LIVE FACT AND LET FICTION LIVE

It should be noted that the most important words on the cover are at the bottom, where it says, "Recreated by Clive Mitten" as what we have here are all the tracks from both 'Fact and Fiction' and Geoff Mann's two final shows in November 1983, of which six tracks became 'Live and Let Live'. On Bandcamp it states, "Re-imagined, arranged, new performances added, engineered, produced and mastered by Clive Mitten". The result is something which is undoubtedly confusing to my ears, as we have music I know very well indeed, but which has additional keyboards (in particular) added, and the mix has been changed.

'Live and Let Live' is one of my all-time favourite live albums, while I believe it is a travesty that 'Fact and Fiction' was not recognised as one of the greatest studio albums of all time as it should have pushed them to superstar status. It has now been more than four decades since both original albums were released, and Clive was an essential part of both so if anyone has the right to revisit and "improve" them then it is him. However, while this may well appeal to many, especially those who have not previously heard these albums, and there is no doubt that Clive is a hugely talented multi-instrumentalist, I found that part of me was enjoying the songs, but a large part was also asking, "Why?".

I appreciate Clive may well feel that due to financial or time constraints the original releases were not exactly as he had wanted them, and Brian, Andy, Rick and Jane could well all be onboard for the changes he has made, but I honestly do not understand the need. The originals may not have been perfect to his ears, but to mine (and many others) they are the twin highlights of Twelfth Night's career, and albums I often revisit which is not something I can say about this release. My ears are so tuned into the originals that I kept questioning the additions/changes and hearing them as something placed over the top as opposed to seamlessly fitting in.

I fully expect to be in the minority, as I am sure there are many fans of the band who will enjoy this reimagining, but while I can never get enough of the Mann, here we have music which I have always thought at being 5* on steroids being somewhat reduced.

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