Customer Reviews

Live Hits

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The following quote from the Hollies' Allan Clarke is taken from the 1990 CD titled Epic Anthology. Assuming he spoke these words before this Live Hits album came out on vinyl in 1976 or 1977, he was positively prophetic. He says of the Hollies' 1970 single release, "I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top": "We do that a lot better today. It would be nice to do a live album with that on it as we do it now." He spoke the truth. This live performance of "I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top" is a stunner. It has an emotional charge that's missing from the original studio version of years ago. Most of the rest of this CD is nearly as good. "Bus Stop" is a killer. "Carrie-Anne" is all the more charming because of Tony Hicks' audible "crack-up" courtesy of his bandmates. I knocked off one star for the inclusion of a couple of lesser songs in lieu of "Pay You Back With Interest" and "On A Carousel" and the fact that a couple of Pete Wingfield's synth/keyboard riffs are a bit overblown (but he does do some really nice work). Bernie Calvert's meaty bass lines are superb, Bobby Elliott's spirited drumming is as good as rock 'n' roll gets, the guitar work of Terry Sylvester and Hicks (listen for their fills) is classic, and Clarke's lead vocals -- whether alone or blended with Sylvester's and Hicks' glorious harmonies -- showcase a real pro at the mike. As a rule, I'm generally not fond of live albums. But this one, originally released at a time when disco, punk and corporate rock ruled the airwaves and virtually every "New Releases" wall across the United States, still serves as a reminder that the Hollies remain one of the all-time great pop/rock bands.

The Hollies' vocals have always left me spellbound, since I first heard them sing BUS STOP on the radio in the mid-sixties. The blend of voices and tight three-part harmonies sometimes sounds as if there are five people singing. Studio wizardry could be the only answer - double tracked, triple tracked vocal parts, right? This live recording slams the door on any and all doubting thomases. Allan, Tony, and Terry prove they can duplicate their fantastic harmonies in a live setting. The popular hits are re-created with energy, plus a few tracts that may not be as well known such as MY ISLAND, TOO YOUNG TOO BE MARRIED, STAR, and ANOTHER NIGHT, mesh well. All songs are showcases for the vocals. The playing is professional, highlighted by the bass guitar and drums. The keyboard player, hired just for the tour, adds some ridiculous, annoying effects at times, but remember, this was recorded in 1976, when keyboard technology was exploding with all these new sounds. Tony Hicks turns in some tasty guitar solos on STOP STOP STOP and TOO YOUNG TO BE MARRIED and more. I recommend this disc to all Hollies fans, and also to anyone who enjoys great harmony singing, of which this is one fine example.

Sadly the star rating only goes up to five, shame, because this disk is a 10 ! The Hollies show us why they were the strongest live act in the world at this time, Allan Clarke (definately a rival to Freddie Mercury & Elvis for the title of the greatest singer ever) shows us how to really give an audience a show. Terry Sylvester is superb as a superior replacement to Graham Nash, even Nash himself has admitted this! Theres a delightfull "old boy" in the audience too, very witty! The songs are all there, who could ask for more. The Hollies still tour, but its a shadow of the original band only Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott remain (Clarke retiring in February to be with his sick wife) Carl Wayne (ex Move) is the Hollies main man now, he's good, but he's not Clarke. By the way, to fully appreciate the talents of Terry Sylvester, check out "Archive Alive" and hear the Hollies with Graham Nash in 1983. Exactly! Also check out the "Griffen & Sylvester" CD, pop at its best!

I first heard of this album in a review by "Stereo Review" magazine in the late 1970's. Because they gave it such a good review and I liked the Hollies I tracked it down and bought it. Their live recordings are much better than their studio recordings. You won't be disappointed!

Even the Beach Boys couldn't make this kind of harmony happen with their live shows. The Hollies are great on both their albums AND their live shows, which really makes me want to see them live (though Allan Clarke has retired...). Great album with their wonderful hits; I especially like "Carrie Anne" and "I Can't Let Go" since their harmonies are better than the album versions. There is also some keyboards in the songs and it really gives a new feel to the songs; "Another Night" has a keyboard solo and "Carrie Anne" has keyboards where the steel drums are supposed to be playing. This is a definite must-have for any Hollies fans and I recommend it to anyone whose only started listening to The Hollies as well!

Can't add much to what has already been said. It's fine performance. Sylvester and Hicks with Clarke's lead vocals are spot on with their impeccable harmonies. One does not even miss the orchestra which is apparent in the original studio versions. In fact, the earliest song, I Can't Let Go, is even better than the studio version which had Nash. Bravo!

For me this is the Hollies most satisfying album. Back in the seventies I bought this album as a Canadian import. Later I picked up another copy on a Polydor import . I will never understand why Epic did not give this a US release. The recording is state of the art for it's time and the performance is excellent. Maybe it will someday get a proper US release. Maybe Rhino ?

Epic has once again let down long-time fans of The Hollies with this release. The original vinyl, released in 1977, was issued just about everywhere EXCEPT where it needed to be released most, and that was the USA. So, here we are over 20 years later, and an opportunity is lost to right a wrong. The Hollies performed "Amazing Grace" at this show, but it was left off. Surely, it could have been restored on CD, but alas it has not been. On the plus side, yes, as some other reviewers pointed out, several of the songs, most notably "Too Young To Be Married" and "He Ain't Heavy.." carry more emotion in the live versions. So, this is a good purchase for those people who never heard the original LP, but for long-time fans, it has to be a let down. I, for one, want something I haven't heard before. This CD doesn't offer that.

This live recording of a Christchurch/New Zealand show, taped in January 1976, is a brilliant document of one of the best 60's/70's band (and who are still around with some of the original members). In my humble belief The Hollies were even better in the 70's after Graham Nash's split in 1968.

The vocals here - performed by lead singer Allan Clarke with harmonies by lead guitarist Tony Hicks and rhythm guitar player Terry Sylvester - easily beat any other band that's ever hit the charts. No overdubs, no frills - just very good musicians at work.

This record offers both some of The Hollies' greatest hits as "Long Cool Woman" and "He Ain't Heavy" and lesser known album tracks.

I have been fortunate enough to see The Hollies live about ten times or so, and for those who've missed that experience or those who want to refresh their memories, this is the CD to buy. It also sounds better than the 1983 USA recording, by the way.

I first heard this Jan. 1976 Hollies live in New Zealand album as a 21 year old living in what used to be Rhodesia in 1977. After searching for it at CD shops for the past 20 years, I couldn't believe my luck in tracking down a copy of this rare album through Amazon.

Nobody will ever appreciate just HOW good they were unless they listen to this album. This particular live performance in Jan. 76, was probably their greatest!!
In this performance, Allan Clarke proves that he IS one of the greatest lead singers of all time (of any band).
When you listen to those incredible harmonies and amazing and flawless instrumental work of Clarke, Sylvester, Hicks, Elliott, Calvert and Wingfield in this live concert,(despite not having the fancy computerised gadgets of today), you will appreciate just just HOW great this (definitive) line-up of the Hollies of 1976 were.

Unlike the noise and garbage we are fed today, the Hollies produced the most incredible and timeless songs and ballads. He Aint Heavy He's my Brother is, in my opinion, probably one of the greatest songs ever written and Allan Clarke's perfect harmonica and vocals are without peers.
Most live albums normally only have 1 or 2 good tracks. But, EVERY SONG on this live album is a musical masterpiece ! In my opinion, this IS one of the greatest live performances by any band, ever)...

Do yourself a favour and get this CD of this rare live concert and see what I'm talking about... Derek in Joburg