Two Sides Of The Coin
PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 10/29/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"HEADS:
The Release of the Croydon, Fairfield Halls Show of 13 September 1970 is a Full Concert by Mott The Hoople in all their Original Fury. Two Sunday Evening Shows supporting Free, then at the Top with: "Alright Now" a Big Hit in England & The USA.
Word had spread about Mott The Hoople's, Live Concerts and this Band WAS on it's way to becoming England's, most popular Group. Quite different from their Records was the 'In Your Face', Sonic-Assault of the Early Concerts that they Performed, and here at Last is the proof!
Neil Young's: "Ohio" was the Show Opener and the Crowd is there for them at the Start, like an Panzer Division, the Band advances and there is no escape. This is Raw and Brash, Recording Levels Peaking in the Red...And staying there! Ian stays close to his Electric Piano, Mick & Verden, provide the "Wall-Of-Rock" Blast and Overend & Buffin are more of the Might & Rhythm Deluxe that are FELT...as well as heard.
It's then; "No Wheels To Ride", a 'New' Song at the time of this Show, and compared to the "Mad Shadows" version, 'Wheels' has become Larger, you can't hide from this Music, as it is coming for you! "Rock 'N' Roll Queen" was the Band's most popular early Number, and on this Night it's on target as well. A good: "Thunderbuck Ram" is next and a gentle: "When My Mind's Gone" recieves respectful attention from the Crowd. To Close: "Keep a Knockin" the 50's Rocker that sounds so outta place at the end of the Third LP: 'Wildlife". The Encore is an instrumental explosion of: "You Really Got Me".
The Sound Quality is better than I thought {As compared to The Filmore West tapes}. This is indeed quite a look into WHY, Mott The Hoople created Rabid Fans and held onto them.
TAILS:
Because they were the Support Act to Free, Mott The Hoople's, time on Stage is short {7 Songs - 47 Minutes}. Five more tracks have been added from the already released Sweden Show recorded for Swedish Radio and already released as: "From Stockholm to Philadelphia ~ Live 71/72 in 1999. When you compare Stockholm to Croydon the Band sounds downright tame. But, the Sweden Show does contain: "Laugh At Me" {Seldom heard Live} and a Better; "Thunderbuck Ram" than on the 1970 Edition.
This CD is an Import from Angel Air Records. It is Expensive, But it is a mighty nice package including a 24 page Booklet giving all the details about this Legendary Show, with lot's of Photo's of Mott-In-Jeans ~ Pre-Glam, Pre-Glitter, No Gimmicks, No Platform Shoes...ALL ROCK.
This ain't: "The Holy Grail"...BUT, it does Paint the Picture of my Favorite Early 70's Band as what they REALLY WERE. The Records from their First through "Brain Capers" gave us the Blueprint and now "Live at Fairfield Halls, 1970", goes on to explain the Riot."
Why did it take so long ?
Jim Z | 11/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As the opening act for then top-billed Free , Mott The Hoople produced a GREAT short set of tracks from their self-titled debut , and some selections from the then upcoming "Mad Shadows" album. A truly fantastic set that begs the question "Why didn't they release this earlier" ? The liner notes indicated that Guy Stevens didn't feel they were release quality. Thankfully, the powers that be have issued this show. Energy and drive abound. Even the emotional "When My Mind's Gone" commands the respect of the audience. Is it worth the import $$$$ ? Y-E-S !"
Buy or Die!
Tom Dyer | Seattle USA | 11/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Okay kids.
If you spent the last 30+ years contemplating the exploding "Keep a Knockin'" at the tail-end of Wild Life and wondering what happened to the rest, you have no life and are a total loser.
That aside, this is pretty damn cool. I have heard more crappy sounding live this-era Mott recordings than good ones. This gets the savage animal that was this band in its prime and sounds good enough to carry across their power and glory.
I think the CBS Ariel Bender-version-Mott live album is pretty dang mighty (single disc version was better!), but this is raw, bleeding and beautiful. It is the Mad Shadows/Brain Caper Kids pushed out over the edge. It's the real deal.
If Mott the Hoople occupies the place in your universe that it should, crush, maim and kill to get it. You will be glad you did."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1