SHIBUYA NIGHTS - LIVE IN TOKYO

4.5 stars. A couple of bands that I have a huge admiration for namely AGITATION FREE and ALPHATAURUS have released live albums recently. Now you have to keep in mind that neither band has released anything of relevance for some 40 years, so lets just say with both bands I was a little skepticle. I certainly didn't rush out and order them, in fact with both it wasn't until I kept reading all these positive comments that I decided to take the plunge. Best dive I ever took. A rich man in Japan is the reason AGITATION FREE's original lineup got back together for three shows in Tokyo. It was their first time playing together in some 35 years, although I have no doubt they practiced a lot before these gigs. The fear of course with a recording like this is that the band may have lost the passion, skills and magic that was there in the early seventies. Well I still can't believe how incredible this band sounds after all these years. I have to say it was an emotional experience for me and that I did not see coming. We get five tracks from "Malesch" and five from "Second" while two are new and two are from the re-union album back in 1999 that Hoenig did not participate in.

The first bit of emotion comes with hearing that familiar conversation from the start of "You Play For Us Today" from the "Malesch" album. The atmosphere rolls in after a minute, then bass followed by drums then guitar. This is so good ! "Sahara City" from "Malesch" was also the second track after "You Play For Us Today" so this is significant for fans. Lots of percussion and a mid-eastern vibe. Lots of atmosphere late. "In The Silence Of The Morning" is a top three for me. This is from "Second" and reminds me a lot of ALCATRAZ's "Simple Headphone Mind" song. Just a feel good groove that is laid back. "Shubya Nights" is new and we get loud drums and guitar eventually leading. "First Communication" from "Second" opens with an explosion then it becomes spacey and atmospheric. Great sound with the guitar as the organ floats in the background. "Dialogue & Random" from "Second" is dominated with drums.

"Ala Tul" from "Malesch" has samples of voices then atmosphere takes over and it's loud. Drums and guitar follow and then it picks up. So much going on. "Laila" from "Second" is a top three and it opens with a loud bang that echoes then the guitar, bass and drums take over. This is so uplifting as the guitar solos over top. A calm 2 1/2 minutes in and then it builds. So freaking good. The guitar rips it up late Santana-like. "Nomads" is from "River Of Return" and has native-like drumming as the guitar comes in and solos. Back to the drums only. "A Quiet Walk" opens with water sounds as the atmosphere rolls in. Sparse sounds and voices too. A beat 3 minutes in then it picks up wirth guitar. Great tune. "Das Kleine Uhrwerk" from "River Of Return" has intricate guitar melodies as a beat joins in. Ukelele before 2 1/2 minutes. it's okay. "Malesch" has floating organ and keys to start but it gets fuller before a minute. Feel good music right there. "Drifting" is new and one of my favourites. The sound is spacey and drifting throughout.. Beautiful. "Rucksturz" from "Malesch" ends it and it's my final top three. Spacey winds to open as a beat comes in then guitar. My God ! So gorgeous.

I will treasure this album and hold it and pet it...er I mean I highly recommend this to AGITATION FREE fans everywhere. A must !