Reviews (1)

It could be better
As a live recording, many things are going against it. First of all, the recording (live in 1984) is ladden with audible tape hiss. The tracks end and begin sharply with little fade away and thus the lack of continuity. The CD liner notes are very minimal, and lastly, it sounded as if that Mr. Redbone gave a very uninspired performance. His vocals were very muddy, and the amount of phlem that he had that night must of been overwhelming, the constant throat clearing and lost notes in songs were annoying. AVOID ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This album is mostly for long-time Fairport enthusiasts
This album has come out in a few different versions. I have the one previous to this; two additional songs have been added since then. The album captures the "Full House" lineup--the hardest-rocking of the many Fairport lineups--during a 1970 stand at the Troubador in Los Angeles. There are some good moments, but if you're looking for a live Fairport album, "Encore, Encore" and "The Cropredy Box" are far superior. The take on "Staines Morris" is a highlight. If you're already a big Fairport fan, you will find something to enjoy here, but if you're new to Fairport, this isn't where you should start.

(1=poor 2=mediocre 3=pretty good 4=very good 5=phenomenal)

Great Performance...Poor Recording
Fairports live in and around 1970 were an awesome experience despite the personnel changes that seemed to be the only constant aspect of it's existance.

While the personnel changed the quality of the musicians remained high and the focus shifted. Richard Thompson blossomed and matured helped by the interplay with Dave Swarbrick. The vocals may have taken a backseat after Sandy Denny but then there were two lead players instead.

I do not wish to add much to the other reviews of this album about the individual tracks save for to mention the development of Matty Groves into what Ric Sanders came to call Fairport Convention plays Pink Floyd track. Here at a measley 3.44 minutes the song is sung at breakneck speed but you can see that the seeds have been sown. Sloth remains the outstanding track of the album as others have said.

The performance at the Troubador is excellent but you cannot say that about the recording. For a full sounding band the recording is weak both in volume and quality. There are some excellent quality bootleg recordings out there from this tour which put this official version to shame. If anyone out there is listening perhaps a clean up job with extra tracks could be done to rectify this situation. Given the number of shows that the band played around this time, there must be other tapes available to get a true representation of Fairport live at this time. This, like Full House, is essential Fairport Convention. If you do not own it already you should jolly well order it from Amazon right now.

Wow!
The version of "Sloth" on this live disc is worth the price of admission by itself. A perfect answer to those who think the band lost it after Sandy Denny left. (Albeit they *did* lose it when Richard Thompson left shortly afterwards)...

Just Misses 5 Stars
Having seen close approximations of all of them at Cropredy, Fairport live in any of its incarnations seems to have been an awesome thing.

But this was the noblest Fairport of them all, in terms of sheer virtuosity and jaw-dropping chops -- and this album documents that to the hilt. This would be a 5-star album except that the sound is a bit thin and dry... and, even at that, it just misses.

((If the mobile truck had been there for some of the moments mentioned in the liner notes, it would be about a 6-star album.))

It flat doesn't get any tighter and solid on stage, with Richard Thompson, Simon Nicol and the Three Daves -- Swarbrick on his demon fiddle dancing with & around RT and SN's guitars and Pegg on bass & Mattacks on thundering drums providing a bottom and a beat that has to be experienced to be appreciated -- Fairport mounted a sonic attack that is almost firghtening coming from a "folk" band.

Granted, absent Sandy Denny, neither Richard or Swarb *really* fills that gap on vocals, but what this band has in its own right that the "Liege & Leaf" Fairport didn't exploit as fully is its sheer power and virtuosity.

"Matty Groves" is a classic Fairport raveup, "Sir Patrick Spens" is a nice reading of a "trad.arr." ballad, "Mason's Apron" a nice instrumental... But "Sloth", at something like twelve minutes is simply incredible.

"House Full" is an important document of a transitional time in Fairport's history, as is its 1970 studio complement, "Full House"; both are necessary to your collection if you're buying more than one album -- but this is the one to buy if you can only afford one today.

Worth the price for "Sloth" alone
This is an example of how Fairport sounded live after Sandy Denny had left, but prior to the departure of Richard Thompson. The beautiful vocals are not there, yet the band still has much to offer. Most notable is the 12 minute epic "Sloth." No doubt the best the band ever produced without Denny. This live version is nothing short of incredible. If you are a Fairport fan, or a fan of English folk/rock in general, and you have not heard this song you are missing a lot. The Thompson/Swarbrick vocals are excellent and Thompson's guitar virtuosity has never been so evident. Just one hell of a song. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Did You Ever Notice That Live Is Spelled The Same As Live
I prefer the sound of studio recordings. Never really did like live albums. But there were a few that were not bad: David Bowie Live At The Tower Theatre; Grand Funk; Peter Frampton Comes Alive; and finally Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. But as big a fan of the Vigilantes Of Love that I am, I can't say I like this record. I bought it because it had two previously unreleased songs on it and I was hoping to find, between the songs, Bill Mallonee talking a lot like he sometimes does at concerts. But I was let down; the cat got his tongue.

As the title indicates, this live album is one concert recorded in one night at one location. But that's not a hundred percent true, only because at the beginning of the cd it starts off with seventeen seconds of a very old acoustic Southern blues song that was sampled in, fades out, and then you're Live at the 40 Watt with the vigilantes. (The liner notes don't reveal who that old recording is. It's not VOL. It sounds like it might be from 1949. Or perhaps it's Woody Guthrie)

The other reason this isn't an entirely live album is due to the last song, "The Ballad Of Russell Perry." This is a studio recording (recorded in England), and isn't available on any other cd. It's a great song that tells a classic, American baseball story. It involves just one acoustic guitar, one Mandolin, and Bill's voice. It's the best song on the disc because of it's superior studio sound compared to the rest of the live songs. The contrast makes it sound so crisp, clean, and clear.

One interesting tid bit about this particular Vigilantes concert is that they've included a keyboard player (Randall Bramlett from Steve Winwood's band), which, if you're a VOL concert fan, you know keyboards are rarely or never seen on a VOL stage.

Speaking of instruments, it must be said that Kenny Hutson does a great job with the mandolin on "The Opposite's True." Live song or not, Kenny goes to town on those strings. That's probably one of the few good things about live recordings, the musicians have the opportunity to stretch out their performance without being locked into the studio time-length of the song. And nobody does it like Hutson (except maybe Billy Holmes).

The other song that was unavailable elsewhere, at the time "Live At The 40 Watt" was released, is "It Could Be A Lot Worse." This song was later included on "Audible Sigh."

The liner notes to "Live At The 40 Watt" include some commentary written by the singer, song writer, guitarist and leader of the Vigilantes of Love, Bill Mallonee. You also get the lyrics to It Could Be A Lot Worse and The Ballad Of Russell Perry (but not the other songs).

Great Live, Great In the Studio, Just Plain Great
It's amazing how good VOL sound live, but generally speaking even great live bands don't make great live albums. This is not true of VOL, and this album is proof. They are quite able to duplicate their excellent studio sound in concert, or maybe it's the reverse, either way they sound fantastic. I needed only see them once to be convinced that I needed to buy all their albums. Live Bill's emotional connection to his music just pours out. Sound wise they are fine folk rock, similar to Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms and The Counting Crows. Any of their albums is worth owning, and this one, which features tracks from a number of the studio albums, is a great starter. Standouts include "Could Be A Lot Worse', 'Avalanche' and 'The Opposite's True'. I also highly recommend VOL's studio albums TO THE ROOF OF THE SKY, BLISTER SOUL and AUDIBLE SIGH

By far my favorite band!
I listen to a wide variety of music but the Vigilantes of Love have earned the place as my favorite band! The most disappointing thing about this live album is that it is not a double CD! Every cut is a real treat, capturing the intensity and passion that this band bleeds out their pores. The are definetely the most underrated band in America. "Avalanche" is great on the studio release but is phenomenal live as are all the cuts. This album is full of smart lyrics and great music. Buy this album! ... Read more

Album Description

Originally released as DVD. This is the definitive recordof a band at the peak of its powers. Featuring Maddy Prior. 12 tracks. Digitally remastered. Classic Rock Productions.2002. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Amazingly talented man
WOW, I love Leonard Cohen and this album certainly does not disappoint. I first "discovered" Leonard Cohen when I was a teenager and purchased the Pump Up the Volume soundtrack (which features his song "Everybody Knows"). I have never looked back. Cohen is one of the greatest singer/songwriters I have ever heard. A living legend. All of his albums are great (although some can take getting used to...much like fine wine), but I think that "Cohen Live" stands out because of the variety of songs and his incredible "live" presence. For true blue fans this is an essential recording. However, if you are someone who is just curious about Leonard Cohen, I also think that this is an excellent getting-to-know-you album. Enjoy.

A "Must Have" for Cohen fans
If you're a Leonard Cohen fan, then you know all the songs by heart...And his raspy voice and difficult-to-comprehend lyrics don't really matter.

What does matter is that Cohen - with the help of a small band and some good vocalists - offers a new twist on old favorites. He even ad-libs some of the lyrics.

Since Cohen rarely appears in concert anymore, this is the closest most fans will get to hearing him live.

The bottom line is: If you're a Cohen fan, you probably love this album and will want to add it to your collection. If you're not a fan, don't bother. You won't like his voice, which is rougher live than in the studio.

My favorite Cohen album.
The lyrics. That's what we're here for- I love L. Cohen songs. Not so much his albums in their entirety (with this being the one exception), but certain songs of his... Damn. He is a singer/songwriter like no other. This CD captures performances from the early 90's, and it showcases both Cohen and his band in top form. The female background singers sound sleek and seductive, the musicians know when to take the spot and when to let Leonard do his thing- everyone knows what to do.

Usually I feel that Cohen is a superb, master songwriter, but other people cover his songs and better than he does. Concrete Blonde's cover of 'Everybody Knows,' comes to mind, as does Tori Amos's spellbinding version of 'Famous Blue Raincoat.' Again, this album is an exception. He shows that he can really work his material, milk it wonderfully for every ounce of lyricism. You know the songs are his. His plaintive, monochromatic voice has always been a cornerstone of his style and it has certainly aged well. The gravelly, stark delivery really fits the ambience.

And the songs! This is a great selection of Cohen's work, hands down (I just wish there were more). And several cuts are simply the best versions (in my humble opinion) you can find of the songs in question- period. 'Dance Me to the End of Love,' is much better fleshed out here than on "I'm Your Man," (much of the studio atmosphere, the sound of Cohen's 80's albums, I think, works against him- those albums just sound ineluctably dated to me) and 'If it be your Will,' That song slays me. Always will. The live version here (track 11- and a reason in itself to buy this CD) is sooooooo much better than the one on 'Various Positions' (another 80's album that just doesn't sound good to me). 'Who by Fire,' is another standout track- with a violin that drones away in a middle-eastern, harmonic minor melody... The songs segue into each other nicely, even though they were culled from a variety of shows. I never cared for 'I'm Your Man,' or 'Bird on a Wire,' until I heard these versions.

The only songs I don't really care for are 'Everybody Knows,' (Mr. Cohen messes around with the vocal rhythm and it just sounds bad- in my opinion), and 'Heart With No Companion,' (just don't like that song). I wish 'Chelsea Hotel #2,' 'The Stranger Song,' 'Avalanche,' 'Seems So Long Ago, Nancy,' 'Leaving Green Sleeves,' 'A Singer Must Die,' 'Last Year's Man,' and 'Love Calls You by Name,' had been performed as well.

Highly, thoroughly, recommended.

Wonderful, amazing... essential!
One might not expect Leonard Cohen - a perfectionist who takes years to write songs and ages between albums - to be the type of artist whose songs really come alive in concert, but this excellent and amazing live albums proves them wholly and totally wrong. Armed with a professional and accomplished backing band, Leonard sings these songs with the amazingly deep voice that he began cultivating around the time of the I'm Your Man album, and has since taken to even further depths. Though some may prefer the bare monotone that he sang with on his early albums, I have always been fond of his later, deeper voice, and it's quite a treat to be able to hear many of his classics songs sung in this voice. It lends them a totally different character, and every song on this album is a universal improvement. The excellent backing musicians Leonard employs also improve the songs immensely by tossing in solos on the various instruments (several songs feature stunning solos on the guitar and oud), making practically every song an improvement over the earlier studio versions. Leonard and the band are in perfect form throughout. The man is really pouring his all into these songs, and several of the performances are absolutely revelatory and amazing: Joan of Arc, which features half of its vocals performed by a female singer (something the song has always called for) is indispensable; Hallelujah is an amazing performance made even more memorable by the addition of several new verses (as is Bird On The Wire); and If It Be Your Will and Suzanne are a pair of absolute classics, masterfully performed, that are truly appreciated by the audience. Every song on this album is a masterful performance, and many are the definitive versions. My only regret is that there are no songs from The Future, my favorite Leonard Cohen album. Alas, the album remains absolutely essential to any fan of the artist. I made the mistake of making this the last Leonard Cohen album I bought - not realizing that his songs really come alive when done in front of an audience - don't let the same thing happen to you: get this album today.

Classic -- Without a doubt.
Incredible performances captured with an air of intimacy and expression that pays homage to the master.

Particularly impressive is 'Everybody Knows', as well as the incredible 'Joan Of Arc'. The moody 'Hallelujah' swings along at a leisurely pace, with time for an instrumental.

This is one that I can listen to all the way through in the car.
Recommended for travelers. But bring extra batteries, if you use a portable.

Those who are intrigued, will find this is an excellent introduction to one of the great singers of the late 20th century. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A great concert
Yes - a great concert with great songs and performances.It is a bit disappointing that an outfit with as much cash as MTV could not have placed the mics a bit better and geared up the production quality a bit.

Love Merchant, Dislike the Maniacs
Natalie Merchant was truly the force behind this group. Luckily Merchant's voice raises this collection up from the formulaic collections of unplugged that have come before. (Think Eric Clapton etc) Trouble Me, and Because the Night are the two main reasons to buy this cd. If you don't have a love of the 10,000 Maniacs, you would be better to pay to download those two tracks. If you want to enjoy Natalie Merchants voice, please look at her solo debut Tigerlily.

A bit flat, but still a great collection
I remember watching the original shortened broadcast of MTV Unplugged on TV before the album was released, and my first thought was that Natalie Merchant sounded tired during this performance. It's understandable, as the Maniacs were playing many dates in late '92 and early '93, but her last album with the Maniacs is also probably the worst. However, worse doesn't always mean "bad." This is a nice reworking of some of their back catalog, as well as the surprise hit, a cover of "Because the Night," that was worn out by excessive radio play.

pleasant, incredibly good album
In my opinion - which of course may not agree with yours although it might- this is the best, and I mean the best light rock album with a female vocalist. If I were to pick the 5 best american female rock composers, Natalie would be among the three best with Tori and who else?... hmmmm that's a difficult one. But anyway, you know what I mean, her music is great, very melodic, inspires lots of different moods and adaptable for a wide variety of tastes. I wonder what is of Ten Thousand Maniacs nowadays now that they are without the marvelous Natalie.

The Best CD In My Collection
This is probably the best CD I own.I'm not a big fan of this style of music, but everything came together for this masterpiece to be produced.The quality of the recording, the subtle changes in the songs, the vocals and the emotion that Natalie Merchant shows makes this CD a must own for everyone.

Because The Night is a great song, but Jezebel is by far my favorite.The raw emotion of that song gives me chills everytime. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Signed to Apple Records, James Taylor had already made a name for himself as a songwriter, placing two songs on Tom Rush's classic album The Circle Game ("Sunshine, Sunshine," "Something in the Way She Moves"). Both appear here on his debut album alongside "Carolina on My Mind" (which features Paul McCartney on bass). Taylor's thin, reedy voice complements the wispy, often overly sensitive songs and the production by Peter Asher is understated throughout--even if it does at times include a string quartet. Only "Knocking at the Zoo" attempts to upset the gentle balance. As a poster boy for mellow, he succeeds. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Warm Reflection of Gentle Toughts
An old record my sister had in a Paul McCartney cover had more scratches on it than a couch in a house with twenty cats. I listened to it, and came to adore it. It was JT's first album on Apple records. To save my needle, I copied it onto a cassette, and played it for over twenty five years before a radio station told me the album was rereleased on CD. Talk about luck, the first store I went to had a copy of it. It was mine; all mine. For the first time, I could hear the guitar music without the background of all the scratches.

There is a tender sensitivity to this album reflecting a great deal of JT's emotional experience in his early years. His songs tell of warm loving relationships, expressed through greatly tender poetry. There is a softness and vulnerability in his voice, lyrics,and music we never see quite the same in his later productions.

"Something in the Way She Moves"

"And I feel fine any time she's around me now;
She's around me now almost all the time.
And if I'm well you can tell she's been with me now
She's been with me now, quite a long long time,
and I feel fine"'

"Circle Round the Sun"

"I love my baby, and she's bound to love me some;
Let me say that I love my baby,
And she's bound to love me some.
Now she throws her arms around me,
Like a circle round the sun, yeah".

"Sunshine Sunshine"

"Sounds of laughter, here comes sunshine;
Smiling faces all around;
They possess you, bless you sunshine
Now, you can never let them down
I say sunshine".

This album was always there for me when I shared the same vulnerabilities James had in his youth. What I could not express on my own was right there on that old cassette tape.

There are some reviewers here who write about any and every album ever created. I only write about those which have touched my life as this one did.

Nice debut: a concept album with instrumental interludes
The king of mellow pop got his start here; it's a very good album to listen to as background to just about anything - communal dinners with your friends from the 60's/70's, whatever. And most of the songs are very good to listen to carefully, individually, when you take the time. He's very inventive - the feeling he conjures, even when sad, warms your guts (which can be very, very helpful). Between each two songs is an instrumental interlude; they are of all sorts, played by various players - there's even a harpsichordist.

Taylor isn't about to bring high excitement to anyone, but as for relaxation and groove, he's got plenty. It's not that easy to put 'bite' into 'mellow' - here he does just that. Let's not forget a sense of humor, which inhabits some of the songs - always portrayed with a quiet, confident touch.

Here, his voice doesn't come off nearly so reedy as later on in his career; nor is there even a twinge of his later, more lukewarm and self-absorbed, almost jaded sound. At this early stage, everything was dovetailing together quite nicely. If you don't mind the understatement, it's very elegantly, and eloquently done.

Before the Bright Lights
Everyone can make one album. When the first album makes the listener hungry for more, you've got something.

This album was recorded long before anyone knew the name "James Taylor" or the wonderful music he composed and sang. Perhaps a bit disjointed at times, the music spans many years of his life and many, many changes. It is perhaps the purest of his albums. In my mind it is the best of his albums.

From the beauty of "Rainy Day Man" to the sweet "Carolina on My Mind" the album doesn't have a bad track.

My Favorite JT album
Its funny about JT.His voice just keeps getting better and better but the content never is what it was in the earlier days.

I have to second "Circle Round the Sun" being my favorite JT song ever and one of my top ten favorite songs period.I wish he would do it again, it is so lush and wondrous.

I am thrilled this CD is finally out as the apple album was the one you could never get and my tape of an aquaintances' has worn out.

I think his first is his best and that generally he went down from a very high mountain with each successive album.And the irony is his voice has gotten better.Guess now he has all the answers and I miss the young man who had all the questions.

A Decent Debut Album
James Taylor's self titled debut album, put out by The Beatles' Apple Records in 1968, is decent.

One might be detracted from the classical feel to it, but it does contain some good tunes including the original versions of "Carolina In My Mind", and "Something In The Way She Moves".

Other standouts include, "Knocking Around The Zoo", "Taking It In", and"Brighten Your Night With My Day".

Bottom line, a decent debut but James Taylor would eventually etch his niche into the world of "singer-songwriters" with his next album, Sweet Baby James. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Strawbs Greatest Hits Live
great to see the Strawbs live again even if it was on tape Dave Cousins is still A+ all the way Brian Willoughby is a great guitarist ,the video is excellent

Strawbs Greatest Hits Live
I have been a Strawb Fan since the early 70`s istill love their music when I got Geatest Hits Live I was expecting the Strawbs may not sound as good as in the old days but this live video quickly made me realise they are just as good now as they were before ,I felt the only weak points were the keyboard player and the bass player but everyone else was great.Dave Cousins sounds great as always,Brian Willoughby does a great job on lead guitar ,Richard Hudson was great as usual on drums and Tony Hooper was fine I just felt the bass player was weak when they did Down By The Sea and he left out that great little bass fill and there was just silence.The Keyboard player just wasn`t the caliber the Strawbs had always used but he was ok .I really liked the video though ,it was really great seeing this fantastic band live again even if it was just on tape. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

For fans of Fairport's singer-songwriter period
This is a pleasant but non-essential souvenir of Fairport Convention's early days, when a large part of their repertoire was covers of American singer-songwriter material. The recordings were made for BBC radio broadcasts. Ten of the twelve songs are cover tunes, of which two (Dylan's "Percy's Song" and Joni Mitchell's "I Don't Know Where I Stand") have previously appeared on Fairport albums. There's some Leonard Cohen, some Everly Brothers, a little Byrds... A highlight is "Some Sweet Day". Of all the Fairport albums, this one has the least connection to the band's later folk-rock sound.

(1=poor 2=mediocre 3=pretty good 4=very good 5=phenomenal)

Fine Companion to Unhalfbricking
Joe Boyd's sleevenotes explain how most of these excellent songs never made it onto albums at the time: he was keen for Fairport to explore their Englishness, and so they did on "Leige and Lief" and subsequent albums. But before developing as pioneers of British folk-rock, Fairport showed an uncanny knack for infusing their own individual style into songs by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen - and of course Bob Dylan. Throw in some Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash and Gene Clark, along with a couple of Fairport originals, and you have some wonderful songwriting talent here. Add to this the lovely singing of Sandy Denny and Ian Matthews, both great individually but together, sublime - and you have a brilliant album which bears comparison to "Unhalfbicking" and "What We Did on Our Holidays". Highly recommended.

Incredible album; incredible it hasn't been reviewed
If you've somehow found this listing and this review, please don't overlook this album. A lost gem from the best-ever Fairport lineup: Sandy Denny, Ian Matthews, Richard Thompson, Simon Nicol, Ashly Hutchings and Martin Lamble. Matthews' contribution to this band has always been underrated, he has an absolutely beautiful voice which blends so well with Sandy Denny's. As a lover of Unhalfbricking, which was the only album top feature this lineup, I was understandably very excited with this release, as all were recorded for the BBC with the above lineup.

It is futile to try to highlight, because gems and surprises abound. Much of this is the material they cut their teeth on, brilliant interpertations of songwriters they admired: Cohen, Mitchell, Dylan, etc. It doesn't matter what song they cover, they truly make it their own.

This is not for fanatics only. Though the sound is not up to the quality of Unhalfbricking, it is surprisingly good and the material and performances have to be heard to be appreciated. If you like breathtaking harmony and great ensemble playing, you'll love this record. ... Read more

Album Description

Live release for the influential British folk artist subtitled Downunder. Standard jewel case. 2001 release. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best recordings Bert has ever made - and it's live!
Being a great fan of Bert's 'old stuff' I bought this CD on the strength of the track titles. Most of the songs I was familiar with, but some were new to me. However, I love the disc from start to finish. The quality of the music and of the recordings is made all the more remarkable when one remembers that it was all recorded live. Close your eyes and you're there as part of his audience.
Old favourites such as 'Blues Run the Game' and 'Strolling Down the Highway' I've been playing on my guitar for years. But there are such brilliant tracks here, like the beautiful 'Curragh of Kildare' and 'The Lily of the West' which are known and loved by all 'folkies'. But what of the songs that were new to me?
Of these, by far my favourite is 'Paper Houses', a wonderful song full of description and vision. It's a masterpiece of poetry which I'm still trying to work out how to play.
Bert's style is unusual and, it has to be said, an acquired taste. But he's stood the test of time and, together with his fellow members of Pentangle, will always be remembered with great affection as being extremely competent and talented musicians in their own respective fields.
If you like either (or both) traditional and/or contemporary English folk music then Bert Jansch is your man and, of all the many albums this gent has created, this has to be one of his best. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

On the Road: The Quintessential-Essential Jazz Rock Album
I have owned this album since it was first issued on vinyl in 1975. Since then I have owned several hundred albums, 8-tracks, cassettes and CD's. Without a doubt this is still my favorite album of all time. There is not one bad track on the entire album. This album is the perfect blend of voice and instrumental harmonies, blues, jazz and rock. It is sultry, it is sweet, it is sensual. The music is clean and simple. It speaks a message of peace, love and just having a good time. In some ways it is prophetic. It is a great retrospective of the music of the early to mid 1970's. This is probably one of the most overlooked albums of of its type of all time. Too bad it is out of print. Every serious audiophile should have this one in their library. Everyone else should own it for sheer listening pleasure

a real pleasure to listen to
This album is one of my all-time favorites! Musically, it is one of the best "rock" albums from the 60s/70s. It has a good jazz, soul influence, and it just makes you feel good! It is full of happiness, peace and joy. I can't say enough about it. And the musicians are all excellent. I just liked it "real good"!

A great, sweet, soulful set of songs. Jazzy flute backs up.
This album has always been one of my old reliables. It is really a sweet, melodic, and soulful set of songs. Jesse's version of the ecology is my favorite that I've heard. I also like the song about "have you seen the sunlight shining on her hair? And feel her warm mouth on you in the summer air?" Very romantic and a little bit jazzy. Good stuff! ... Read more

Album Description

Collection of previously unreleased material by one of Australia's biggest pop groups since the '60s. 18 tracks, all taken from their 1968 farewell performance, including versions of 'Georgy Girl', 'Hello Mary Lou' and 'I'll Never Find Another You'. 1999 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Seekers Farewell Concert
A valuable addition to the collected works of the Seekers. The powerful voice and sunny warm personality of Judith Durham shines through on this rare recording that highlights some of the finest moments of the group live. The chemistry between the four members of the group developed from folk harmony performances of well known material to Tom Springield based hits and then to a phase of melodic development that reached the dizzy heights in 1967 and 1968. The fascination with this band is what they would have achieved had the carnival not been over in 1968. The more comprehensive Complete Seekers at $60 is a mite too long for all but the most committed fan though it does represent a full chronicle. The fact remains though that albums such as The Talk of the Town and Live at the BBC: A farewell concert will always have their place in the hearts of the fans who will never really let them retire.

The fans see Judith and the boys echoing back to a time of real home made music that has its origins in the Weavers and Pete Seeger. Judith has a voice that gives as much pleasure today as in the 60's as I can attest having seen the band in Wales this month.

The conflict is she relishes singing not stardom and is basically motivated by charitable fund raising now. In doing so the group have also brought happiness to their fans who will always turn out to hear a great sound which is timeless.

The group speak of Tom Springield with great affection. Also though like all good groups were everyone has a crucial role Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley and Athol Guy were equally as important as Judith because the worth of the group is better than the sum of the parts. The album is evocative and well worth the investment. It takes you right back and has survived the passage of time very well. They have had more farewells than Sinatra. Like him they transmit an incredible warmth and have made the musical world a better place for their presence. This album leaves me with the feeling that I want more. Long may they return to put shores.The freshness that characterised their rise in the mid sixties is captured here though there is also a sense of sadness that apart from one off tours they would no longer be in the public domain. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

live grape
I BOUGHT THIS CD AFTER READING ABOUT MOBY GRAPE IN ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE. THE CD THEY REVIEWED, MOBY GRAPE, THEIR FIRST ALBUM,WASN'T AVAILABLE, SO I BOUGHT THIS ONE.
IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE CD'S TO LISTEN TO. IT'S A GREAT ALBUM. BUY IT NOW AND THANK ME LATER.

Skip Spence returns and the Grape regains 3 guitar attack
This is a great album! Issued in 1978 without any mention of "Moby Grape" anywhere (no pictures either) it was a record that fell into the bins because it was released by a small label that didn't promote. But hey, any album that is released on a small indie label gets that treatment. This features all the original Grape guitarists together again for "Must Be Goin' Now,Dear", a new Spence track. Recorded some 10 years after he left the band (discounting the reunion in 1971)after his last performances. Also featuring Cornelius Bumpus (Doobies,Steely Dan,etc.) and John Oxendine on drums. The record sounds part studio, part warm-up, some live. Out of print, but worth finding.

Good solid Grape blues with jazzy overtones
Despite the title "Live Grape" is only partly live--about half sound like they were recorded without an audience, like at soundcheck. Good playing throughout, but it doesn't have that essential Moby Grape "wild electron energy" that the first 3 lp's did--until Skip Spence shows up and sings "Must Be Goin' Now, Dear". Then the 3 guitar energy powers up again, revealing for once and for all that Spence really wanted to be the Grape's lead guitarist, but Jerry Miller already had that spot nailed down before Spence joined. The result? Lots of competing lead guitar fills and a lot of charisma. Too bad this was to be his last recorded appearence with the band. As for the rest of the tunes, they are solid musically, and Jerry Miller is his usual great "have guitar, can play anything" self, but this CD is for current fans, rather than for people new to the band. ... Read more

Album Details

limited Ed Pressing of Only 1000. Recorded at the Amphitheatre in the Grounds of West London's Chiswick House in 1998. Features the Original Early 70's Line-up plus Special Guests: Roy Hill, Ric Sanders, Adam Wakeman and Cathryn Craig. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

2.5 Stars
This live recording has it's fair share of warts. Dave Cousins' voice sounds shot (which is surprising given how good he sounds on Hummingbird with Wakeman). The musicianship is inconsistent. There are times things sound tight other times sloppy. There are so many variations of the available musicians that it is hard to strike any sense of continuity of sound. Every song exists in better version elsewhere. This is hardly an essential recording. For something more impressive turn to Wakeman & Cousins' Humminbird or the Strawbs' Baroque & Roll...Simon

Live 98
Is this the best band in the world? They play together a couple months a year,yet can out play everyone.Brian Willoughby is the most underrated guitar player in the world.And Dave Lambert is back as well. Down By The Sea is the best progessive rock tune of all time,it all adds up, 5 stars ... Read more