Search - James Brown :: It's a Man's Man's Man's World (Live in New York 1980)

Not live in NY '80: it's live in GA c. '85

p. silverman | USA | 10/24/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't think this is a previously unreleased concert similiar to James Brown's Live at Studio 54 (reissued on Charly). It's the oft-reissued concert from Georgia, which first appeared as a video "Live In America", with an audio cassette as part of the package. Over the years additional tracks from the concert have emerged on numerous issues. About the only thing this reviewer hears as new is the longer MC introduction and rendition of "Prisoner Of Love", a strong effort featuring Maceo Parker, in one of his most brilliant solos.
The other selling point for me is the remarkably improved sonics on this latest caveat-emptor offering. Yes, and an amazing discographical booklet covering 1956 to 2002. Completists and historians check it out.
The gatefold photo is also of interest. It's Brown on stage, probably in 1971. It's a rare shot, worthy of notice, from a time when the James Brown Show was a mind-blowing event, an enterprise designed to leave all audience members gasping. The contents here are from a much later, much less exciting, but fine show, in fact, an *event* surrounding Brown's (apparent) 40th year in show business, adroitly arranged for a Georgia audience. His performance if "Georgia On My Mind" is to my mind his best on record, and should be fully appreciated by also watching it on the "James Brown 'Live In America" video from A Visual & Musical Entertainment Company Ltd Presentation (1987).
So while it's not Live in New York 1980 and it is the commonly available set from Georgia a few years later, it's got a few "extras" (including the studio recording of "Body Heat") and it's still good music.
[JB Historians note the taste of "Dooley's Junkyard Dogs" (Polydor 14303) at the very start of the closer "Jam".]."