The dB's - 1986-12-31 - The Brewery, Raleigh, NC

The dB's
1986-12-31
The Brewery, Raleigh, NC
Audience recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

To close out the year, and the entire decade for that matter, here is a New Year's Eve show from 1986 featuring that rockin' 80's power pop band, The dB's. Hard to believe that I have not posted any dB's until now. The dB's were a band from Winston-Salem, NC, formed in 1978 with original members Chris Stamey (guitar, vocals, songwriting), Peter Holsapple (guitar, vocals, songwriting), Gene Holder (bass), and Will Rigby (drums), featuring a sound and style somewhat reminiscent of 60's-70's pop and psychedelia, but with a harder edge. Their first album, Stands for Decibels, was released in 1981, followed by Repercussion in 1982, and both were highly praised, but little bought at the time. Stamey left the group after that for a solo career, but the band continued, releasing Like This (1984), and adding Rick Wagner on bass and Holder moving over to guitar. Their major label breakthrough came with an I.R.S. record deal and the album The Sound of Music in 1987, as well as the arrival of Jeff Beninato on bass (and departure of Wagner). And although the album was again highly praised, major success did not follow (although the album did finally crack the Billboard 200, at #171)), and the band broke up not long after. But as so often happens with bands like this, their music became more popular after they were gone, with earlier albums being re-released, as well as live and compilation albums of miscellaneous tracks over the years. Holsapple went on to work with R.E.M., Hootie and the Blowfish, and the Continental Drifters, Holder joined The Individuals, and Rigby joined with Steve Earle. In 2005 and 2007, the band's original lineup got back together for limited reunion shows in Chicago, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina, and then in 2012, the re-formed band released it's first new studio album in decades, with Falling Off The Sky.
This raucous NYE show highlights the band in 1986, prior to their 1987 IRS album, primarily featuring songs from Like This and Sound of Music, as well as some surprises. Thanks to Rob-in-Brevard at dbs-repercussion blog for making this show available (and particularly the recent addition of lossless), and FYI, if interested in further musical adventures of The dB's and their cohorts, be sure to check out Rob's blog, as it is chock full of all things dB's and related offerings.

Tracklist:
01. Any Old Thing
02. She Got Soul
03. Auld Lang Syne  Never Say When
04. Rains Around Here
05. Lonely Is as Lonely Does
06. Not Cool
07. Never Before and Never Again
08. A Better Place
09. Today Could Be the Day
10. White Train
11. I Lie (end cut, faded)
12. New Gun In Town
13. Change With the Changing Times
14. Amplifier
15. Love Is for Lovers
16. Witchi-Tai-To (Jim Pepper cover)
17. A Spy In the House of Love
18. Why Don't We Do It In the Road?
TT: 78:25

The dB's:
Peter Holsapple: guitar, vocals
Gene Holder: lead guitar
Will Rigby: drums, backing vocals
Jeff Beninato: bass, backing vocals

FLAC - The dB's_1986-12-31_RaleighNC_NYE_FLAC.rar

mp3 - The dB's_1986-12-31_RaleighNC_NYE_mp3.rar
Links updated 09/21/21

A Celtic Christmas Sojourn - 2015-12-20 - Boston, MA

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
December 20, 2015
live at the Cutler Majestic Theater
Boston, Massachusetts USA
(Broadcast Date December 24, 2016)
Pre-FM Broadcast Recording (WGBH), excellent quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320kbps) versions

Here's another Christmas-related show. This one a bit different for this blog, as this is a Celtic Christmas Show from a 2015 radio broadcast performance from Boston, featuring vocalists Cathy Jordan, Brian O'Donovan, Natalie Haas, and Maeve Gilchrist, and the bands The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc and Solas. An interesting show including some typical Christmas fare along with the traditional Celtic tunes, all done in Celtic styles. So, something a bit different for the Holidays this year. 

Tracklist:
01 Veni, Veni, Emmanuel/A Leaf from the Tree of Songs
02 intro
03 Red-Haired Mary
04 The Little Drummer Boy
05 The First Noel
06 Deck the Halls
07 intro
08 Fjellvåk
09 intro
10 Here We Come A-wassailing
11 Frosty the Snowman/Jingle Bells
12 intro
13 unknown
14 intro
15 Angels We Have Heard on High
16 Lark in the Clear Air
17 intro
18 unknown
19 Oíche Chiúin

Cast--
Cathy Jordan
Brian and Lindsay O'Donovan
Natalie Haas
Maeve Gilchrist
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
Solas

New Links! 09/29/23
FLAC - A Celtic Christmas Sojourn_2015-12-20_Boston_FLAC.rar

mp3 - A Celtic Christmas Sojourn_2015-12-20_Boston_mp3.rar

Sorry, no new Eclectic Christmas Collection this year. But for much more Christmas and winter merriment -
Don't forget about all the previous year's Christmas-related posts available here!


Here's wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Steve Hackett & Friends - 1996-12-20 - Nagoya, Japan - PRRP-042B

Steve Hackett & Friends
December 20, 1996
Nagoya Kouseinenkin Hall, Nagoya, Japan
PRRP 042B - A Friendly Fold
Remastered Audience Recording (PRRP), good quality.
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

OK, this one is by request. Here is the last night of Steve Hackett's limited (4-night) 1996 concert tour in Japan, and second half of the PRRP-042 release A Friendly Fold, which featured an all-star prog back-up band (with John Wetton and Ian MacDonald of King Crimson fame) and Steve's re-interpretations of Classic Genesis tracks (following the release of Genesis Revisited). A wonderful show. Although the setlist is the same as the previous night in Osaka (which was previously posted here earlier this year), it's still a treat to hear these progressive pros at work in this show. So, this completes that set of concerts. And although there is nothing played here that would constitute Christmas music, I'm still counting this as a Christmas Concert because it happened during the Christmas Holiday Season, and I'm sure it was a wonderful Christmas gift for all who attended, as well as for Julio, who requested I post this show. So, Ho Ho Ho, here's Steve's version of a Christmas show.
 
Tracklist:
01 Watcher Of The Skies  9:07
02 Depth Charge  4:47
03 Firth Of Fifth  10:23
04 Battle Lines  7:18
05 Camino Royale  8:45
06 In The Court Of The Crimson King  8:27
07 Horizons  1:53
08 Walking Away From Rainbows  3:52
09 Heat Of The Moment  4:56
10 ....In That Quiet Earth  4:48
11 A Vampire (with A Healthy Appetite)  8:06
12 I Talk To The Wind  6:00
13 Shadow Of The Hierophant  3:59
14 Drum Solo  4:52
15 Los Endos 8:45
16 Cuckoo Cocoon - Black Light - Puck  3:38
17 The Steppes  7:58
18 I Know What I Like  10:40

Steve Hackett - Guitars, harmonica, Lead & backing Vocals
John Wetton - Bass, Guitar, Lead & Backing Vocals
Ian McDonald - Keyboards, Flute, Saxophone, Lead & Backing Vocals
Julian Colbeck - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Chester Thompson - Drums & Percussion

FLAC - Steve Hackett_1996-12-20_Nagoya_PRRP042B.FLAC.part1.rar
        - Steve Hackett_1996-12-20_Nagoya_PRRP042B.FLAC.part2.rar

mp3 - Steve Hackett_1996-12-20_Nagoya_PRRP042B.mp3.rar

Nick Lowe (Featuring Los Straitjackets) - Nick Lowe's Quality Holiday Revue - 2015-12-10 - Los Angeles, CA

Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets
Nick Lowe’s Quality Holiday Review
December 10, 2015
El Rey Theatre,
Los Angeles, CA
Audience Recording, good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Now that we've entered into the Christmas Holiday Season, it's time once again for some Holiday-themed live shows. Here's a cool show from a few years ago that featured the unexpected pairing of rock legend Nick Lowe with Los Straitjackets for a series of Holiday shows in 2015. Los Straitjackets, of course, are a throwback to the instrumental guitar bands of the 1960's (such as The Ventures, The Shadows, Link Wray, and Dick Dale) playing hits from that era as well as newer songs played in that style. They're a lot of fun to see live, and their pairing with Nick Lowe works well. They play a mix of their respective hits, with numerous Christmas songs thrown in, mostly taken from Nick's recent Christmas album, Quality Street (2013).  It's a fine show and great holiday fun.

Tracklist:
Disc  1  (51:10)
Nick Lowe solo
01. People Change
02. Lay It On Me Baby
03. (Nick talks)
04. A Dollar Short Of Happy
Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets
05. Walking In A Winter Wonderland
06. Ragin' Eyes
07. Christmas At The Airport
08. Without Love
09. You Inspire Me
10. Not Too Long Ago
Los Straitjackets only
11. Sleigh Ride
12. Casbah
13. Aerostar
14. Linus & Lucy
15. Untitled
16. I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass (Nick joins in at end)

Disc 2  (47:20)
Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets
01. Sensitive Man
02. Somebody Cares For Me
03. The North Pole Express
04. Half a Boy and Half a Man
05. Cruel To be Kind
06. Rome Wasn't Built In A Day
07. I Knew The Bride (When She Used To Rock And Roll)
08. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Encore
Los Straitjackets only
09. Bus Stop
10. Sing Sing
Nick and Los Straitjackets
11. What's So Funny (About Peace, Love and Understanding)
12. Born in Bethlehem
Nick Lowe solo
13. Alison

FLAC - Nick Lowe_Los Straitjackets_Holiday Revue_2015-12-10_LA_FLAC.part1.rar
         Nick Lowe_Los Straitjackets_Holiday Revue_2015-12-10_LA_FLAC.part2.rar
Links updated 12/9/21
mp3 - Nick Lowe_Los Straitjackets_Holiday Revue_2015-12-10_LA_mp3.rar

Jack Johnson - 2008-08-30 - Cricket Wireless Pavilion, San Diego, CA

Jack Johnson
2008-08-30
Cricket Wireless Pavilion   
San Diego, CA
Audience recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

How about some Jack Johnson? I was listening to him recently for the first time in quite awhile and realized how much I really like a lot of his music. It's just really ... nice. Clever, fun, enjoyable, satisfying, with his laidback style and breezy delivery making it seem so effortless, yet nonchalantly expressing some surprisingly meaningful lyrics and sophisticated songs. And since I have not featured him here before, figured it was about time. Jack Johnson, born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii, is the son of surfer Jeff Johnson, and was an award-winning professional surfer himself, as well as filmmaker (of surfing films), before turning to music full-time. His band in college at UCSB, Soil, opened for early gigs by bands such as Sublime and Dave Matthews Band. A demo of Johnson as a solo act caught the attention of Ben Harper's producer in 2000, which led to the recording of Johnson's first album, Brushfire Fairytales (2001), as well as an opening spot gig with Ben Harper on his Innocent Criminals Tour. By his second album, On and On (2003), Johnson was recording in his own home studio and had his own record label, Brushfire Records. An avid environmentalist and sustainability advocate, Johnson transformed his recording and business with solar power, recyclable packaging, and eco-friendly practices, and frequently donates the proceeds from his concerts to environmental charities and causes. His next album, In Between Dreams (2005) became his mainstream breakthrough, going multi-platinum, and with such as 'Good People', 'Sitting, Waiting, Wishing', and 'Breakdown'. Johnson followed that success with an album of songs (made with his various musician friends) for a children's animated film, Sing-A-Long Songs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George (2006), also to great success, and the hit single 'Upside Down'. Following his next album, Sleep Through the Static (2008), he embarked on his biggest and most ambitious world tour. Featured here is a show from that big World tour, a wonderful audience recording from his San Diego show. I specifically chose this tour to feature because it was the only tour that included the song 'Sleep through the Static', which is one of my favorites, an underrated classic, as well as so many other memorable songs in a great show.  FYI: Johnson is another artist who supports audience taping and sharing and whose shows are featured and collected in the Live Music Archive, where literally hundreds of his shows have been preserved (mainly audience recordings) and are available for listening, downloading.

Tracklist:
01. Hope
02. Taylor
03. Flake
04. Symbol
05. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing > You're Just What I Needed > Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
06. Sleep Through the Static
07. Go On
08. Upside Down
09. Do You Remember
10. Bubble Toes
11. Wasting Time
12. Eyes *
13. Constellations
14. Breakdown
15. Girl I Want to Lay You Down
16. Banana Pancakes
17. Jack Talking
18. Same Girl
19. Country Road #
20. Give Voice #$
21. Staple it Together
22. If I Had Eyes > Time is on My Side
23. Good People
Encore
24. All At Once
25. A Pirate Looks at 40
26. Gone
27. Angel
28. Better Together

Jack Johnson - vocals and guitar
Zach Gill - keyboards and vocals
Merlo Podlewski - bass
Adam Topol - drums
* - with Zach Rogue from Rogue Wave
# - with Paula Fuga
$ - with Culver City Dub Collective

FLAC - Jack Johnson_2008-08-30_SanDiego_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Jack Johnson_2008-08-30_SanDiego_mp3.rar
 

Little Feat - 1990-08-28 - Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoa Springs, NY

Little Feat
1990-08-28
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
Saratoga Springs, NY
Soundboard recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Ok, here's one more Little Feat show, featuring guitarist Paul Barrere. This one is from the 1990 tour, following the release of Representing the Mambo (1990), which was their second album after the reformation and rejuvenation of the band in 1987. It featured a bit more jazzy songs, in addition to the rockers, blues, and funk they are known for, and was another great album. This is a great full-length show featuring songs from throughout their history, and a great recording, showing off the band in all their glory, and further strengthens the obvious conclusion that they continued to be a great band long after Lowell George was no longer around. Sure, Lowell was missed, but the core of the band (Barrere, Payne, Gradney, Hayward, and Clayton) was just so strong and talented, and Craig Fuller was a wonderful addition on vocals. If you were someone who dismissed the re-formed band due to the loss (and absence) of George, you owe it to yourself (and the band) to check out some of these post-George shows, as they were still great for many years to come.
 
Tracklist:
1. Hate To Lose Your Lovin'
2. That's Her She's Mine >
3. Fat Man In The Bathtub
4. Changin' Luck
5. Rocket In My Pocket
6. The Ingenue
7. Down On The Farm
8. A Apolitical Blues
9. Feelin's All Gone
10. All That You Dream
11. Forty-Four Blues >
12. Rock and Roll Doctor
13. Rad Gumbo
14. Oh Atlanta
15. Old Folks Boogie
16. Texas Twister
17. Let It Roll
Encore:
18. Willin'
19. Dixie Chicken >
20. Tripe Face Boogie

Paul Barrere - Lead & Slide Guitars, vocals
Bill Payne - Keyboards
Kenny Gradney - Bass
Richie Hayward - Drums
Sam Clayton - Percussion
Fred Tackett - Guitar, Mandolin, Trumpet, vocals
Craig Fuller - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar

FLAC - Little Feat_1990-08-28_Saratoga Springs_FLAC.part1.rar
           Little Feat_1990-08-28_Saratoga Springs_FLAC.part2.rar
Links updated 9/29/23
mp3 - Little Feat_1990-08-28_Saratoga Springs_mp3.rar

Little Feat - 1978-06-11 - Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR

Little Feat
June 11, 1978
Paramount Theatre,
Portland, Oregon, USA
Soundboard recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Here's more Little Feat! Here is another show from that great 1978 tour, Lowell George's last tour with the band. This show is from earlier in the tour than the previous ones featured, and thus the setlist features some different songs, and it is of very fine quality, a full-length soundboard recording at the height of the band's classic period. So, here is another great Feat show, posted partly as a tribute to recently deceased guitarist Paul Barrere, as well the other departed members of the band, Lowell George and drummer Richie Hayward, and don't forget the still going strong Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney, and Sam Clayton, but mainly this was needed because this band was just so darn good and I just had to post more shows by them. Another classic from the Feat.

Tracklist:
01 tuning / introduction >
02 Skin It Back >
03 Fat Man in the Bathtub
04 Walkin' All Night
05 Rock and Roll Doctor
06 Day or Night
07 Oh Atlanta
08 A Apolitical Blues
09 Day at the Dog Races
10 All That You Dream *
11 Old Folks Boogie.. ** [end cut at tape flip]
12 Dixie Chicken >
13 Tripe Face Boogie / encore call / tuning
-- Encore
14 Willin' / band introduction
15 Don't Bogart That Joint > Willin'
16 Feats Don't Fail Me Now / encore call / tuning
-- Encore 2
17 Rocket in My Pocket
* with John Hall (guitar, vocals)
** with John Hall (guitar, vocals) and Brian Cummings (saxophone)

Lowell George - vocals, guitar, percussion
Paul Barrére - guitar, vocals
Bill Payne - keyboards, vocals
Kenny Gradney - bass, vocals
Richie Hayward - drums, vocals
Sam Clayton - percussion, vocals

FLAC - Little Feat_1978-06-11_PortlandOR_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Little Feat_1978-06-11_PortlandOR_mp3.rar

Little Feat - 1988-08-24 - The Center Stage, Atlanta, GA (R.I.P. Paul Barrere)

Paul Barrere - 1988

Little Feat
August 24, 1988
The Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
Soundboard Pre-FM recording, excellent quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

As I was preparing my next post, and I was actually thinking it was nice that at least there hadn't been another major rock death in the past couple weeks (after several in September-early October), and then I heard the news that Paul Barrere, lead guitarist for Little Feat had passed away. Barrere died on October 26, 2019 of complications from liver cancer. Until recently, Barrere was still playing with Little Feat, which has just finished up their 50th Anniversary Tour. Barrere had opted out of the most recent leg of the tour due to health issues, but was expected to recuperate, and he was looking forward to being able to re-join the band sometime next year, but, sadly, that was not to be, as his health declined suddenly. Barrere was 71. He joined Little Feat in 1972, and was part of every lineup version of the band since then. As readers of this blog know, I am a big fan of Little Feat and have the utmost respect for all the members of the band. Paul was a big part of their sound and style through the years. Originally formed in 1969 (with Lowell George, Bill Payne, and Richie Hayward), the band really took off with the addition of Barrere, Kenny Gradney-bass, and Sam Clayton-percussion in 1972, leading to their classic period from 1972-1978. However, George left in 1979 (and died shortly after) and the group disbanded. But in 1987, the full band, with the addition of Craig Fuller (Pure Prairie League) on vocals and Fred Tackett on guitar and miscellaneous strings got back together, released a new album and tour in 1988 (Let It Roll), and were off and running once again, and have been performing, recording, and touring in some form or another ever since. I have already said quite a bit about this band, and I think they were one of the greatest rock bands of all time, especially live, as they were all great musicians and would constantly change up their solos and performances. To honor Paul today, I have selected a great show from their comeback tour in 1988. Although there are many great shows from the earlier classic period with Lowell George, I think this later band featured Paul a bit more, as with George no longer there he was able to showcase his guitar-playing (and vocals) to a greater degree, and he just took off. Also, this new incarnation of the band was re-invigorated, with great new songs and a vibrant, dynamic energy that shines through their shows. Just a great period and success story for the band, coming back so strong after losing their most famous and heralded member in George. Paul, with the unparalleled talent and support of Payne, Gradney, and Hayward (and the new addition of Craig Fuller's dynamite vocals) took the band to new heights and guaranteed they would be successful for years to come. This is a great-sounding Pre-FM sounboard recording and a terrific show. So, here's to Paul Barrere and Little Feat. 

Tracklist:
01. Fat Man In The Bathtub
02. Spanish Moon -> Skin It Back
03. All That You Dream
04. Oh Atlanta
05. On Your Way Down
06. Hate To Lose Your Lovin'
07. Cajun Girl
08. Down On The Farm
09. Time Loves A Hero
10. Rock N Roll Doctor
11. Let It Roll
12. Introductions
13. Old Folks Boogie
14. Dixie Chicken -> Tripe Face Boogie
15. Willin'
16. Feats Don't Fail Me Know

Paul Barrere - Lead & Slide Guitars, vocals
Bill Payne - Keyboards
Kenny Gradney - Bass
Richie Hayward - Drums
Sam Clayton - Percussion
Fred Tackett - Guitar, Mandolin, Trumpet, vocals
Craig Fuller - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar

FLAC - Little Feat_1988-08-24_AtlantaGA_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Little Feat_1988-08-24_AtlantaGA_mp3.rar

Also, check out my other Little Feat posts here. I am in the process of upgrading them to better resolution, and will post a couple more Feat shows soon.

Paul Barrere - 2019

Blind Faith - 1969-08-16 - Santa Barbara, CA (R.I.P Ginger Baker)

Blind Faith
August 16, 1969
Fairgrounds Arena,
Santa Barbara, CA
Audience Recording, Good Quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Drummer Ginger Baker died on October 6, 2019, at age 80, following prolonged illness due to ongoing heart problems. Ginger Baker was widely considered to be among the most influential and greatest rock drummers of all-time. But Baker, also one of the most cantankerous and volatile characters of rock music, vehemently rejected that title, not because he didn't think he was great (he considered himself THE greatest drummer), but because he never considered himself a 'rock' drummer, and preferred to be known just as a very versatile drummer. Raised and trained on jazz and blues, Baker joined Blues Incorporated in the early Sixties, where he first met bassist Jack Bruce (and formed a lasting but volatile love/hate bond). Baker and Bruce then went on to the Graham Bond Organization, a jazzy R&B band, but both found success and superstar status with Cream, joining with Eric Clapton in the premier hard rock band of the Sixties psychedelic period (1966-1968). Although Cream only lasted a couple years, the band achieved worldwide acclaim, and Baker's dynamic style of drumming, incorporating jazz, blues, African rhythms, and a wild hyperactive flamboyance, along with double bass drums, and perhaps the origination of the extended 'drum solo' in rock music, was highly influential on all rock drummers to follow. After Cream, he joined Clapton again (as well as Steve Winwood) in the brief occurrence of the rock supergroup Blind Faith (1969). After that, Baker formed his own band, Ginger Baker's Air Force (1970), which was a more jazz-oriented fusion group, and highlighted African percussion and rhythms in particular. But that band was short-lived as well, and Baker followed that with various excursions into jazz and African styles, including Ginger Baker's Drum Choir and Ginger Baker's African Force. He opened a recording studio in Lagos, Nigeria in 1973, which Paul McCartney used to record Band on the Run. In 1974, Baker formed another band, the Baker Gurvitz Army with brothers Paul and Adrian Gurvitz, which recorded three albums in the Seventies. In the early Eighties, Baker re-settled to an olive farm in Italy for a period, away from the music business, in order to deal with his recurring drug addictions. He also performed with Hawkwind and Public Image Limited at various times  during the 1980's. In the 90's, and beyond, Baker continued to play with various rock bands and the jazz group The Ginger Baker Trio, as well as short-lived reunions with Jack Bruce in The Jack Bruce Band and Cream (2005). He published an autobiography, Hellraiser, in 2009, toured with Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion (2012-2014), and released his last solo album, Why?, in 2014. In 2016, he announced an end to all touring and future gigs, and he underwent open heart surgery, and remained in poor health through his remaining years.
    Although best known for his time in Cream, I wanted to feature something other than Cream here, because numerous live Cream shows are already very widely and readily available elsewhere. I sought to feature something from one of his many other bands, but couldn't find anything really appropriate (his excursions into jazz, fusion, and African percussion weren't very suitable for this blog). So, I settled with featuring a Blind Faith show. Blind Faith, although very short-lived, was a great band, with potential to do so much more. Unfortunately, there are very few decent recordings (all audience recordings of varying quality) of their only tour in 1969. This is one of the better ones available, from Santa Barbara, CA. These shows prominently featured Baker's drumming, particularly in Baker's own free-form jazz composition, 'Do What You Like', in which Baker's drum solo encompasses the majority of the song's 21 min runtime. However, the encore of 'Sunshine of Your Love' is only a brief fragment here, and seems to include a guest appearance by Delaney and Bonnie on vocals (whom Clapton went to join on tour shortly after this). I have also included a bonus track of a cover of the Stones 'Under My Thumb', which was only performed at a few of the early European shows and dropped before the US leg of the tour. 

Tracklist:
1. Well All Right
2. Can't Find My Way Home
3. Had To Cry Today
4. Sleeping In The Ground
5. Crossroads
6. Presence Of The Lord
7. Means To An End
8. Do What You Like
9. Sunshine Of Your Love(cut)
Bonus Track:
10. Under My Thumb (1969-06-18-Gothenburg, Sweden)

The Band:
Eric Clapton -  guitar, vocals
Steve Winwood -  keyboards, vocals
Ginger Baker -  drums
Rick Grech -  bass


mp3 - Blind Faith_1969-08-16_Santa BarbaraCA_mp3.rar

FLAC - Blind Faith_1969-08-16_Santa BarbaraCA_FLAC.rar

Links updated 09/24/21

Eddie Money - 1977-10-08 - Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA

Eddie Money
1977-10-08
Old Waldorf
San Francisco, CA
FM broadcast recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Sadly, more notable Rock n' Roll artists have died in the past few weeks, including Eddie Money, Ric Ocasek, and most recently, Ginger Baker. Today I honor husky-throated rocker, Eddie Money.

Born into a large Irish Catholic family in Brooklyn, NY, Edward Joseph Mahoney set out to join much of the  rest of his family by becoming a NY City Policeman (his grandfather, father, and brother were all cops), but he was just not cut out for that, and left his family to move to California to become a rock star as Eddie Money. After quite a few lean years, he became a regular performer at the clubs around the San Francisco Bay Area, where he caught the attention of Bill Graham, and was eventually signed to Columbia Records. His self-titled debut album, in 1977, fueled by the breakout success of two hit singles, 'Baby Hold On' and 'Two Tickets to Paradise', went double platinum, and established Money as a major new Rock artist. His working-class rocker sound and style, and his catchy tunes, were a breath of fresh air at the time, and fit in well with both the top 40 crowd and the more serious rock aficionados. And his support band was top-notch, particularly the electrifying guitar licks of Jimmy Lyon that raised the songs to a higher notch. Subsequent albums Life For the Taking (1978), Playing For Keeps (1980), and No Control (1982) were also favorably received, with additional hit singles such as 'Maybe I'm a Fool' and 'I Think I'm in Love'. But in the Eighties, Eddie succumbed to worsening problems with alcohol and drugs, with both his album quality and popularity declining.  But Eddie came back in 1986 with his most successful single yet, the Grammy-nominated 'Take Me Home Tonight'. Eddie continued through the years with occasional hits and misses, and steady touring, and eventually got his addictions under control. But being a long-time smoker, earlier this year (2019), Eddie was diagnosed with stage 4 esophogeal cancer, and complications from the cancer caused his death on September 13, 2019, at the age of 70.
But here today, we return back to those early days, in 1977, right about the time his debut album was released, and this show from San Francisco. I certainly will always remember that first album and those days. It came out when I was in college and we played and enjoyed it alot back then. I also saw him a couple times in concert and it was always a good show. This show features many of the songs from Eddie's first album with very good sound, a great vocal performance, as well as the great guitar work of Jimmy Lyon. Also included here are a few additional tracks from another 1977 show to round out the set. So, here's to Eddie Money, who will always be remembered.

Tracklist:
01. Wanna Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star
02. Baby Hold On
03. Jealousys
04. Call On Me
05. Don't Worry
06. Got To Get Another Girl
07. Two Tickets To Paradise
08. So Good To Be In Love Again
09. Gamblin' Man
10. Save A Little Room In Your Heart For Me
Bonus Tracks:
1977-12-31 - Cow Palace, Daly City, CA
11. You've Really Got a Hold On Me
12. Me and My Baby Brother
13. Two Tickets to Paradise
14. Going Back to New York

Eddie Money - vocals, keyboards, saxophone;
Jimmy Lyon - lead guitar;
Alan Pasqua - keyboards;
Gene Pardue - drums;
Bob Popwell - bass

FLAC - Eddie Money_1977-10-08_San Francisco_FLAC.rar
new link 07/25/24
mp3 - Eddie Money_1977-10-08_San Francisco_mp3.rar

Alan Parsons Live Project - 2019-02-14 (plus) - On the Blue Cruise, Royal Theater, Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas

Alan Parsons Live Project
February 14, 2019 (Plus bonus tracks)
On The Blue Cruise (Day 5), Royal Theater,
Royal Caribbean Mariner Of The Seas 
En Route from Labadee, Haiti to Miami, FL
Audience Recording (Lostbrook 2.0 Volume 299), very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions
Cover: ethiessen1

Listening to Jeff Lynne's recent ELO reincarnation made me think about another band from the '70's and '80's that also specialized in a sort of symphonic pop-rock, and that also has been undergoing a more recent revitalization through live shows, and that would be the Alan Parsons Project. Alan Parsons first made his name as an engineer and then producer of many classic albums, from the Beatles' Abbey Road to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and hit albums by The Hollies, Al Stewart, and Ambrosia. Being a musician and songwriter himself, in 1975 Parsons teamed up with songwriter-musician-vocalist Eric Woolfson to create The Alan Parsons Project, which was basically Parsons and Woolfson, who wrote, arranged, and produced all the songs for elaborate themed concept albums, brought to life with a team of session players and hired musicians to play on the albums. Their first album, Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1976) tackled the stories and themes of Edgar Allen Poe, and attracted a lot of attention from AOR radio. The next album, I Robot (1977) was a huge hit, followed by Pyramid (1978), Eve (1979), Turn of a Friendly Card (1980), and Eye in the Sky (1982) and the hit singles 'Wouldn't Want to Be Like You', 'Damned if I Do', 'Games People Play', and 'Eye in the Sky' among others. They continued on through the '80's, but by the end of the decade their popularity had waned and their last album, Freudiana (1990) led to a rift between Parsons and Woolfson and the end of the band. Parsons and Woolfson went their separate ways, Parsons pursuing solo projects and Wollfson turning to musical theater. Parsons toured some in the '90's with a band that played Alan Parsons Project songs, but was billed as just Alan Parsons. More recent incarnations of the band by Parsons, which have been active over the last few years, now go by the name The Alan Parsons Live Project. Eric Woolfson died in 2009, but Parsons and his Project continues, revitalizing the music of The Alan Parsons Project for fans old and new alike. Here is a show from earlier this year (2019), which occurred on a special music cruise that featured many classic'60's and '70's artists and bands, including Justin Hayward (of the Moody Blues), The Zombies, Procol Harum, Al Stewart, and Dave Mason, as well as Alan Parsons. In addition to the APP classics, this show also features some new songs ('One Note Symphony', 'As Lights Fall', and 'Miracle') from Alan Parsons new 2019 album release, The Secret. I have also added a number of bonus tracks from an earlier tour (2016), in which they performed several other classic tracks, including the the Turn of Friendly Card Suite, from the album of the same name, which was always one of my favorites by them. Note: There is also a guest appearance by Gary Brooker of Procol Harum singing lead on 'Limelight' (Unfortunately, he seems ill-prepared for the song in a notably weak performance in an otherwise, an excellent show).      

Tracklist:
01 One Note Symphony (4:50)
02 Damned If I Do (4:51)
03 Don't Answer Me (4:30)
04 Time (5:52)
05 Breakdown (3:00) >
06 The Raven (2:48)
07 I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You (6:03)
08 Miracle (3:33)
09 Luciferama (7:28)
10 Limelight (with special guest Gary Brooker, lead vocals) (5:33)
11 As Lights Fall (3:57)
12 Can't Take It With You (5:00)
13 Prime Time > Band Intros (7:10)
14 Sirius (2:14) >
15 Eye In The Sky (6:19)
Encore:
16 (The System Of) Dr. Tarr And Professor Fether (3:57)
17 Games People Play (5:35)
Bonus Tracks (2016-05-07 - Arcadia Theatre, St. Charles, IL)
18 Turn of a Friendly Card (Part 1)
19 Snake Eyes
20 The Ace of Swords
21 Nothing Left to Lose
22 Turn of a Friendly Card (Part 2)
23 Old & Wise
24 Psychobabble
25 Days are Numbered (The Traveller)
26 Don't Let It Show

Band (2019 show):
Alan Parsons - acoustic guitar, vocals, keyboards
P.J. Olsson - vocals
Danny Thompson - drums, percussion
Guy Erez - bass, vocals
Tom Brooks - keyboards, vocals
Todd Cooper - vocals, sax, percussion
Dan Tracey - guitar, vocals
Jeff Kollman - guitar, vocals

Differences in personnel for 2016 tracks;
Manny Forcazzo - keyboards (instead of Tom Brooks)
Alistair Green - lead guitar (instead of Jeff Kollman)

FLAC - Alan Parsons Live Project_2014-02-14+_On the Blue Cruise_Royal Caribbean_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Alan Parsons Live Project_2014-02-14+_On the Blue Cruise_Royal Caribbean_Mp3.rar

Jeff Lynne's ELO - 2019-07-13 - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Jeff Lynne's ELO
2019-07-13 (plus bonus tracks)
Wells Fargo Center,
Philadelphia, PA USA
Audience recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

 A few year's ago Jeff Lynne re-formed his old band ELO (it wasn't really a re-union as much as a re-vitalization, since Lynne and keyboardist Richard Tandy were the only members from the original band included), for a new album and tour. The new incarnation of the band was dubbed Jeff Lynne's ELO, and the album was Alone on the Universe (2015). The album was a success, as it successfully recreated the sound and style of the band but with new songs, and it was great to hear that sound again. But the brief tour was an even bigger success, because although the new songs were good, what people really wanted to hear were the old classic songs from ELO's heyday, and that's what they got with the live show, done with great style with a lively 12-piece band. So, with that success, Lynne has continued to tour each subsequent year with a version of his new ELO band, wowing audiences around the world. The 2019 U.S. tour just finished up this summer, where they again delighted audiences with a great show featuring many great songs from ELO's past. As an added feature this year, George Harrison's son Dhani was included as a special guest to sing on the Traveling Wilbury's hit 'Handle With Care'. Featured here is one of the better sounding audience-recorded shows from this year's tour, from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. I've also added as bonus tracks several additional songs that were not included in this year's setlist, but were played in previous year's concerts, for a more complete documentation of Jeff Lynne's ELO in concert. 

1. Standin' in the Rain
2. Evil Woman
3. All Over the World
4. Showdown
5. Do Ya
6. When I Was a Boy
7. Livin' Thing
8. Handle With Care (with Dhani Harrison)
9. Rockaria!
10. Last Train to London
11. Eldorado Overture > Can't Get It Out of My Head
12. 10538 Overture
13. Band Intros
14. Shine a Little Love
15. Wild West Hero
16. Sweet Talkin' Woman
17. Telephone Line
18. Don't Bring Me Down
19. Turn to Stone
20. Mr. Blue Sky
Encore
21. Roll Over Beethoven

Bonus Tracks (Other songs from previous shows)
22. Tightrope (2016-05-07-Dublin)
23. Secret Messages (2016-05-07)
24. Xanadu (201808-02-Oakland)
25. Strange Magic (2015-11-12-London)
26. When the Night Comes (2015-11-12)
27. Ain't it a Drag (2015-11-12)
28. One Step at a Time (2015-11-24-Hollywood)
29. Rock and Roll is King (2015-11-24-Hollywood)

FLAC - Jeff Lynne's ELO_2019-07013_Philadelphia+_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Jeff Lynne's ELO_2019-07013_Philadelphia+_mp3.rar

Al Stewart - 2015-04-11 - The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA

Al Stewart
April 11, 2015
The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
Audience Recording (Lostbrook 2.0 Volume 92), very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Here's Al Stewart, the legendary british singer-songwriter folk-rock musician, in a somewhat recent (2015) show at the Birchmere in Virginia. Although Stewart is most widely known for his string of hit folk-rock singles in the mid-70's ('Year of the Cat', 'On the Border', 'Time Passages'), he actually has been a major player in the British folk revival, both before and long after those mainstream successes, for over 50 years. Stewart is known and acclaimed for his delicately woven tales of characters and events from history, turning seemingly dry historical events (with topics ranging from the French Revolution to World Wars I and II to Warren Harding) into delightfully compelling, charming, and whimsical songs. Here we have Al in his more recent years, in a fine-sounding recording from the Birchmere, featuring songs from throughout his illustrious career, where here he is around 70 years old, yet his voice is still clear and shining as ever. Over the past 10 years or so, he has primarily played alongside his guitarist-accompanist, Dave Nachmanoff, who is featured in this 2015 show, with some excellent guitar-playing throughout. Dave's brother Michael also joins on bass for a couple songs, as well as opening act singers Amy Speace and Megan Palmer for the finale. But mostly the show is all about Al and his unique style and arsenal of quality folk-rock songs.
   
Tracklist:
01 Intro (0:58)
02 House Of Clocks (4:39)
03 Flying Sorcery (4:38)
04 Warren Harding (6:30)
05 League Of Notions (3:45)
06 On The Border (6:19)
07 Night Train To Munich (5:51)
08 Time Passages (8:27)
09 Midas Shadow (7:02)
10 Gina In The King's Road (5:38)
11 All Too Human* (4:57)
12 Conservation Law: Love Keeps Going On* (4:26)
13 The Palace Of Versailles (6:16)
14 Clifton In The Rain > A Small Fruit Song (7:17)
15 Soho (Needless To Say) (5:25)
16 Year Of The Cat (11:29)
Encore:
17 Sheila Won't Be Coming Home (4:03)

*Dave Nachmanoff solo

Al Stewart - vocals, guitar
Dave Nachmanoff - guitar, vocals, harmonica
Michael Nachmanoff - bass (tracks 15-17)
Amy Speace - b. vocals track 17
Megan Palmer - b. vocals track 17

FLAC - Al Stewart_2015-04-11_AlexandriaVA_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Al Stewart_2015-04-11_AlexandriaVA_mp3.rar

Fastball - 2009-05-09 - City Winery, New York, NY

Fastball
2009-05-09
City Winery,
New York, NY, USA
Audience recording, good-very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Here's more from Fastball, a great Austin band that just kept on rockin' long after their brief brush with fame in the '90's. Here is the band in an extended show (2 sets) in 2009, more than a decade and multiple albums after their radio heyday, still going strong. This show was featuring their current album at the time, Little White Lies (2009), but the show covers songs from throughout their career, including all of the 'hits' and near-misses along the way, as well as some choice covers. A very good audience recording from the City Winery. So, check out Fastball, a bit later in their career, but still having fun in this energetic show.


Tracklist:
Set 1
01. All I Was Looking For Was You
02. Little White Lies
03. Fire Escape
04. The Malcontent (The Modern World)
05. You're An Ocean
06. Vampires
07. Soul Radio
08. Angelie
09. She's Got The Rain
10. Sunny Afternoon
11. Mono To Stereo
12. 'Til I Get It Right
Set 2
13. The Way
14. Falling Upstairs
15. Whatever Gets You On
16. White Noise
17. Slow Drag
18. We'll Always Have Paris
19. Sweetwater, Texas > Tracks Of MY Tears
20. Are You Ready For The Fallout?
21. Out Of My Head
22. Seattle
23. Always Never
24. Encore Break
25. Sooner Or Later
26. Alright
27. Encore Break
28. All I Have To Do Is Dream

Miles Zuniga - Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Tony Scalzo - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards
Cory Glaser - Bass, Vocals
Joey Shuffield - Drums

FLAC - Fastball_2009-05-09_New York_FLAC.rar

Mp3 - Fastball_2009-05-09_New York_mp3.rar

Note: For any fans interested in more music from Fastball, Dozens of additional shows (audience recordings) are available (in both FLAC and mp3) at The Live Music Archive (That's where both of the shows I featured came from).

Fastball - 1998-08-21 - House of Blues, New Orleans, LA

Fastball
August 21, 1998
The House Of Blues,
New Orleans, LA
Webcast recording, very good quality
Available in both lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (@320 kbps) versions

While we are covering under-rated/under-appreciated bands of the '90', coming at you now is Fastball, a great and versatile guitar-rock band from Austin, TX that plays a variety of rock styles, from high-energy, hard-driving rock 'n roll to power pop and quirky, catchy pop songs. Formed by Tony Scalzo (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, songwriting), Miles Zuniga (vocals, guitar, songwriting), and Joey Shuffield (drums) in 1995, the band quickly built a strong following in and around the Austin area, and soon signed a record deal with Hollywood records. However, their first album, Make Your Mama Proud (1996) quickly died without much notice, putting the future of the band in doubt. But their second album, All the Pain Money Can Buy (1998) hit the big time, with their lead single 'The Way' becoming a major hit, and follow-up singles 'Fire Escape' and 'Out of My Head' also generating substantial buzz and radioplay, propelling the album to platinum status. Alas, their subsequent album The Harsh Light of Day (2000), despite being a very solid follow-up, failed to generate much enthusiasm (or hits), leaving the band without a record label. Part of the problem seemed to be that the music the band plays is hard to classify, as it doesn't fit into any one category, and those looking for something similar to the 'The Way' (which was a sort of mix of Tex-Mex meets Hotel California strangeness) might have been disappointed that nothing else they did sounded quite like that. But the band persevered, and continued to do their own diverse kinds and styles of music. Although sometimes branded as a 'one-hit wonder', Fastball has continued to make high-quality albums and music through the years, and are still together making music today. Their subsequent albums include Keep Your Wig On (2004), Little White Lies (2009), and Step Into Light (2017). The band is reportedly working on a new album that may be released later in 2019. But here they are back in 1998, enjoying the success of their breakout single and album. This is a very good webcast recording of the band at The House of Blues in New Orleans performing songs from their first 2 albums (as well as a few covers). Check 'em out.

Tracklist:
01 Sweetwater,Texas
02 She Comes 'Round
03 Warm Fuzzy Feeling
04 Damaged Goods
05 Nowhere Road
06 Out of my head
07 The Way
08 Like Wow-Wipeout (Hoodoo Gurus cover)
09 Emily
10 Fire Escape
11 Human Torch
12 Which Way to the Top
13 Thunderbird (ZZ Top)
14 Are You Ready for the Fallout
15 G.O.D. (Good Old Days)
16 Sooner or Later
17 Slow Drag
18 Connection (Rolling Stones)

Tony Scalzo - Vocals, bass
Miles Zuniga - Vocals, guitar
Joey Shuffield - Drums
Andy Blunda - Keyboards, vocals

FLAC - Fastball_1998-08-21_New Orleans_FLAC.rar
links updated 9/29/23
mp3 - Fastball_1998-08-21_New Orleans_mp3.rar

The Connells - 1995-03-20 - Alabamahalle, Munich, Germany

The Connells
1995-03-20
Alabamahalle, Munich, Germany
FM Broadcast recording (WDR), excellent quality
MP3 @ 320 kbps

Following up on the previous The Connells post, here is a show from 1995, after the release and European success of Ring and their breakout hit there, '74-75', as they toured through Europe. This is a short but very sweet broadcast radio show (from Germany's WDR) in excellent quality. Although short (43 min), it contains several additional songs from Ring ('Running Mary',  'Disappointed', 'Burden', 'New Boy', and '74-75') that were not in the previously featured show, as well as a full performance of 'Choose A Side' (in the previous show song was cut due to tape flip). So, great stuff here, and the boys were enjoying their newfound (but unfortunately short-lived) rock star success in Europe. Alas, they never found the same level of success in the U.S. Very underrated band.

Tracklist:
01 Try
02 Running Mary
03 Doin' You
04 Disappointed
05 Burden
06 New Boy
07 Choose A Side
08 74-75
09 Something to Say
10 Motel

Mike Connell - guitar, vocals
David Connell - bass
Doug MacMillan - vocals, tambourine
George Huntley - guitar, vocals
Peele Wimberley - drums
Steve Potak - keyboards

Connells_1995-03-20_Munich_mp3.rar
Link updated 09/24/21

The Connells - 1992-05-08 - Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA

The Connells
1992-05-08
Washington & Lee University,
Lexington, VA 
Soundboard recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

While we're talking about great underrated 80's-90's bands, here's The Connells. From Raleigh, North Carolina, originally formed by brothers Mike and David Connell (guitar and bass, respectively) and Doug MacMillan (vocals) in 1984, and a little later joined by George Huntley (guitar, keyboards) and Peele Wimberley (drums). Their first album, Darker Days (1985) was produced by fellow North Carolinian, the legendary Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens, Chris Stamey, Marti Jones, Marshall Crenshaw). But the band really came together on their 2nd album, Boylan Heights (1987), which was produced by Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Game Theory, Let's Active, Loud Family), and established the reputation of the band in the 'jangle pop' style of those two notable producers, but also kept them in the shadow of and fighting comparisons with the better-known bands R.E.M. and Let's Active. But the band scored on college campuses and college radio, with multiple tracks gaining momentum and airplay.  The band continued to grow beyond their jangle pop label with more expansive styles (alt-rock, power pop) over their next couple albums, Fun & Games (1989) and One Simple Word (1990), and although they continued to have success on college campuses, they couldn't quite break through to more commercial success. But then in 1993, they released Ring, their most accomplished and appealing album, which seemed destined to bring greater success and acclaim for the band. I happened to be living in Raleigh NC for a couple years in the mid-90's, and I was there at that time, and The Connells were huge there, and Ring was just what they needed to become big everywhere else. But although the first single from the album, 'Slackjawed' was again a hit on college radio, album sales were flat, much to the disappointment of the band. But then, the follow-up single, '74-75', started to take off in europe, where it became a huge hit, reaching #1 in Norway and Sweden, and the top ten in several other countries (including U.K. and Germany), but surprisingly, went nowhere in the U.S., where the album barely cracked the charts (at #199).  But this started major touring throughout Europe, where they were received as stars. Their next album, Weird Food and Devastation (1996) featured a starker and heavier production than the more melodic Ring, and failed to build on its momentum. Two more albums, Still Life (1998) and Old School Dropouts (2001) were released in subsequent years, still strong, but never garnered much attention. After that, some members left (Huntley, Wimberley), but the band never really broke up. They continued to get together to perform occasional concerts or brief tours, just more sporadically, and are still performing today. This show comes from the period just before they recorded Ring, in mid-1992, thus primarily featuring songs from their first 4 albums, plus a preview of a few new songs that would be on Ring ('Slackjawed', 'Hey You', 'Doin' You' and an early version of 'Carry My Picture' with quite different lyrics from the final version). There is a notable cut (tape flip) that eviscerates one song ('Choose a Side', but overall, this serves as a good introduction to the band.    

Tracklist:
01 Stone Cold Yesterday
02 Sal
03 Slackjawed
04 Upside Down
05 Speak to Me
06 Set the Stage
07 Doin' You
08 banter
09 Get a Gun
10 Carry My Picture (early version)
11 Over There
12 1934
13 Eyes On the Ground
14 Choose a Side (cut-partial)
15 Hey Wow
16 Take a Bow
17 Inside My Head
18 Motel
19 Fun & Games
20 Something to Say
21 (encore break)
22 Hey You
23 Photograph (Ringo Starr cover)
24 Try

TT: 80:13 mins.

The Connells:
Mike Connell - guitar, vocals
David Connell - bass
Doug MacMillan - vocals, tambourine
George Huntley - guitar, vocals
Peele Wimberley - drums
Steve Potak - keyboards

FLAC - The Connells_1992-05-08_LexingtonVA_FLAC.rar

mp3 - The Connells_1992-05-08_LexingtonVA_mp3.rar
Updated links (09/29/23)

The Mutton Birds - 1997-04-25, Preston & 1998-04-17, Birmingham, UK

The Mutton Birds
25th April 1997, Guild Hall, Preston, UK, and
17th April 1998, Flapper & Firkin, Birmingham, UK
Audience recordings, good to very good quality
Mp3 @ 128-320 kbps

Here's a great '90's band from New Zealand, who was a big success in their native New Zealand, a moderate success in the U.K., but virtually unknown just about everywhere else. Lead by Don McGlashan (primary songwriter, guitar, euphonium, vocals), and with David Long (guitar) and Ross Burge (Drums), the band was formed in 1991. With Alan Gregg (bass, vocals) added in 1992, they recorded their first album, The Mutton Birds (1992), which garnered multiple hit singles and much acclaim within New Zealand, and remained on the charts there for over a year. Their 2nd album, Salty (1994), again received much success and acclaim around New Zealand and Australia, but little attention elsewhere. In 1995 they moved their base of operation to the UK, got a record deal with Virgin Atlantic, recorded their third album, Envy of Angels (1996) (with, for the first time, a worldwide release), and began performing extensively in the UK throughout 1997 and 1998. However, although the album again received raves, breakthrough success was still just out of reach, and they were dropped by Virgin. Guitarist David Long left in 1997, replaced by Chris Sheehan, as the band pursued another record deal, with 2 self-released albums (live and rarities) being sold at shows. Later, in 1999, Alan Gregg also left, replaced by Tony Fisher, and the band regrouped to record and release their fourth (and last) official studio album, Rain, Steam, and Speed (1999). An independently released Live album followed in 2000 amid continued touring, but that was about it for the band, with only a greatest hits collection coming out in 2002 to mark the end. Although they never quite made it outside of New Zealand, it is a curiosity as to why, because the music is very accomplished and appealing. McGlashan's poetic lyrics and poignant vocals (with a voice very reminiscent of Michael Stipe) of his achingly melodic story-songs are at the heart of the band, but the music drives the sound, ranging from jangly guitar-pop to moody alt-rock (and with the sometime addition of euphonium). They have been described as something along the lines of R.E.M. meets Crowded House, with stylistic influences from The Byrds and The Beatles mixed in, but still with a quite unique sound and style of their own. After The Mutton Birds, Don McGlashan went on to release multiple solo albums (primarily in New Zealand). In 2012, The Mutton Birds (original lineup) reunited for a series of shows around New Zealand. So, here's another quality band that deserved to be heard and appreciated by a much wider audience than they got. Check em out. Most of the available unofficial recordings are audience recordings of varying quality. What I have offered here is a couple of the better audience recordings. The Preston Guild Hall show (1997) is a nice audience recording, but is short and unfortunately only available in low fidelity (low bit rate mp3). So, I have paired this with additional songs from another show (Birmingham, 1998) to round out the set, and lastly included just a couple more songs from a 1996 show that was not a great recording (lots of audience noise), but was available at higher fidelity. Not the best quality, but more than adequate to evaluate (and appreciate) the band and their music. (For the record, I had never heard of this band either, until about a month ago, and thanks to Rob-in Brevard for posting some shows by them. But now I am a fan and will seek out more of their music.    

Tracklist:
01 Envy Of Angels
02 Straight To Your Head
03 April
04 She's Been Talking
05 A Thing Well Made
06 Trouble With You
07 Come Around
08 Anchor Me
09 The Heater
10 Dominion Road
11 Like This Train
12 Esther
13 Along The Boundary
14 Small Mercies
15 Nature
16 Wellington
17 While You Sleep
Bonus Tracks:
1996-07-12, Mean Fiddler, London (Audience)
18 Ten Feet Tall
19 In My Room

Tracks 1-9, 1997-04-25, Guild Hall, Preston, UK
Tracks 10-17, 1998-04-17, Flapper & Firkin, Birmingham, UK
Tracks 18-19, 1996-07-12, Mean Fiddler, London

The Mutton Birds_1997-1998_UK.rar

If you like these, you can find more live Mutton Birds shows and info at dbs-repercussion blog and a religion of a kind fan website

Timbuk3 - 1990-02-27 - Le Caméléon, Villeurbenne, France

Timbuk3
1990-02-27
Le Caméléon,
Villeurbenne, France

Soundboard recording, excellent quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Here's more from Timbuk3! This time, from 1990, and featuring songs from their third album, Edge of Allegiance (1989). This is another excellent-sounding soundboard recording and a show that covers songs from the full prime period for the band (first three albums). This is another fine show that came courtesy of Rob-in-Brevard (Thanks Rob) to add to the high-quality available shows from this under-rated group.

Tracklist:
01. B-Side of Life
02. National Holiday
03. Waves of Grain
04. Rev. Jack and His Roamin' Cadillac Church
05. Count to Ten
06. Facts About Cats
07. Dance Fever
08. Standard White Jesus
09. Lookin' for Work
10. Dirty Dirty Rice
11. 3rd Rail
12. You Are My Government
13. Easy
14. Life is Hard
15. The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades
16. Grand Old Party
Encore:
17. Eden Alley
18. Dis***land (Was Made for You and Me)
19. WWIII Blues
20. Not Fade Away > Eden Alley//   [cut]

The band:
Pat MacDonald (acoustic, electric, bass and MIDI guitars, harmonica, vocals)
Barbara K. MacDonald (electric guitar, mandolin, violin, rhythm programming, vocals)
Wally Ingram  (percussion)

FLAC - Timbuk3_1990-02-27_Villeurbenne,France(sbd)_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Timbuk3_1990-02-27_Villeurbenne,France(sbd)_mp3.rar
 

Timbuk3 - 1987-04-24 - Cabaret Metro, Chicago, IL

Timbuk3
1987-04-24
Cabaret Metro,
Chicago, IL
FM Broadcast recording, excellent quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (32 kbps) versions

After I posted that very fine 1988 Timbuk3 show a couple weeks ago and lamented that there were so few good recordings of them available, fellow music blogger Rob-in-Brevard (who runs the excellent dbs-repercussion blog, your stop for all things dB's and related music) let me know that he had some additional high-quality shows from Timbuk3 that I had not heard, which he graciously sent over to me. And they did not disappoint. Here is one of those, from 1987, on tour to support their first album, Greetings From Timbuk3 (1986). This is an excellent FM Broadcast recording of Pat and Barbara, still in the early days of Timbuk3, where they basically play the whole first album plus a few extras. I've added a couple of additional songs (only songs different) from another similar show from around that same time. 

Tracklist:
01. - intro
02. I Just Want To Make Love To You
03. Don't Stop Now
04. Just Another Movie
05. Cheap Black And White
06. Friction
07. Facts About Cats
08. Dancer Fever
09. - intro 2
10. Reverend Jack & His Roamin' Cadillac Church
11. Life Is Hard
12. Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades
13. - band intro
14. I Need You
15. - crowd
16. Hairstyles And Attitudes
17. In My Jam Box
18. Why Don't We Try To Get Along
Bonus Tracks (1987-04-20 - Toronto, FM Broadcast):
19. Assholes on Parade
20. I Love You in the Strangest Ways

FLAC - Timbuk3_1987-04-24_Chicago(FM)_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Timbuk3_1987-04-24_Chicago(FM)_mp3.rar

Links Updated 9/24/21

Badfinger - 1974-03-04 - Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Badfinger
1974-03-04
Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
Soundboard Recording, Good Quality
Mp3 @ 320 Kbps

Back to Badfinger once again! During their 1974 US Tour (which was their last with Pete Ham), the band decided to take advantage of the 16-track recording system at The Agora Ballroom in Cleveland and record their 2 shows there for possible release as a Live album. Unfortunately, the resulting recordings did not turn out very good, with poor sound quality and an erratic performance by the band. The tapes were considered unsalvageable and shelved. However, when Joey Molland left the band later that year, he apparently took the tapes with him. The recordings made their way around the bootleg and collector's circles for some time, and eventually, much later, Joey re-worked the tapes himself, overdubbing and re-recording most of his own guitar work and vocals, as well as inexplicably dubbing in some sampled drum tracks (at excessive volume). Joey also re-arranged the tracks, putting all his own vocal tracks at the beginning, and pushing Pete's songs to the end. Joey convinced Rykodisc to release his handiwork in 1990 as a Badfinger album, Day After Day: Live, which was much maligned as a "live" album that did not represent Badfinger live at all. In addition, Joey did not get permission from the other band members (or families) for releasing this (or plan to share in any profits), and numerous lawsuits ensued challenging the ownership of the tapes and potential royalties, etc. The release has been mercilessly criticized by fans and critics. But the original recordings (untampered with) do provide a much more relevant look at Badfinger as a live band in 1974. Although not a great quality recording, it is a soundboard and still remains as one of the best  live recordings of the band that is available (which is sad but true). It shows the band rocking out in fine form. Although the vocals are somewhat weak and low in the mix, it still is a fine performance from the band, and one of the few recordings to feature some of the later songs from Ass and Badfinger albums. After hearing these recordings, it is not surprising that Joey wanted to re-do his vocals, as his singing is particularly weak (and off-key) in many places (but that does not excuse the mess he made of the re-dubbed album). I'm particularly glad to have 'Sometimes' represented here (which they didn't play live very often), as I think it is one of the great rockers of all time (and Joey's best song, too bad his vocals are off in this version). So, here we have the raw soundboard recordings from the March 4 concert (in correct song order) and you can hear for yourselves that even though only a so-so recording, the band shines, especially in the guitar work throughout. Unfortunately, the encores were not present on these tapes, so I have added a few additional songs from another Ohio show, from Akron in 1972, an audience recording, but not bad compared to other available shows. So, here's more live Badfinger, and as they actually were, not the unauthorized re-worked, re-dubbed, and re-recorded versions that were notoriously released as a live Badfinger album (and this recording also features more songs than were on that ill-fated album). Enjoy.

Tracklist:
01. Day After Day
02. Constitution
03. Baby Blue
04. I Don't Mind
05. Intro to Blind Owl
06. Blind Owl
07. Intro to Name of the Game
08. Name of the Game
09. Sometimes
10. Perfection >
11. Timeless
12. Give It Up
13. Suitcase
14. Suitcase Jam
Bonus Tracks:
(1972-07-03 - Akron OH - Audience recording)
15. Better Days
16. No Matter What
17. I Can't Take It
18. We're For the Dark (1972-07-01-Boston)

Link updated 9/26/21
Badfinger_1974-03-04_Cleveland.rar

Timbuk3 - 1988-08-16 - The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA

Timbuk3
August 16, 1988
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
Audience Recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Here is a wonderful rare find. A high-quality live recording of a full-length show from the great underappreciated alt-rock band Timbuk3. Timbuk3, of course, were the duo of Pat and Barbara K MacDonald (initially backed by recorded bass/drum tracks on a boombox, later as a 4-piece band), and as I have previously said about them "Timbuk3's music featured a dark, cynical outlook combined with clever, biting wit and humor set to strong melodic tunes and quirky harmony vocals" (see previous posts), and they were together from around 1985-1995. This recording is particularly special because there are very few available live recordings of Timbuk3 (especially complete full-length shows). This show also comes from a great period for the band, following their 2nd album, Eden Alley (1988). Thus, this show features many songs from that 2nd album (in addition to their 1st) that were not played at the previous show I posted (from 1989 following their 3rd album, Edge of Allegiance, and the only other full-length live recording I know of), as well as a few additional unique songs, such as their own special version of 'I Just Want to Make Love with You' and 'I Love You'. All in all, a wonderful show, and a rare gem to add to the known recordings of Timbuk3, a sadly underappreciated band. 

Tracklist:
01. Intro - Eden Alley
02. Cheap Black and White
03. Reverend Jack & His Roamin' Cadillac Church
04. Friction
05. Sample The Dog
06. Facts About Cats
07. Dance Fever
08. Life Is Hard
09. The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades
10. Easy
11. Reckless Driver
12. Assholes on Parade
13. Welcome to the Human Race
14. Too Much Sex (not enough affection)
15. Little People Make Big Mistakes
16. I Love You
17. Just Another Movie
18. World War III Blues (Why Don't We Try and Get Along)
19. Not Fade Away
20. I Just Want to Make Love With You
21. Sinful Life

FLAC - Timbuk3_1988-08-16_Santa Cruz,CA_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Timbuk3_1988-08-16_Santa Cruz,CA_mp3.rar
Link updated 09/26/21

P.S. For those interested in Timbuk3 and what pat mAcdonald (that's how he spells his name now) has been doing since that time, be sure to check out the website for Pat's latest band, Purgatory Hill (https://purgatoryhill.com/home). It contains much info, lyrics, and music from all stages of pAt's career, including free streams and downloads of most of his recorded music as well as misc. demos, outtakes, etc. (located on his hidden listening room page here). It really is a treasure trove of his music.


 

Steve Goodman - 1979-04-26 - My Father's Place, Roslyn, NY

Steve Goodman
1979-04-26
My Father's Place,
Old Roslyn, NY
Pre-FM Soundboard recording, excellent quality
Available in both lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions
New Upgrade! Now includes full show including encores (mp3-only)

Here's another Steve Goodman show, from his 1979 High and Outside Tour. This tour was unique in that it was his only tour with a full band (instead of just Steve with his guitar, or accompanied by a single back-up musician on guitar or mandolin). Personally, I prefer Steve all alone, where you get the full dose of his charm and musicianship, but hearing Steve with a band brings a different dimension to alot of his songs, and is certainly worth experiencing. Although the setlist here is essentially the same as the Cincinnatti concert from this same tour previously featured here, what is great about this show is that the recording is a pristine Pre-FM Soundboard, with excellent sound throughout, and that makes this just a bit more special. Enjoy anothet great show from the incomparable Steve Goodman.
 
Tracklist:
1. Larry Kleinman intro > Just Lucky I Guess
2. Banana Republic >
3. Luxury's Lap
4. Would You Like To Learn To Dance?
5. The One that Got Away
6. What Have You Done For Me Lately?
7. You're the Girl I Love
8. It's A Sin To Tell A Lie
9. Chicken Cordon Bleus
10. This Hotel Room
11. My Old Man
12. The Dutchman
13. City of New Orleans (band intros)
14. Men Who Love Women Who Love Men
15. I've Got To Hand It To You
Encores: (New addition - not previously included in earlier posting -added 5/23/21)
16. The Twentieth Century is Almost Over
17. Tossin' and Turnin'
18. Common Sense

Steve Goodman   Guitar, vocals
Jimmy Enger    Piano
Amy Madigan    Keyboard, Percussion, Vocals
Jim Rothermel    Reeds
Peter Bunetta     Drums
Rick Chudacoff    Bass
Arno Lucas    Percussion, vocals

FLAC - Steve Goodman_1979-04-26_RoslynNY_FLAC.rar

New Links (Updated 09/29/23)
mp3 - Steve Goodman_1979-04-26_RoslynNY_mp3.rar

Note: Thanks to Stephen P for sending me the missing encore songs from this recording. They are a very nice addition and complete the full experience of the show. 

 

Steve Goodman - 1977-01-15 - University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (FM)

Steve Goodman
January 15, 1977
Mandel Hall, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

FM Broadcast recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

I've acquired a couple more Steve Goodman shows over the last several months. In keeping with my quest to spread the word and get more recognition for this wonderful singer-songwriter-performer (see previous posts) and in serving as an unofficial repository for all known live Goodman shows and recordings, I present another radio broadcast show from 1977, this one from the University of Chicago. As always, this show contains many wonderful moments from Steve. Although most of the songs played have been featured here in other recordings from this era, there are some new additions: For example, Steve's medley of motown-R&B songs that he does in his own way, and The Roving Cowboy song. It's another fine recording of a wonderful hour-long glimpse into the artistry of Steve Goodman.
 
Tracklist:
01. Radio Intro
02. It's a Sin to Tell a Lie (Billy Mayhew)
03. Chicken Cordon Bleus
04. Paul Powell
05. Banana Republics (S. Goodman / Steve Burgh / Jim Rothermel)
06. Rhythm & Blues Medley:
    La La La I Love You (W. Hart / T. Bell)
    Get Ready (Smokey Robinson)
    My Girl (Smokey Robinson)
    Can’t Go Back
07. Yellow Coat
08. You Never Even Call Me By My Name (S. Goodman-John Prine)
09. This Hotel Room
10. The Dutchman (Michael Smith)
11. The Ballad of Penny Evans
12. Roving Cowboy (Ballad of Dan Moody) * (Michael Smith)
13. Radio Outro

All songs by Steve Goodman unless otherwise credited.
* Harmony Vocal: Jim Post

FLAC - Steve Goodman_1977-01-15_Chicago_FLAC.rar

Mp3 - Steve Goodman_1977-01-15_Chicago_mp3.rar
Links updated 09/26/21

The Fabulous Poodles - 1979-02-14 - The Bottom Line, New York, NY

The Fabulous Poodles
1979-02-14
The Bottom Line, New York, NY
FM Broadcast Recording, very good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and MP3 (320 kbps) versions

OK, here's a show that I had been searching for for a very long time (since before I started this blog), one of the very few known Fabulous Poodles live show recordings. I have been fortunate enough to have and post other available FabPoo recordings, but had been unable to track down this one down, until a reader of the blog came forward to provide it to me (Much thanks, Stuart!). If you aren't familiar with The Fabulous Poodles, they were a great, but short-lived new wave/old school 70's UK band with a great style that combined an early 60's Who and Kinks sound with 50's kitsch and 70's new wave, and outrageously witty lyrics (See previous posts). I loved their unique sound and style, but they only made 3 albums before disbanding in 1980 (only 2 released in the U.S.). Their only U.S. Tour (in 1979) was marred by having all their instruments and equipment stolen within the first few days, and having to scrounge up borrowed and make-shift equipment the rest of the tour. But they carried on nonetheless. This show comes from a radio broadcast of their NY Bottom Line Show, shortly after their equipment issues, and, unfortunately, it does affect the show, as for the first few songs the amp for the violin (a very important component of their sound) is not working at all. They eventually are able to come up with an alternative fix for the rest of the show, but the early songs are without Bobby's trademark violin. So, again, this is one of the few full show recordings of The Poos, and despite the equipment issues, there are some great moments. BTW, The complete studio recordings of The Fabulous Poodles were recently reissued (2018) in a CD Box Set (Cherry Red Records, UK) that includes all the songs from their three albums as well as many other singles, unreleased tracks and demos, as Mirror Stars: The Complete Pye Recordings 1976-1980, and contains everything they ever recorded. It is a goldmine for Fabulous Poodles fans, and its modern day release shows that I certainly am not the only one who remembers and cherishes the music these guys created. Check 'em Out.

Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Suicide Bridge
3. Cherchez le Femme
4. Chicago Box Car
5. B Movies
6. Rum Baba Boogie
7. Oh Cheryl
8. Work Shy
9. Tit Photographer's Blues
10. Mirror Star
11. Roll Your Own
12. Twist and Shout
13. You Really Got Me
14. Mr. Mike
15. Bike Blood
16. DJ Talk
17. We'll Meet Again
18. DJ outro
Bonus Track:
19. Bionic Man/(From The Robert Klein show)

Tony de Meur – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
Richie Robertson – Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Bobby Valentino – Violin, Mandolin, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bryn Burrows – Drum, Percussion

FLAC - Fabulous Poodles_1979-02-14_BottomLine,NY_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Fabulous Poodles_1979-02-14_BottomLine,NY_mp3.rar
Links updated (09/29/23)