Search - Climax Blues Band :: FM: Live

One of the best live albums ever made, bare none

J. Talsma | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 05/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Outstanding concert tape, finally on CD available. This is a must for everoney who enjoys genuine music by a real band, who could write their own material and added some songs from others but played it their own way. This is fine example of a true band, at the height of their time. This is a ONE concert-recording, not being plucked from many performances and/or with many studio-overdubs. Listen to what this band could manage. The way they handled their instruments but more the interplay by the 4 members (on vocals/sax/harmonica, vocals/leadguitar, bassguitar and drums), every song recorded in only one take. Amazing. The music varies from straight blues to pop and (prog-)rock. It has so much to offer, everything on a good level. Those guys knew how to rock. Vocals are fine, guitarplaying excellent, rythmsection fills in and gives an added touch. Even the sax plays a role on its own. "Country Hat" is a solo only-number, on slide-guitar and sets Peter Haycock apart from so many other guitarists. Listen how this song developes from slow blues to full speed slide-play. And how it becomes immediately an integral part of the following up "You Make Me Sick". On every song he shows you what a guitarplayer he used to be, making his music a part of the song in a way you cannot describe, interwoven with the other instruments. What amazes you is that this IS a live recording, recorded in one take, no frills, overdubs, tricks etc. It gives you a sight of how real music was played. Even for the midseventies this is for real. Strongly recommended! Five stars is to less.

sert"

One Of The Best Just Got Better

Opie | Mayberry, NC | 07/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just wanted to mention that the remastering on this CD is outstanding.

The vocals that were originally a bit too harsh have been smoothed out. - If you know this music, you know the parts - on "Standing By A river" - the vocals are much better now.

And the guitar and sax sound much more defined and separated.

No bonus material, same concert. But, it's worth the price to hear the concert with the improved sound.

I've played this CD more than I thought I would."

Perhaps the best LIVE album(s) of all time...

J. Byler | Morgan Hill, CA USA | 08/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Climax Blues Band's FM/LIVE album is perhaps the best LIVE album of all time, in my opinion. In their heyday, the Climax Blues Band was one of the most exciting and energetic acts on tour, always eclipsing whatever other act(s) might be on the bill with them.



It was their LIVE act that was really demonstrative of their virtuosity, and this album captures the ferocity they brought to the stage. Recorded in 1973, this album should definitely be in the time-capsule as a benchmark performance by a band that totally "went for it". Many of the songs are quite complex in their composition -- and their execution is flawless through the twists and turns, the breaks, the solos...



I saw the Climax Blues Band in person on three occasions, and to this day they were the band to beat when it came to LIVE performance. Especially noteworthy is lead guitarist/vocalist Pete Haycock's fearless and brilliant performance. Nobody was tighter than these guys on stage, and this recording is a testament to the Climax Blues Band at their best. NOTE: This is one CD you'll want to crank up "to 11" for the full effect!



It's worth noting, not just for Climax fans, but for anyone who is appreciative of virtuoso guitarists and LIVE blues, that the aforementioned ex-Climax Blues Band lead guitarist, PETE HAYCOCK, has just released an amazing new LIVE recording with his current band, "Pete Haycock's True Blues". This new CD, along with Pete Haycock's other recent release (also excellent!), "Bikers' Dozen", are outstanding recordings by this gifted guitarist/composer, and are VERY highly recommended! I can't rate them highly enough -- they only gave me 5 stars with which to vote! (Check out Pete's website as well as the RMI Sound site for more info).



Enjoy!!!





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