Live N Kicking at Lexington [Live]

Pacific Gas & Electric | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 13, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Wounded Bird Records
• ASIN: B000MGBSBC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,977 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Pacific Gas & Electric was a blues/rock group out of California who had a number of charting albums in the late 1960’s-early 1970’s. The group was headed up by vocalist Charlie Allen. Wounded Bird proudly presents this previously unreleased live album from Charlie Allen and friends, originally scheduled for release by Columbia in 1970 but never saw the light of day - until now! The rumors of the existence of this album have been a topic of conversation by their fans for decades. The rumors can now be put to rest.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bloozey Fun in1970, April 16, 2007

By 

J.L. Smith (Detroit) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Live N Kicking at Lexington (Audio CD)

Well I had my reservations since there had been a major shake-up in their line up.A new drummer, bass, guitar and no horns????? Ken Utterback replacing Glenn Schwartz on lead?
An unfounded concern, as Ken more than holds his own, filling those really Big Shoes, he's a soulful player with more than a few licks highly reminiscent of one John Dawson Winter III sans the slide.
Now to the real critical part:
Everyone knows that a proper sound check is crucial especially if you plan on recording & releasing a show.
Well...apparently someone forgot to tell the parties involved because it takes until the 3rd song to get their levels right. This is a shame, as this band was legendary for it's live performances.
Track 1: aptly named Old Slop in "A" (11:20 min.) has a wonderful groove marred by a criminally crappy mix ( someone should have been fired for it). And unfortunately this poor quality carries over into their "big" hit track 2: "Are You Ready?" Charlie's vocals are still way out front, fortunately there is only 6:25 of this to endure.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love live recordings, even marginal ones by recording standards.
The problem here is by the third track someone must have slapped the sound board tech and woke him up. The mix improves dramatically.
Too bad it didn't happen sooner. 'Cause this is a really fine band that ( in this reviewers eyes and ears) fell victim of an indifferent or untalented sound crew.
The rest of this release sparkles, but I almost didn't make it past the first couple of tracks.I imagine the execs at CBS didn't make it past 'em either. Maybe that's why these terrific tracks(well tracks 3 thru 8 anyway) have sat on a shelf for 37 years.
All that said, this is still a real historic gem that tho tarnished is a valuable addition to anyone's collection who lived & loved the live sounds of the late 60's and early 70's.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't overanalyze it...., April 11, 2007

By 

Nels D. Peterson "loud and stoopid" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Live N Kicking at Lexington (Audio CD)

The liner notes indicate this live date took place while touring after "Are You Ready" was released, but with a revised line-up. No "guitar
glen", who was replaced by a very good Ken Utterback, but it is still a worthwhile purchase. It is a crude, undoctored disc, but very enjoyable, over an hour of great guitar blues-rock. It is a bit over-indulgent at times, but who wasn't at the time(8-'70). Well worth the time and expense!

5.0 out of 5 stars pacific,gas and electric- kickin' in lexington, June 11, 2011

By 

billyball - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live N Kicking at Lexington (Audio CD)

This a band I seen many moons ago in San Jose Ca. and they absolutely ripped up the place. I had completely forgotten until the name popped up on Amazon and did some searching and Bam I found it. This is a rockin' cd to the max, they not only rock this joint but are very impressive on their 'Blues' licks,these cats are excellant musicians.This is a great cd -a must have for 60's rock fans