GREAT LIVE AND REHEARSAL MUSIC FROM 801
Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 11/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Two discs 56 and 58 minutes each approximately. The sound is very good,especially for a live (Sept.3,1976) recording. The second disc is from rehearsals (Aug.23,1976) at Shepperton Studios. The discs are snapped in,bare,in the back of the book-style package which I,personally,have never been fond of-a minor quibble. The package itself is much like a hard cover book,with the notes attached inside the very thick covers. Included in the notes are personal recollections from the band members,which add insight to the history of this concert,and color photographs of the band on stage,and individually. There are also reproductions of ads for the band and music festivals. Richard Williams' column from the Melody Maker (MM) magazine is also here. He writes about both his concert experience and the band itself,which is an added plus. The words of the various songs are also reprinted.
By now most everyone who likes Phil Manzanera or Eno,is familiar with the original release of the live album. An album that Manzanera calls a high point in his career. And for good reason. Mostly instrumental,this band had that certain something-where everything seemed to come together,which made this concert (and recording) something special. For those who don't know much about this band,the members were: Phil Manzanera-guitar,Brian Eno-vocals,keyboards,and guitar,Simon Phillips-drums,Lloyd Watson-slide guitar,Francis Monkman-keyboards,and Bill MacCormick-bass.
Formed in 1976,Manzanera wanted to get some musicians together to play some concerts during the summer. Unfortunately,this band only played three concerts before breaking up. The material is mostly from both Eno's and Manzanera's solo albums. Some of the high points are a rendition of THE BEATLES "Tomorrow Never Knows" (T.N.K.),which is transformed into something a bit different than THE BEATLES recording,"Rongwrong","Diamond Head",and "Sombre Reptiles",among many others. But with music of this caliber,everyone will have their own high points. Throughout these discs Manzanera's playing is just this side of awesome,with the rest of the band (Lloyd Watson's slide guitar is a standout) not far behind.
The second disc of rehearsals follows pretty much track-for-track,the live disc,for the first five tracks. The live track "Golden Hours" is not heard on this disc. However,"Lagrima",is heard twice,the second time being a reprise. The other live tracks are heard,but in different order. It's interesting that the rehearsal numbers aren't all that different than the live tracks,except in feel-the live recordings have that certain visceral feeling when a band plays in front of a live audience. But don't think this disc has no fire-power,it definitely does,with the whole band contributing some very powerful music.
This up-dated release is worth owning if listeners want (presumably) all the tracks recorded by this great,but short-lived,band. I still own (and play) the English import of the live disc on vinyl. At the time this album had that certain something which set it apart from other releases of this type of music. Now,with this deluxe release,listeners can hear both the impressive live,and rehearsal music that this great band recorded,so many years ago. This is music that has definitely aged well,a sure sign of good music."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1