"Firstly, thanks to KPFK for bringing us a chance to listen to Dream Syndicate live. But, like so many other time travels, this one leads to disappointment. The edgy, raw, crisp, feedback-laden zone we were transported to on the original "Days of Wine and Roses" LP, certainly is nowhere to be found here. where is Karl Precoda's sloppy, instinctive, savant playing? Steve Wynn may have the franchise, but magic is not for sale here. Leave my hot dog in the wrapper - I'll warm it over myself, thanks."
It's A Sure Thing, Baby!
Patrick J. Burke | Loss Angless, CA USA | 10/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Andrea Enthal's and KPFK radio's series of late-night live performances (featuring the Minutemen, Dream Syndicate, Irritators, & many more) gave a unique and thrilling snapshot of L.A. alternative bands in the early 80s. The Dream Syndicate set is a prime example, showing that a rediscovery of the 60s doesn't have to lead to psychedelic revival cliche.The set builds up with a slow burn, so the available sound samples don't really show what you have in store. But by the last four tracks Carl Prekoda's searing guitar aka feedback dynamo is in full effect. Worth it alone for the version of When You Smile. Plus you get sneak previews of John Coltrane Stereo Blues ("Open Hour") and The Days of Wine and Roses.The recording quality is fairly lo-fi, so be forewarned. On the other hand, you get plenty of Steve Wynn's relaxed joking with audience members, even the ones who have to be carried out drunk."
Gloomapalooza
John E. Mutch | Malden, MA United States | 11/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"deliciously gloomy velvet underground inspired gloomy, spacey music..doesn't sound dated in the 80's at all..best recording other than days of wine and roses for this band"
2 AM on FM Radio
PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 07/17/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"THE "OTHER" 80's: Part One: The Dream Syndicate; Live at 2AM.
Right before the Release of The Dream Syndicate's first Record entitled: "The Days of Wine and Roses" They Recorded this Live in the Studio, 57 Minute Set of Music. This was the 9th Month that the Band had been playing Gigs and their Early Raw Style and Frenzied Abandon is very present in the KPFK Radio Studio B that Night at 2AM on 09/05/82.
This is: Steve Wynn: Guitar & Vocals, Kendra Smith: Bass Guitar, Dennis Duck: Drums & Karl Precoda: Attacking and probably Destroying a Guitar in a highly perverse fashion.
It all begins with: "Some Kinda Itch" which is kinda like a Slow-Burn set to Music and this will reel you right into this Psychostagedrama that is known as: "Live Dream Syndicate". The Pace is slowed-down and deliberate, but the rest of this Disc will not be. "Mr. Soul" sounds like it was just stolen from The Sunset Strip in Early 1967. The Band plays it fairly close to the Original Version, but It's Cool. "Sure Thing" is a: Power-Chord- Gore-Fest, things are starting to Open-Up now, as Steve takes his Time here and it all Builds to Screaming Conclusion.
Track Four: "That's What You Always Say" propelled by Solid Bass & Drums, again things begin soft, but this Music is Relentless and you ain't gonna Escape, It's coming for you! Guitar Solos are still kinda under control, but for how Long? Dylan's: "Outlaw Blues" is next up to Bat, but not like you have ever heard it before, Distortion has a Home here, Karl is getting LOUDER and more and more, well...NUTS! Karl's is losing it and is more Outta Tune and Outta Control, and there ain't no coming back now.
"Open Hour" is the Skeleton of what will become: "The John Coltrane Stereo Blues on the "Medicine Show" Album in 1984. It has the Riff from: " JCSB" but really nothing else, It's a Free-Form Jam, and in 1982 this was far from Common to hear anywhere, {This was played on THE RADIO!}. It is: "True-Blue Live Dream Syndicate" and you won't be comparing this Sonic Assault on your Head to anybody else, so don't go there as It's against the Law. Track 7: "When You Smile" opens to a Karl Feedback Frenzy much akin to Early Terry Kath. Steve is taking Her slow but it all melts in Velvet Underground Land soon enough. We used to call this: "Psycho-Blues" back in 1969, don't look at the Strobes you'll GO MAD!
"Season of the Witch" is like:" Donovan, get's trapped in an Alley, and Lou Reed is Biting and Kissing him." If that does not make any sense to your Mind at this point, you gotta listen to this One, then get back to me. It all comes to The End of The World with: "The Days of Wine and Roses" {Do not Scream out this Music at Mass on Sunday...I say again...DO NOT!}.
This Music will not bring Peace to the Middle East, but it so Different from what you Think Music from 1982 SHOULD sound like. My One problem that I detect with The Source Tape is that Steve Wynn's Vocals need to be brought up more in the Mix, I'm gonna have to Equalize this CD to death to bring him out from behind the Guitars {Bought at Sears, that's a kick!}.
This was a Band from: "The OTHER 80's", {The One that your Parents won't tell you about}...More To Come.
FOUR STARS... {And that is because of The Sound Quality}."