Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Weeks before Captain Beefheart's Magic Band had quit on him (or been fired). To salvage an upcoming UK tour a group of session musicians were brought together to fill in. Of course they weren't used to the complex material the Magic Band had been playing for years so Beefheart it's assumed opted for a straightforward blues-rock approach.
Judged on its own terms the resulting live album is a success. The musicians weren't slouches, they were professional session players and journeyman and delivered good upfront blues-rock with the two guitarists contributing some surprisingly good riffs throughout. Listen to Dean Smith's guitar on 'This is the Day' or to the interplay between he and Fuzzy Fuscaldo on the opening 'Mirror Man', they can certainly deliver the goods.
It's an unfairly maligned album (the Tragic Band), not up to Magic Band standards but very enjoyable nonetheless. Frankly it puts many if not most live cds by blues-rock bands who've played for years to shame. The band plays within its strenghts, Beefheart seems to be enjoying himself and so does the audience.
Listen to it without comparing it to the Magic Band and it stands up as a good listen I think. So think toe-tapping on the front porch with a shot of good bourbon and you'll enjoy it.
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