The recording to own
03/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"where the hostage-reading in Redondo Beach is filled with too many 'rejoinders with the audience' (as the author called it himself) and too little serious poetry and the famous Hamburg-recording is on the other hand too serious with too little laughter, this collection is right in the middle of both. it furthermore contains a collection of extremely strong poems and an author who is on top of his game. Bukowski is nothing but brilliant in his performance. he comes to terms with his more serious poems and mixes them with the ones that guarantee laughter an joy when it is needed. it might not be a low priced CD being an import, but it is definetly worth every penny and will give you great insight on one of the best poets the world has seen in the last century."
Raw and brutal reading from cult favorite author
TimothyFarrell22 | Massachusetts | 06/28/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"No one made writing poetry look easier than Bukowski, which led to scores of imitators, none of whom even came close to Bukowski's self-deprecating originality. Being a poet, I know that it isn't that easy. Bukowski has maintained a large cult following ever since he came to underground prominance in the late 60's. His tales of hard times, woman, and drink have assured him legend status. As much fun as it is reading his poetry, hearing him deliver it is even better. His delivery and timing were amazing. He was very crass and honest, making him inaccesible to those with weak stomaches who preferred the lighter poetics such as Rod McKuen. Like all great cult artists, you either loved him or hated him. I am in the former camp and have purchased nearly everything of his I can get my hands on. The reading on this album is one of the best I've heard from him. He is obviously drunk (Buk was known to enjoy a bit of liquor from time to time), but that just adds to his gritty delivery. As for the material itself, its amoung his best. While some classics are missing, several of his best peices are here. "The Death of an Idiot", "Style", "P--s and S--t", "The Last Days of the Suicide Kid", and "The World's Greatest Loser" are all classics. An extra treat is the addition of the classic "Something for the Touts, The Nuns, The Grocery Clerks and You", one of his lenghtiest poems. If you are a fan of Bukowski, this is an essential album. If you need an introduction point, this will work fine also."
This is the one
P. Couture | Santa Cruz, CA USA | 07/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maybe the only one you need. Sound is a little muddy but it doesn't hurt the content at all. This CD was mastered off an LP, probably because the master tapes got lost. Don't let any of this worry you - it's the best Bukowski recording you'll ever find. The two bonus tracks are studio cuts."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1