One of the least interesting live Muddies
Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 08/10/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"There is a LOT of live Muddy Waters out there, ranging from the magnificent (like "Muddy Waters Live At Newport 1960") to the mediocre, and this one belongs with the latter.
It's not bad, Muddy never was, but on "Screamin' And Cryin'" Muddy neither screams nor cries...it's a more laid-back Muddy Waters than on earlier recordings, and the set is burdened by too many s-l-o-w numbers and mediocre instrumentals, and not enough firepower.
There are some highlights as well, of course, like "Blow Wind Blow" and "Hoochie Coochie Man", but there is really nothing here which isn't available in equally good or better renditions on other live recordings of the Muddy Waters blues band. This rendition of "Got My Mojo Working" is disappointing, and "Screamin' And Cryin'" lacks the intensity of terrific live albums like "Mojo: The Live Collection", "The Lost Tapes", "Chicago 1979" and of course the Newport album.
Go for any of those instead; this one is for completists."
Live muddy expert
Arthurley | Greensboro NC | 06/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have a just about everything i can get my hands on that muddy has done "LIVE". Folks I was a little skeptical about this one but forked over the bucks for it anyway. It inspired me so much I am writing my first review. The sound is excellent the recording is excellent There are some instrumentals that are simply fantastic. The crowd and Muddy are into it. The band is cooking on this one and so is Muddy. The song selection is great. New Muddy fans. Pick this one up to start your "LIVE" collection. You won't regret it."