Billy lights the place up
Daniel Jones | Hilo, HI United States | 06/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have just been reading about Billy's death, and felt compelled to share my impressions of this album (now CD). This guy was a world-class rock & roll showman....he milks the music (and the crowd) for all it's worth - pounding away at riffs in extended jams that somehow remain hypnotic, on occasion tetering on the edge of becoming repetitive. He maintains the high energy level throughout the whole set - though he's a bit too reliant on Beatles numbers (really, Billy - I mean, does he need to cover "Day Tripper"??). It's hard not to forgive the guy, though - he injects his personality into songs like "The Bus" and "Let's Go Get Stoned" very effectively. I have not heard the sound on the CD, in all honesty - I have been listening to the vinyl version for a few years now - and I am delighted it's now avail. in digital format. Mick Taylor's playing is always inspiring to hear - if this isn't his finest hour, it's enough that he's there and giving Billy's keyboard workouts some context (as an aside - when I saw Mick in Rhode Island in 1986, he covered "Will It Go 'Round in Circles").
If you like Billy, you'll give this 5 stars for it's "spirit". If you aren't or if you are new to his work - you may only give it 2 or 3 stars (recording is not top-shelf, performances have "balls" but are not flawless - I happen to be fond of this type of live document myself. You may see things differently). It captures an artist at one of their peaks...a moment in time. Perhaps it is not "perfect", but certainly it is "representative". Rock & roll, blues, soulful, and you can dance to it if you like...Billy and co. give you the whole package."
Finally!
Mario Cruz | SUN VALLEY, CA United States | 06/06/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"IT TOOK QUITE SOME TIME, BUT THIS ONE FINALLY MADE IT ON TO CD. IT'S A BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL LP IN THAT THERE ARE LITTLE BITS ADDED ("AMAZING GRACE" AND SOME EXTENDED PIECES) AND "GET BACK" HAS BEEN OMITTED FOR SOME REASON. IT'S STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE LIVE ALBUMS. THE SOUND QUALITY IS A LOT BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL (TOO HARSH ON HIGH END).
BILLY'S SPECIAL GUEST ON THIS ALBUM IS GUITARIST MICK TAYLOR FROM JOHN MAYALL'S BLUESBREAKERS (AND, OH YEAH, THE ROLLING STONES). MICK'S PLAYING IS AS GREAT AS EVER THOUGH HE REALLY DOESN'T GET A CHANCE TO REALLY TAKE OFF AS I KNOW HE LIKES TO.
STILL, ONE WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1