The 2-CD set Live On Long Island 4-18-80 was recorded at Nassau Coliseum, the last stop on their 1980 tour, just days before bass player Tommy Caldwell died in a tragic car accident, making it the last performance featurin... more »g all of the original members of the Marshall Tucker Band. On this historic recording, MTB delve into old favorites from their hit-heavy catalog, such as "Heard It In A Love Song," "Can?t You See," and "Fire On The Mountain," making it a vital document of a powerful live act, and a must-have purchase for fans.« less
The 2-CD set Live On Long Island 4-18-80 was recorded at Nassau Coliseum, the last stop on their 1980 tour, just days before bass player Tommy Caldwell died in a tragic car accident, making it the last performance featuring all of the original members of the Marshall Tucker Band. On this historic recording, MTB delve into old favorites from their hit-heavy catalog, such as "Heard It In A Love Song," "Can?t You See," and "Fire On The Mountain," making it a vital document of a powerful live act, and a must-have purchase for fans.
CD Reviews
Excellent addition to their legacy!
The Lyricologist | 09/12/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a fan of the MTB then quit reading this review and just buy it! You will not be disappointed!
Per the title, this is a double disc representing the (complete?) last concert by the original MTB line-up. Overall, the sound is very clean (there are some spots where it's a bit muddied), the performance is smokin' hot and the song selection includes a good assortment of (then) newer songs and the classic hits we all know and love. Personally, I was not familiar with those newer songs but they're a worthy addition to this release.
As players, this show demonstrates that these guys were way more accomplished than many gave them credit for and Doug Gray is one heck of a vocalist. That said, one specific highlight of this show is Toy Caldwell's very ragged (effects of a long hard tour?) but yet very right vocals on his "Can't You See". Sa-weet!
The booklet includes some nominally interesting notes and pictures, but nothing overly special or unique.
I think their recent "Stompin' Room Only" release served well as a sort of greatest hits live - but LOLI has the edge due to the cohesion and energy of being one continuous concert. My preference is this one.
The only nit-pick I have with this is that the cover picture of Tommy Caldwell shows him with long hair, meaning it was from an earlier date rather than from this specific concert. No matter!
My overall rating is 4 1/2 stars.
Like I said, quit reading and order it! It's an absolute keeper!"
Not At Their Peak, But Priceless Nonetheless
K. Henderson | Missouri, United States | 06/01/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Being a long-time fan of the ORIGINAL (and ONLY) MTB, this recording (I believe done for a radio program) is not of the best quality, but it is a treasure as it is the last performance of the band. We have the Tucker Boys of later years when Doug Gray is mouthing & over-singing the songs. The finest the band was recorded was in Milwaukeee in 1974, then the British recordings are pretty good as well, especially Blue Ridge Mountain Sky. This recording fails in comparison to those. With Doug Gray as producer I feel he probably increased the crowd noise by 500% at times, especially when he is front and center. Stick with the earlier live recordings if you want to hear genuine "fire" from the band. These CDs are worth it if you are a loyal fan of the REAL MTB. If not, I'd pass."
Good but not the Best
Running Like The Wind | 01/01/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I recorded this show, which was aired on WLIR FM NY, as part of the king biscuit flower hour broadcast. They actually played two shows at Nassau, April 18 and April 20. These CD's are OK, but the recorded tapes from the broadcast are way better, with respect to the sound and audience...I don't know what they did during the mixing, but much of the "crowd feel" has been cut out. I did buy the CD's because my original tapes are missing the last two songs, because I used only one TDK SA 90 tape.. Overall, a must have, but sound a little dissapointing. I did go to the April 20 show, which was the last show with Tommy C."
The Great Final Statement Of The Original Marshall Tucker Ba
The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 10/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"LIVE ON LONG ISLAND 4-18-80 features the last concert the Marshall Tucker Band played before bassist Tommy Caldwell died in a tragic car accident. The performances are all top-notch, and the selection of songs, with a few exceptions, is wonderful. Although no one knew it at the time, this live recording was the original lineup's epitaph, so pick up this album if you can, and pay tribute to one of the true giants of Southern rock."
The original band.
J. Nichols | South Glens Falls,New York USA | 01/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thank goodness that they had the tapes running to capture the original lineup just weeks before Tommy Caldwell's death in a car accident.
This release was a dream come true for me as I had seen them at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center a few times and they put on a good show.
I always knew that there must have been more "recent" live recordings out there, but wondered why they didn't make them available to the fans."