Finest Recording Ever
johnnybrewski | Canberra, Australia | 07/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Swingshift is, without question, the finest recording of all time. Cold Chisel have recorded on a night at their best during the Youth In Asia Tour and the results are spectacular. The classics are all there- "Cheap Wine", "Choir Girl", "My Baby"- with Barnes and Mossy hammering out the vocals while the band show us just how tight they can be. The band also show us how the songs from "Cold Chisel" and "Breakfast At Sweethearts" are supposed to be heard, and the "Khe Sanh" on this recording is the best "Khe Sanh" ever. Songs like "Conversations" and "Shipping Steel" go from being average to incredibly moving on this album, the band going for all they're worth. The covers on the album are also worth noting, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" is a fabulous interpretation of the Dylan Classic, and the brief but magic Cameo vocals from Don in this one send tingles down the spine. The final track, "Goodbye", comes to a fantastic climax to end the album, but it is never enough, the listener always wants more after being blown away by Swingshift!"
The best Australian band...captured live!
Craig J O'Connor | Traverse City, MI United States | 10/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Swingshift packs a wallop! From Ian Moss's power chords opening "Conversations" to the last strains of Jimmy Barnes screaming "Goodbye", this album showcases Cold Chisel in their prime as they ascended to the top of Australia's thriving music scene. I've burned through 2 copies of Swingshift over the years, and am ready for my third. The concerts capture here represent the true essence of a Chisel concert - great playing, crowd energy, and a terrific setlist. The mix povides the edginess that a powerful live concert ought to have without messing up the quality. All the early favorites are here with a killer Bob Dylan cover thrown in for good measure. The guest musicians in attendance (David Blight and Billy Rodgers) and the band are all in top form. Barnesy's voice and stage presence are incredible,Mossy's guitar is inspiring, and Don Walker's subtle touches are a perfect compliment to Moss's punchy guitar work. Beneath it all rides a power-packed rythmn section that goes about its buiness in journeyman style. This is a band that knows what it's about and is obviously having a good time. Favorite tracks include 'Khe Sahn', 'One Long Day', 'Long As I Can See the Light', and 'Goodbye'. Wish I'd been there. Swingshift's the next best thing."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1