PLAYTIME

Sometimes, live albums comes across as strictly enforced versions of studio songs in the front of an audience which is happy just to eyeball the band. Even in a crowd of 150 000 people.

...And then you have live albums like this one. The sixteen minutes long opener Flanagan's People is a long jam where all rules are twisted, broken and smashed to pieces. An excellent fusion-jam and the highlight of the album. The other tracks, mostly tracks from their first two albums gets a new lease of life here. Even Dreams Wide Awake sounds great here. The end result is a loose, playful live album with great sound. Introvert and not particular audience friendly (where were they ?) but still great listening. National Health attacks the tunes hell for leather and gives the listener an unforgettable experience.

The music is very much National Health with playful jazz/fusion in the Canterbury vein. Still very melodic and with some hints of classical music and English eccentricity. Fans of EGG, HATFIELD AND THE NORTH, GILGAMESH, GONG and even SOFT MACHINE will find this album interesting.

Also a big hoorayy/cheer for the excellent booklet and the packaging. This include the full National Health story and is a primary source for information for any fans. This just enforce my opinion that this is an essential album for any National Health and Canterbury scene fans. It is also one of the best prog rock live albums out there.

4 stars.

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