Great Live British Blues Rock!
J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 01/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was recorded live at New York's Academy of Music for broadcast on FM radio (hence the title). The rough and rowdy mixture of live blues rock proves to be a winner in front of an ethusiastic and appreciative audience. An interesting aspect of the Climax Blues Band for newcomers is the fact that Colin Cooper plays saxophone, harmonica and guitar as well as handling most of the vocals. The music ranges from inspired blues covers like "The Seventh Son", the emotional "So Many Roads, So Many Trains" and the raucous closers Jimmy Reed's "Goin' To New York" and Wilbert Harrison's "Let's Work Together". Tracks like "Flight" showcase the band's more jazzy side while "Mesopopmania" provides a vehicle for John Cuffely's drum soloing. The real highlight of the set is the great blues/rock guitar playing of Peter Haycock (later of ELO). "County Hat" highlights Haycock's wicked slide playing. The audience is obviously having a good time based on the versions of "You Make Me Sick" and "Shake Your Love" included here. While all the notes may not be perfect but the intensity does not waver. This live disk is the next best thing to being there which is what any live disk should strive to be!"
My most favourite live album
Andrew Kenzitt | 07/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've seen Climax perform in the UK around a dozen times back in the late 70's early 80's. I bought this album in the late 70's as an import in the UK. It was released only as a single album over there. Containing only tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11. As well as missing out the excellent solos in Country Hat and Mesopopmania the single album I always thought broke the incredible atmosphere that you can hear from the audience. It's an incomplete show for goodness sake. This double FM live import used to be a prized possession of any UK Climax fan.
An excellent live album from an excellent live band. So Tightly knit!! I still only have a vinyl copy and am about to finally purchase a CD version. It's been too long since I listened to it and it will still no doubt give me goosebumps like it used to.
If you like live rock/blues GET IT!!!
Like the previous reviewer pointed out. It's as close as you'll get to being at a live show.
"
FM/ Live , Climax Blues Band
Michael L. Allmon | Tampa , Fl | 09/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"FM Live is a must have for live music .Versitile , clean , tight mix of slow blues and a touch of jazz fusion , and rock .Cover songs like "Seventh Son"and "Let's Work Together", and original material by five musicians, even though only four are listed in the credits ,and the connection with the crowd make this a classic .I can't say enough to get the mood across . Buy this and you will not be disappointed , my guarentee ."