Search - Commander Cody (Artist) :: Commander Cody

Short and sweet ...well, maybe not sweet, but ...

CU82 | Atlanta, GA | 10/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Short certainly applies because the ten tracks total just under 32 minutes. Sweet, however, just isn't something one would normally associate with the ol' Commander and his gang. The tracks on this disc are the usual suspects - live versions of songs that have appeared on numerous other live releases by this group. My guess is that they were recorded in the mid 70's around the same time as the "Live-Deep" and "Sleazy Roadside Stories" show. The documentation on the disc insert is minimal with no mention of performance date or band personnel so there is no way know for sure. The interaction between the band and the audience that is normally associated with their live shows is missing on this one. This is simply a collection of individual live tracks that fade out as the crowd applauds. The track list is as follows:



1. Riot in Cell Block No. 9 (2:33)

2. Hot Rod Lincoln (2:45)

3. Down to Seeds and Stems Again Blues (3:19)

4. Take Me Back To Tulsa (3:05)

5. Jailhouse Rock (2:58)

6. Crying Time (3:10)

7. What's The Matter Now (3:46)

8. Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar (3:49)

9. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (2:17)

10. Truck Drivin' Man (3:17)



The recordings are good and the performances are solid. The trio of tunes comprised of "Crying Time" - "What's The Matter Now" - "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" is especially well performed. Another personal favorite that the group really nails in this set is "Take Me Back to Tulsa". Even with an amusing lyrical mistake on the second verse, they swing right along on this Bob Wills classic and don't miss a beat.



For the price that this disc is being marketed at currently ($6), it is a steal. I'm giving it a 5 star rating because it truly is a solid performance that is priced fairly. Deduct a quarter of a star for every dollar over the current price should prices change (up to one full star as, at a minimum, this is no less than a 4 star release). For those not familiar with Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airmen and who are looking for a really cheap introduction to their music, this would certainly fit the bill."