ENCORE: LIVE IN CONCERT

This live set is a good balance between old and newer songs (at the time of recording). Three songs (but twenty-six minutes) from their latest album are the main body of this live album.

One of the highlight is "The Coming Of Kohoutek" which is much more extended than its studio counterpart. It is a real showcase for Rod Argent, even if one can reproach him to play his Emerson here. But even if he did so, he is forgiven. It is a great opener for a concert indeed.

The global tendency of this live recording is that the live renditions sound generally better. They all have a harder/heavier edge (even the funky "Thunder And Lightning" is more bearable).

The third song from "Nexus" is the more complex "Music From The Spheres" which is made of two distinctive parts: a first one which combines some fine melody and a jazzy section and the second one which is more in the prog vein (not too far from "Yes" actually).

From their album "In Deep", there are both parts of "It's Only Money". These are probably the weakest parts of this live album. But the originals were no big deal to tell the truth. Part II though is much better than the studio version. The instrumental part features another great organ solo. I really like these. would you believe?

Their smash hit "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" works miles better in this live set. It is more dynamic and vibrant, even if I have never been too enthusiast about this repetitive song. At least during the live version, there seems to more passion, more strengths.

Three songs as well are coming from their third album "All Together Now". An extended version of the very good "I Am The Dance Of The Ages": a heavy track with a repetitive beat. In those days, it was rather usual to get some long solo and extended versions of studio songs: "Made In Japan" and "Uriah Heep Live" are the references in that respect (but there are others).

The revival "Keep On Rolling" is just an appetizer for their best ever song as far as I am concerned: the fantastic "Hold Your Head Up". A brilliant interpretation, on the longer side again. But this aspect is not at all exaggerated and it is again a good occasion for Rod to have the main role. It is another highlight.

There are also two non "Argent" tracks available: the mellow "I Don't Believe In Miracles" (featured previously on Colin Blunstone's second album "Ennismore") and the excellent "Time Of The Season" from "The Zombies". This track is another highlight: a great and psychedelic number which is a very good way to close this album. I would say that it is just shy of the four star rating (seven out of ten).

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