Customer Reviews

Mad Dogs & Englishmen (Dlx)

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With the release of the 35th anniversary edition of Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the original version as great as it was, has now become obsolete. This delux edition, is packed with top notch bonus material that never made it to the original 2 album set in 1970. Cocker is phenominal on such bonus tunes like "The Weight", "Something, "Darling Be Home Soon", and of course his trademark "With A little Help From my Friends". All the above mentioned bonus tunes are further enhanced by the gospel drive of the space choir. The original version of "Delta Lady", is also extended with a third encore verse only seen in the movie. Add to that, a wonderful version of "Let It Be", by Claudia Lennear, taken from the actual movie, as well as 2 cuts by Leon Russell Hummingbird", and "Dixie Lullaby, and you can't help but feel the power of one of rocks greatest tours ever. The disc also has lots more verbal interaction with Joe and Leon, as well as an introduction by what sounds like promoter Bill Graham at the Fillmore East in New York. Also of note is the inclusion of studio versions of "The Letter" and "Space Captain", that were recorded just prior to the tour. Joe never sounded better on these rare takes, which are also presented for the first time in stereo. "Space Captain", is also an alternate version that has never been heard before. What makes this set so special, is the bonus material is all quality, with no filler that often plagues releases with bonus material. The cd ends fittingly with Leon Russell's "Ballad Of Mad Dogs and Englishmen", which also played during the end credits of the movie. The 24 page booklet is also a treat. Great new liner notes by J.P. Bean, Joe Cocker's biographer, along with photo's and information on each song only enhance this cd to elite status among reissue packages. Finally, I can't say enough about the remastering and sound quality of this recording, which far exceeds any prior edition, including those gold disc versions. If you are a Joe Cocker fan, you haven't heard Mad Dogs and Englishmen until this delux edition is part of your collection.

Joe Cocker's live album, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, is his crowning achievement. Originally released as an elaborate double album, the music inside brilliantly captured the energy of Mr. Cocker's mesmerizing live shows. Backed by an amazing band lead by Leon Russell, the performances sizzle. The album is made up entirely of cover songs, several of which are Beatles songs. Mr. Cocker makes songs like "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" and "Let It Be" his own. "Cry Me A River" and "The Letter" (Mr. Cocker's first top ten single) burn with intensity while Rita Coolidge's version of "Superstar" is as haunting and heartbreakingly beautiful as any song ever recorded. This deluxe edition finally gives the album the packaging and sound it so richly deserves. There are eleven bonus tracks that add depth to the original and "The Weight" stands out amongst these extras.

I initially balked at the outrageous price of 27 dollars for this cd set but let me tell you rest assured that this is a bargain considering the quality of this album.

The sound qaulity is absolutely phenomenal and the bonus material is not filler. I have not heard other versions of this record but on this set everything is crystal clear and none of the musicians (and there were a lot of them) get lost in the mix. The Weight is my favorite song included and it is a previously unreleased track. It is shocking that a track as powerful as this one went so long without being released.

Kudos to whoever put this set together because the packaging is flawless. If you are going to buy mad dogs and englishmen this is the edition to own.

LONG LIVE COCKER POWER

There are those that insist that "Mad Dogs & Englishmen," the 1970 record of the Joe Cocker tour, is the high point in the music career of the gravely voiced soul singer. I can see the reasons for the argument, but even with his once powerful voice worn away by alcohol abuse there is something to be said for his sense of phrasing in the later years. He still came up with a great howl on "When the Night Comes" and if I am only allowed to listen to one Joe Cocker track for the rest of eternity I am going to take the monster 9:27 long live version of "With a Little Help From My Friends" that is on "The Best of Joe Cocker." That being said, if you are talking about an entire album, then "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" is the one to go with, because Cocker live was always better than Cocker in the studio, not that this pronouncement is exactly news to anyone.

It helps to set the scene for the 1970 tour. Two years earlier Cocker had hit the top of the charts in the U.K. with his cover of the Beatles' "A Little Help From My Friends," and when he sang the song at Woodstock he made a name for himself in the colonies. Leon Russell became Cocker's musical director and provided a second hit in England with "Delta Lady." Two albums came out in 1969, "With a Little Help From My Friends" and "Joe Cocker!", both of which went gold. What makes this live album so amazing is that Cocker only sings one song form his first album (and it is not even the title cut but "Feelin' Alright") and only three cuts from the second: "Bird on a Wire," "Delta Lady" and another in a series of classic Beatles coves, "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window." So out of 16 songs on the album, a dozen of them are "new" material for Cocker.

Of course such things are a lot easier when you are a cover artist rather than a singer-songwriter. This frees Cocker to come up with songs by the Rolling Stones ("Honky Tonk Woman") and Bob Dylan ("Girl From the North Country"). But whatever the songs a lot of the credit for Cocker's career and this album have to go to Leon Russell and Chris Stainton for coming up with the greatest live arrangements on the Sixties (Give me George Martin in the studio and Leon Russell). The concert was recorded at New York's Filmore East in the spring of 1970 (as a film as well as an album). There were almost two dozen musicians involved, giving a whole new meaning to Noel Coward's famous song title, and the result is the definitive mixture of rock 'n' roll soul with a big brassy sound and Russell's awesome piano playing behind Cocker's powerful vocals.

Part of the impressive result was a couple of Cocker standards in "Cry Me a River" and "The Letter." It was the cover of the later, originally by the Box Tops, that broke Cocker into the U.S. Top 10 for the first time. Other standout tracks include the slower "Superstar" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long, " along with "Give Peace a Chance." Of course, "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" went gold as well as if there are those who want to argue that Joe Cocker's first three albums were his best, it is hard to argue with them. My preference for this one as the best of the lot is based almost on much as it being a double-album as it being live, but the live part is still the key consideration.

This is one of the best live albums ever recorded. The first track which is called 'Introduction' and lasts 41 seconds tells you a lot. A punchy brass section, and a great drummer (either Jim Gordon or Jim Keltner) who drives everything along. Straight into track 2 which is a stonking cover of the Stones 'Honky Tonk Woman'. Joe Cocker sounds like he's singing through broken glass, and the band rock in way that few bands can these days.

Another reason why this album was such a success was the appearance of Leon Russell whose presence is felt throughout the album on Piano and Guitar. If you've ever seen the film of this tour you'll know that he virtually stole the show from everybody with his Top Hat and huge white beard (not so out of place in 1970!). You can hear his distinctive Piano on the intro to another superb cover; 'Cry me River'. This track like all the uptempo tracks on this album has that gospel feel because of the backing choir and Joe Cocker's broken singing voice.

The other well known members of the band are:
Chris Stainton - frequently Claptons regular keyboard player
Bobby Keys - Tenor Sax
Rita Coolidge - Vocals

When listening to the band introductions and the interludes between the songs it becomes rather obvious that a lot of the band were either very stoned or had drunk a huge quantity of alcohol! Its also worth saying that this was recorded 37 years ago now, so for those used to crystaline modern recording techniques this probably sound horrible. However if you prefer your music carved from Rock rather than made in the studio by a computer, you want some soul, a big gospel influence and some driving rock 'n' roll this can't be beaten.

First, without a doubt this is one of the top ten live albums in history. Like other notable live discs that are a must (The Who Live at Leeds, James Brown Live at the Apollo, The Stones Get Yer Ya Ya's Out, Zep How the West Was Won..) Mad Dogs send that classic shiver of inspiration down your spine. The band is incredibly tight, with fantastic musicians, and passion. And of course Joe Cocker belts out every song with equal intensity and passion, yet he also shares the spot light with other members of the band. More than anything you get a sense that everyone involved can sense how special this touring gypsy company is, and it is very interesting to read in the booklet how quickly acrimony and ego led to an implosion of the Mad Dogs and one quirky Englishman. Very sad, and made me want to find out more behind the history. But again this is pure passionate music, and many of the songs here are the DEFINITIVE version any music lover must have. The remix and deluxe soungs really help flesh out the depth and passion of the concert, and especiall with the inclusion of With a Littl Help From My Friends...a whole troupe of friends indeed! Another great thing about the remix is that this disc sounds much warmer and full, and much louder! The older release was very stagnent and low volume mix. In short...GET IT! And play at maximum volume!

Normally I prefer studio albums over live ones, since the sound quality and performances are usually better. Mad Dogs and Englishmen is an exception though. This deluxe edition is infinitely preferable to the non-deluxe one, and I can hardly believe they left some of these songs out of the original release. The album captures the incredible energy generated by both the ecstatic crowd and the 20+ people onstage during the concert. The sound quality is extraordinarily good. Even amidst the wall of sound one can clearly distinguish each voice and instrument. Cocker sings with such a gritty passion that you would think it was the last thing he was ever going to sing. He is surely one of the greatest singers in the soul/rock/R&B genres, and his performance here is beyond any praise I could offer. Of course, the backing band is just as important as Cocker himself. Under the direction of the legendary Master of Space and Time, Leon Russell, the band, comprised of three drummers, a full choir, horn section, and assorted other players, cranks like no other. Russell's greatest strength as bandleader is his ability to drive the band into a seemingly unstoppable frenzy of intensity, and his inimitable piano style adds a quirky zing to many of the arrangements. The combination of all these elements propel the show into truly epic territory, well beyond what someone would expect from a bunch of R&B cover songs. Highlights on the album include a ridiculously awesome performance of Joe's signature "With a Little Help From My Friends," "Delta Lady," and "Space Captain," as well as Leon Russell's "Hummingbird." Cocker and Russell's duet on "Girl from the North Country" is extremely touching - the perfect way to close the show. This one is absolutely essential for Cocker fans, and anyone else who loves to hear a totally awesome band in all its glory.

I was at this concert when they played in Seattle, the best concert I've ever been to, and I've been to lots and lots. I love this deluxe edition. I had owned the record album, but because of divorce I lost all my music. It's wonderful to get some of it back

I've always loved Joe Cocker and watching this dvd i swear i had a flashback to my youth when my band would cover him! wow, what a wonderfully creative artist he is. 5 stars just to see this old chestnut and sing along with him again! so unique joe was in his most comfortable way-free to fling himself physically into ANY song! nobody ever did that before or since. the arm flinging ect. is purely joe cocker. he is one of a kind!

great tunes lots of memories, the price was right. the extras on this made it that much better and the sound wasn't bad either.