Customer Reviews

Live on Long Island 4-18-80

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

 

 

I recorded this show, which was aired on WLIR FM NY, as part of the king biscuit flower hour broadcast. They actually played two shows at Nassau, April 18 and April 20. These CD's are OK, but the recorded tapes from the broadcast are way better, with respect to the sound and audience...I don't know what they did during the mixing, but much of the "crowd feel" has been cut out. I did buy the CD's because my original tapes are missing the last two songs, because I used only one TDK SA 90 tape.. Overall, a must have, but sound a little dissapointing. I did go to the April 20 show, which was the last show with Tommy C.

If you're a fan of the MTB then quit reading this review and just buy it! You will not be disappointed!

Per the title, this is a double disc representing the (complete?) last concert by the original MTB line-up. Overall, the sound is very clean (there are some spots where it's a bit muddied), the performance is smokin' hot and the song selection includes a good assortment of (then) newer songs and the classic hits we all know and love. Personally, I was not familiar with those newer songs but they're a worthy addition to this release.

As players, this show demonstrates that these guys were way more accomplished than many gave them credit for and Doug Gray is one heck of a vocalist. That said, one specific highlight of this show is Toy Caldwell's very ragged (effects of a long hard tour?) but yet very right vocals on his "Can't You See". Sa-weet!

The booklet includes some nominally interesting notes and pictures, but nothing overly special or unique.

I think their recent "Stompin' Room Only" release served well as a sort of greatest hits live - but LOLI has the edge due to the cohesion and energy of being one continuous concert. My preference is this one.

The only nit-pick I have with this is that the cover picture of Tommy Caldwell shows him with long hair, meaning it was from an earlier date rather than from this specific concert. No matter!

My overall rating is 4 1/2 stars.

Like I said, quit reading and order it! It's an absolute keeper!

LIVE ON LONG ISLAND 4-18-80 features the last concert the Marshall Tucker Band played before bassist Tommy Caldwell died in a tragic car accident. The performances are all top-notch, and the selection of songs, with a few exceptions, is wonderful. Although no one knew it at the time, this live recording was the original lineup's epitaph, so pick up this album if you can, and pay tribute to one of the true giants of Southern rock.

Being a long-time fan of the ORIGINAL (and ONLY) MTB, this recording (I believe done for a radio program) is not of the best quality, but it is a treasure as it is the last performance of the band. We have the Tucker Boys of later years when Doug Gray is mouthing & over-singing the songs. The finest the band was recorded was in Milwaukeee in 1974, then the British recordings are pretty good as well, especially Blue Ridge Mountain Sky. This recording fails in comparison to those. With Doug Gray as producer I feel he probably increased the crowd noise by 500% at times, especially when he is front and center. Stick with the earlier live recordings if you want to hear genuine "fire" from the band. These CDs are worth it if you are a loyal fan of the REAL MTB. If not, I'd pass.

Thank goodness that they had the tapes running to capture the original lineup just weeks before Tommy Caldwell's death in a car accident.
This release was a dream come true for me as I had seen them at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center a few times and they put on a good show.
I always knew that there must have been more "recent" live recordings out there, but wondered why they didn't make them available to the fans.

Unfortunately this was their last concert before Tommy died, but I think it was great. I saw them live a few times, and this to me surpassed the ones I saw. I especially loved Jerry's sax solo on 24hours. I listen to this cd a lot, and am always loving it. The negative reviews are just wrong.

Most enthusiastically recommended to any fan of the original MTB. If you were a fan in the 70's, this CD is an absolute must have. Maybe not their finest performance ever recorded, but definitely one worth having. A fine testament to a fine band. As the last recorded show of the original members, it's made all the more special. If you're looking for flawless, stick with the studio albums. To listen in on some passionate musicians and maybe relive some great memories - put your headphones on, close your eyes, sit back and enjoy the ride.

This was the last show of this tour and with Tommy Caldwell on bass. Sadly, he died shortly after this. The band is strong and sounds good. I still think Stompin' Room Only is a better CD, but diehards should have no problem adding this to the collection.

This album is truly a must have and for all you Tucker fans it will remind you of the first time you saw them!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank God for these lost and found treasures!!!
Dr John

I was a huge Tucker fan back in the 70's and 80's and this CD brings back some great memories of how great they were. Toy Caldwell (who passed away in 1993)was the driving force musically behind the band and his guitar work is in fine form on this disc. Anyone who was a fan should have this CD in their collection.