Customer Reviews

Extended Versions

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

 

 

The truth is that this is just a rehash of the King Biscuit Live recording - minus a couple of tracks. It is taken from the same source.

Let's get one thing straight here: The Extended Versions series, which produces live albums by bands for budget prices, is not truly a rip-off if the buyer knows and accepts the process by which these albums are made. Humble Pie's Extended Versions disc is taken from and may utilize most of the same recordings as the King Biscuit Flour Hour Live offering recorded at Winterland in 1973 and featuring the Smokin' band. Steve Marriott's singing is wonderful throughout and he and the band give blistering renditions of "C'mon Everybody", "4Day Creep", "Up Your Sleeves", and "Stone Cold Fever." Clem Clempson is no Peter Frampton, but he sure is hot and nasty on the guitar, particularly on "C'mon Everybody," with it's blistering, hard-rock riff intro. Yes, the Blackberries are present, and though they don't really mesh too well with the Pie's harder rocking sound, they sing wonderfully on "30 Days in the Hole," and exchange playful banter and song with Steve on "Blues I Believe to My Soul". Their most shining moment comes on a soul cover very close to their roots, Ray Charles "Hallelujah, I Love Her So", a ragged-but-right version topped by Greg Ridley's fine vocals. On the down side, "Honky Tonk Woman" never quite works as a tribute to the Stones (they started it off with a snippet of the Stones "Shake Your Hips;" they should have just finished that song instead), and "Road Runner" is simply too long and boring, with Steve's usually delighful banter taken to extreme; he just won't stop! Still, there's enough tasty bites of this "day-old" pie to make a satisfying snack, and at this low price, it's really a bargain!

Wow! This CD is so over the top...it's great. The performances are tighter, making it better than 'Performance: Live at the Fillmore'. Steve Marriott has a fantastic voice and the guitar is aggressive a la Zeppelin..but the songs are fresh (not overplayed on the radio like Zep). If you're looking for prime 70's hard rock this band is it. Also, get their self-titled CD, Rock On, and Smokin'!

Probably the best of the extended version series I've Heard. Most aren't the respective bands greatest performances. But, this one by Humble Pie is great. Bargain for the price. Note: Must be played loudly!