KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR

This is actually almost a live version of "Sheet Music" (seven songs out of ten from this album are featured).

But there are two fundamental problems with this live set.

The first one being that it was impossible for the band to re-create their studio performances on stage. Remember, this was taped in 1975 and the technology was somewhat different as it is nowadays. Their gorgeous studio effects, their great arrangements aren't available here.

We get very nice and crafted vocals of course. 10CC must be the sole band in the music history to have ever featured FOUR great vocalists.

The second major problem would be that several songs are uselessly extended.

"Baron Samedi" and "Rubber Bullets" clocking at twenty minutes all together is not the best as one could have expected from the band.

I like very much live albums but I am not that keen on : either long and dull solos (which is not the case here) or repeated and endless instrumental sections (like during "Rubber Bullets".

I should have attended their next tour for "The Original Soundtrack" (in 1976). But the concert was cancelled at the Brussels university because the décor wouldn't have fit into the concert hall.Typical Belgian story, I'm afraid. This is the reason why I have never attended a 10CC concert.

But anyway, I believe that this band is more a studio one, so I just consolated myself while listening to "Sheet Music" or "The Original Soundtrack". And I recommend you to do the same.

Three stars for this live recording which was released more than twenty years later than the effective performance. Better late than never, right !