Customer Reviews

Alive in America

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

i am a big fan of the strawbs. but, DON"t buy this live cd. this makes the group sound pathetic. their music deserves better than this miserable live recording. i would be glad to sell you mine. stay away it is dreadful.

I just received this, so this is a primary impression based on one listen.
I found the recording quality to be superior to both Recollections and Calderone; unfortunately the same can't be said of the content. Despite the critical acclaim for the 'Deadlines' release, I find this line-up's rhythm section the weakest ever; though competent, their phrasing and sound is both cliche'd and dated. In my opinion they could have eliminated the keyboards altogether and had a better-sounding band. Still, you get great stuff from Cousins, Lambert, and Cronk, and some live versions you won't find elsewhere. If only the Hawken-Coombes-Cronk period had been better documented!

I first heard this concert in the late 70's on the radio- it was also my introduction to the Strawbs. I thought the playing was very powerful especially the keyboards and I particularly liked their rendition of No Return and Simple Visions. I still have a soft spot for it (I was thrilled when it was finally re-released on CD) and would strongly recommend it.

It's not that bad, allthough it's the weakest of all the live discs. The complete strawbs is by far the best.5 STARS!