EXTENDED VERSIONS

Given that the "Extended versions" releases are always repackagings of previously released live material, I have tried hard to pin down exactly which of the many Vanilla Fudge live collections this album sources its tracks from.

Initial indications were that it may be the "Good good rock, live at Rockpalast" set, which was recorded in the same year (2004) with a very similar track list. The limited sleeve notes which accompany this release though, state that it was recorded in Glendale Studios, California before a live audience in September 2004. They also state that the San Fernando Symphony Orchestra play on the album, and orchestral arrangements can certainly be heard on some tracks. This would tend to point towards the "Then and now" album as being the source.

This then becomes even more confusing as "Then and now" is according to some sources a re-packaging of the studio album "The return".

In any event, the track list here is almost identical to that of "The return", although this album is definitely a live recording. I do have some suspicions though about the authenticity of the audience sounds, as there would appear to be several thousand people present (plus the orchestra), not bad going for a "studio"! Ironically too, these "Extended versions" are noticeably shorter than the same tracks on "The Return" album. Coincidentally, eight of the ten tracks are curtailed to run to within a few seconds of 5 minutes. Strange eh?

It seems then that these recordings may therefore be unique to this album, and taken from the same live performance of "Need love" which appears on the "Then and now" album.

Looking at the actual music here, there is certainly an energy and excitement to the songs throughout. The band are in great form playing many of the covers of songs which they amazed us with 40 years ago. "People get ready", "You keep me hanging on", "Seasons of the witch" etc. are all reinvigorated and thoroughly enjoyable. We also have newer covers such as Rod Stewart's "Do ya think I'm sexy", the song actually coming across really well here.

The packaging is poor, but fans of Vanilla Fudge would be well advised to pick this budget release up, you will not be disappointed.