The King Biscuit Flower Hour, a mainstay of weekend late-night FM radio throughout the late-'70s and early-'80s, tended to catch groups on the way up. But this live set, recorded in San Antonio in late 1984, not only featu... more »res the Romantics five years after their definitive single, 1979's garage-rock stomper "What I Like About You," it comes over a year after their comeback hit, 1983's slickly-processed "Talking In Your Sleep." Recorded just before drummer/singer Jimmy Marinos left the band--their last album, 1985's RHYTHM ROMANCE, was recorded without him--this set strips away the soulless over-production which mars the band's later efforts. Without the layers of electronics, "Talking In Your Sleep" and its brethren are catchy, politely rocking pop songs. The set ends with a medley of '60s raveups culminating in the one-two punch of "What I Like About You" and a smoking "Little Latin Lupe Lu."« less
The King Biscuit Flower Hour, a mainstay of weekend late-night FM radio throughout the late-'70s and early-'80s, tended to catch groups on the way up. But this live set, recorded in San Antonio in late 1984, not only features the Romantics five years after their definitive single, 1979's garage-rock stomper "What I Like About You," it comes over a year after their comeback hit, 1983's slickly-processed "Talking In Your Sleep." Recorded just before drummer/singer Jimmy Marinos left the band--their last album, 1985's RHYTHM ROMANCE, was recorded without him--this set strips away the soulless over-production which mars the band's later efforts. Without the layers of electronics, "Talking In Your Sleep" and its brethren are catchy, politely rocking pop songs. The set ends with a medley of '60s raveups culminating in the one-two punch of "What I Like About You" and a smoking "Little Latin Lupe Lu."
"Absolutely, one of the best live albums ever produced and a must have for people who love the Romantics. All the Original members are here, Jimmy Marinos, Wally Palmar, Mike Skill and Coz Canler, with the exception of Bassist Rich Cole, who left the band after the third album. Great Hooks, Gritty Vocals and Powerful performances make this CD stand out.
All the Hits are here (What I Like About You and Talkin' In Your Sleep)with the exception of 'One In A Million', but there are numbers from everyone of their first four albums.
Marinos sings about a third of the Songs here with Palmar singing the rest. The first ten cuts of this album are non stop party fun! If you thought that The Romantics were some cute cuddly pop rock band, think again. Their brand of Detroit Rock & Roll is amazingly sharp and smokin'."
One of the best LIVE power-pop CD's EVER!
J. McDonald | 12/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First, a few of the previous reviews are incorrect when they state that Drummer/Singer Jimmy Marinos is not on this CD. He was STILL with the group here (plays drums on every song and sings on many including "What I Like About You").
The Romantics are one of the best live groups I have ever seen and this CD certainly captured a great performance! The first release by the romantics is still the best, but this is a close second! Even if you're a music buyer who doesn't prefer live CD's I think you'll be in for a surprise with this one.
- JM"
A true Rock 'N Roll Classic
Joey M. | Las Vegas, NV | 05/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'd give it 10 stars but they won't let me!Places the Romantics right up there with the Kinks and Stones when it comes to live power! I cannot say enough about this CD, if you call your self a fan of real rock' n roll - it doesn't get any better than this. Buy this disc and go see them live TODAY they're still touring and giving it all they have 20 years later!"
"'King Biscuit...' was recorded live at a gig in October,1983 in San Antonio,TX.Features seventeen tracks that run for an hour.I like the Romantics and all,but I really believe they need to get back long-departed drummer/vocalist Jimmy Marinos.Sound is great,with the guys creating some well penned alternative power pop,as only they can.Cuts I enjoyed reliving again the most were "When I Look Into Your Eyes","Rock You Up","Night Like This","Talking In Your Sleep","What I Like About You"(this tune is what originally drew me to this band way back when,always reminded me of early Kinks)and their Kingsmen cover "Little Latin Lupe Lu".Should appeal to most fans of Tommy Tutone,The Knack,The Producers,Plimsouls and Cheap Trick."
One of the very best live albums
Shawn Chittle | New York, NY USA | 07/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though the crowd is energetic and appreciative, they really didn't know what they were getting back in 1983 when The Romantics played a live show to support their new album In Heat.
What happens is nothing short of the kind of stuff legends are made of. The raw, power-pop crunchy guitars and heavy bass guitar just hit you in the face like a tidal wave -- this is "new wave" alright. But they probably would prefer you call it "Detroit rock."
And does it ever.
The drummer sounds like he's breaking out of prison he beats the kit so hard.
Each song sounds like a hit, and are played with such gusto and zen that you just can't help but tap your feet as you turn it up even more. By the end of the album your speakers are crackling as much as the guitars. A smile appears on your face. This is great stuff. This is what music is supposed to do to you!
Quality wise, we're talking pure analog engineering and mixing. It's sweet and warm. The record is well-mixed with plenty of low-end punch. Why are some records never remastered? They don't need to be.
As for The Romantics, they politely introduce every song, and never play note for note versions, varying riffs and extending openings to create excellent new arrangements. You won't even recognize "Talking In Your Sleep" until the familiar guitar refrain kicks in. A great twist on a classic song.
This record has gone into near obscurity. Most of the good stuff always does.
Buy it. Play it. Turn it up. Can't afford that local $120 concert? Go to a better one, for this record will almost surely outshine whatever it was you were going to see.
You'll be taken on a rock journey that many of today's bands can only dream about."