Monday, 5 January 2015

Capt Beefheart Paris 77 UK review

http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Review.aspx?id=9760


Captain Beefheart: Le Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977Reviewed By: Nicky Crewe
Label: Gonzo Multimedia
Format: CD X2

This two disc live album captures a concert with a set list any Beefheart fan will love. It’s a mix of old favourites like ‘Electricity’, tracks from ‘Bat Chain Puller’, ‘Trout Mask Replica’, ‘Clear Spot’ and ‘Spotlight Kid’. It may not be the same Magic Band I saw earlier in the 1970s, but they sound as good. There’s conversation from the stage and heckling in French. It was a significant year for music, when two sevens clashed and punk was at a peak. Here’s a maverick musician, later credited with being a huge influence on contemporary music, performing an amazing set.

This recording captures a moment in time, one night, one concert in his career. Those of us who saw him may have other favourite concerts that live in our hearts and memories. But we will never see his like again, and true shaman that he is, this brings him back to life. If you saw him play live it’s a great way to remember him, and if you didn’t, it’s a new way to experience his music.

According to the sleeve notes, the audience danced. So did I.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO:

Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver 1973
CD - £9.99

Le Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977
2CD - £11.99


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