks earlier), the rehearsal is actually the better performance of the two, looser and more spirited, allowing Alex Chilton to stretch out more on guitar at times. Big Star collectors have had this tape for a couple of years now, and it's good to have it widely available.The second half, recorded a couple of months later at a Memphis show is highlighted by a slower, bluesy version of Chilton's Box Tops hit "The Letter," and a set-opening cover of T-Rex's "Baby Strange. The band is in good form, Chilton seems to be in an almost jovial mood, and the audience seems to be into the show. Unfortunately, the mix places the vocals way to the front, which is distracting, and makes the performance sound rough.Big Star fans will find a lot to enjoy from "Nobody Can Dance." However, if you're a newcomer, start with "#1 Record/Radio City.""

A Solid Four Stars

Brian E. Spitz | NY/NJ | 02/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Half rehersal + half live set = completely awesome! This is probably the most 'controversial' item in the Big Star canon in that its 'releasability' is definitely questionable. I, for one, support its release because Big Star is one of those bands that does not have casual fans. Chances are if you like them, you're going to end up with this one for better or worse.



So let's move on to the actual review:



The rehersal half of this disc is definitely the more sonically palatable. The mix is better, the playing is tighter, and the band seems to be enjoying itself while, at the same time, keeping aware the face that the tape is rolling. The best part is the little tease of 'Hey Joe' that Alex Chilton and John Lightman get into before 'You Get What You Deserve.' Big Star definitely nkew how to run a practice. It is rare that fans are treated to a band practice like this, so I suggest you take advantage as a CD like this seems almost destined to eventually go out of print.



Now the performance half is for those who may have heard something they liked on 'BIG STAR LIVE.' A slightly tipsy ("Let Us Boogie") Chilton lets loose. This show (at Overton Park in Memphis) is thought to be one of Big Star's last. The band plays with reckless abandon. The vocals and guitar are mixed WAY up and the bass is hardly audible. The cover of 'The Letter' is definitely the highlight of this collection as the band gives it a much more 'rockin' feel. Other highlights include "Don't Lie to Me," both versions of "O My Soul," "Way Out West," and the live "Mod Lang" which is just vulgar!



All-in-all this CD, like everything else in Big Star's catalogue is worth owning. The only difference is that this one may take a few listens to really get into."

Stripped-Down Star

Patrick W. Schubert | Santa Ana, California United States | 04/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As with "Live", these recordings feature Big Star as a lean and mean post-Bell trio. The rehearsal tapes are fairly well recorded and the performances are loose, raw and even a bit sloppy in places. In some ways, I prefer these versions to those on their two Ardent LP's. Kind of like seeing a beautiful woman without all of her makeup on. The live set includes a great cover of T.Rex's "Baby Strange" as well as Chilton's Box Tops classic "The Letter". The sound quality of the live tracks is fairly rough, but listenable. Just remember, "Nobody can dance, okay.""