CD Details

LIVE

MOERLEN, PIERRE (GONG)
1980 , UK , EAN CODE 5013929735125 - EURO 13.00

Label: ESOTERIC RECORDINGS

ALBUM REVIEW
Oh yes, PMG live! This album shows the strength, energy & drive that this band could have--elements which not always appeared on studio albums. Side A is absolutely killer, five stars. "Downwind" may be shorter than the original studio version, but it more than makes up for that with a heavy drive courtesy of the PM himself, aided by guests Didier Malherbe & Mike Oldfield. Originally a dreamy, more subtle track, "Mandrake" becomes a showcase for Moerlen's xylo-marimba skills, & he sure had some! Also of note: percussionist Francois Causse takes over the drums, and what a band it must be when its subtitute drummer puts most other rock drummers of the time to shame. "Golden Dilemma": more drums, heavy drums! This is truly a heavy piece in the band's discography. Side B, however, is sightly disappointing. "Soli" & the drum solo are still good, but "Esnuria" just doesn't have the excellent greatness the original had. "Crosscurrents" looks to make up for the other tracks, but is cut off into a fadeout! The horror! Surely a missed opportunity. (Cynath - Rate Your Music)