L.A. roots rock recorded live in 1985
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 09/01/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Born from the L.A. rock underground of the early-80s, Olson's music was earthier, rosier, and had the blue-collar leanings of Springsteen, Mellancamp and Fogerty. This previously unreleased live recording originated as an FM radio broadcast of an opening tour slot in support of the band's 1984 debut, "Midnight Mission," reprising eight of the album's ten tracks, and adding selections from Steven Van Zandt ("Under the Gun"), John Fogerty ("Rockin' All Over the World"), Dwight Twilley ("Looking For the Magic") and Atlantic's golden period of soul (Clarence Carter's "Slip Away"). Olson proved herself a superb front-woman, with strong vocals befitting songs of everyday working stiffs. The band is likewise tough with a classic dual guitar lineup, though their vitality was undercut by Tom Morgan's 70s-hangover saxophone playing. Olson's blue collar anthem, "Hands of the Working Man," is on par with Mellancamp's heartland rock, and her cover selections, including Dylan's then-current "Clean Cut Kid" provide the band plenty of strong material. Drummer Phil Seymour steps to the microphone for the opening "Running," Steve Hufsteter's "Back in Time," and a cover of his former band's "Looking for the Magic." The latter is sung at live concert tempo, more rock than power-pop. The Stax styling of "Back in Time" is even better, and Fogerty's "Rockin' All Over the World" is sung with a gritty lead vocal and howling harmonies emblematic of the audience's motor city vibe. While this doesn't really compare to contemporaneous live sets by the likes of The Blasters, Olson's fans will enjoy the chance to hear her band in its ascendancy. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]"
Nice to hear a good live set for a change
B. Gumbleton | Surrey.BC,Canada | 08/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've never heard of Carla Olsen before and was interested to hear her sound. I was pleasantly suprised when I listened to it! The recording quaility was very good and I love her voice! The reason why I purchased this disc was because of her association with Mick Taylor (whom I wish was still playing with the Stones and is (sorry Ronnie) a far better guitar player)! That said, I enjoyed the selection of songs on the disc and didn't find one I didn't like!"
You Can Run but You Can't HideTraveling Motor City Review
Melting American | North America | 07/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carla Olson has been shepherding her brand of Rock and Roll ever since leaving Austin Texas. Influenced by every act that managed to entertain the rock hungry San Antonio, Dallas,Houston and Austin pork circut on their way to the coasts, it was hard not to pick up a guitar and create gems of her own..Writing about "love and societys' shortcomings" is positive she would argue ..Live in Detroit'85 revisits a time when that area was recovering from an oil induced slowdown(sound familiar) So it is prophetic that songs like Standing in the Line or Midnight Mission or Hands of the Working Man dot this Cd almost apologeticly; but sincerly heart felt as if on a relief mission of her own. Music buffs will smile when they find out they get to hear Tom Pettys' favorite fido, pop proliferating Phil Seymour on DRUMS and VOCALS performing Back in Time(why wasn't that a single you may ask?)Looking for the Magic etc. This alone is worth the price of admission ..Surprisingly this record is released unsweetened like so many live records, what you hear is what you got! Tom Morgans sax wails with reckless abandon Joe Reed thumps the bass with a Funk Bros vibe, George Callins "Upset Me" rolls along like a Buddy Holly meets Junior Walker refrain damn that band is good.. You almost expect to hear Bobby Dylan take a verse of Clean Cut Kid with Carla (he wishes) My favorite song though is John Fogertys' Rockin' All Over the World. Live, you got a sense the band had a big old Jet airliner waiting for them to wisk them to there next gig, so they packed enough propulsion and giddy up in this encore track to add fuel to the fire. Where will they be appearing next!!! Detroit'85 Live... be there!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1