CD Details

LIVE TAPES (2CD)

BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST
1978 , UK , EAN CODE 5013929722323 - EURO 15.50

Label: ESOTERIC RECORDINGS

ALBUM REVIEW
With everyone and his mother releasing a double album live set in the mid-1970s, 1978 saw Barclay James Harvest join the throng with their second live collection - the cleverly titled "Live Tapes". Self-produced and apparently recorded during an earlier European jaunt, the thirteen track set wasn't half bad with the quartet turning in some surprisingly true-to-the-original renditions of 'hits' and obscurities from the early-1970s onwards part of their catalog. The performances were quite crisp leading one to wonder whether post-production perfection was involved. The track listing was split roughly 50/50 between John Lees and Les Holroyd with both mainstays acquitting themselves well. That meant most of their better known efforts were included - 'Child of the Universe', 'Rock 'n' Roll Star', 'Mockingbird', etc. Perhaps not the most adventuresome approach to a live set, but then folks don't buy live albums to hear new material. The band also deserved credit for avoiding the dreaded 'jam madness' that plagues most concert sets - okay 'One Night' sported an extended guitar solo, but it was actually quite good. With one or two modest exceptions, the quartet stuck pretty close to the studio originals, injecting them with a surprising amount of energy and enthusiasm. Elsewhere, assuming it was meant asa tribute to the group, Lees' 'Poor Man's Moody Blues' came within an eyelash of replicating The Moodies patented sound (right down to the harmony vocals). Surprising they didn't get the crap sued out of 'em ... A nice career overview with more than its share of pleasant surprises - check out the should've-been-a-hit 'Hard Hearted Woman'. (RDTEN1 - Rate Your Music)