LIVE MUSIC FROM THE TWILIGHT ZONE

3.5 stars. I hate not giving this 4 stars being a big WIGWAM fan but I was disappointed with the direction they went for this live release. My two favourite WIGWAM albums are "Fairyport" and "Being" with that trio of Pembroke, Gustavson and Pohjola sharing the writing and composing, and this is the last evidence of that as Gustavson and Pohjola would leave only months after this performance. I just don't know why they did 3 covers and a few bluesy numbers here, and also there are no songs from the two previous albums and those are my favourites! We get one song from "Nuclear Nightclub" which was released the same year as this live record but without Gustavson and Pohjola. Oh, I do like that album cover.

"The Moon Struck One" is a cover of THE BAND song and they extend it to over 17 minutes with about a 10 minute instrumental interlude. Actually I like this one though I wasn't familiar with the original it's just good to hear Pembroke's voice. The organ, bass and guitar all get the spotlight here. "Let It Be" is THE BEATLES cover a song I don't like to begin with and they extend it to almost 8 minutes with an extended instrumental break in there and lots of organ. Not into this at all.

"Groundswell" is a top three for me. I enjoy the acoustic guitar, bass and drums but when that distorted organ kicks in I'm smiling. Good song. "Pig Storm" is from "Nuclear Nightclub" and it's catchy and energetic which would go over well live. It's fairly straight forward and bluesy too though.

"Nipistys" was a treat as it's from one of Pohjola's solo albums and this is a top three for me. Organ to start but I love when it picks up with guitar before 1 1/2 minutes. We get a brief calm with organ after 3 1/2 minutes then it picks up again with guitar followed by organ. "Imagine" is the Lennon song. Sure it's a great song but I can't get into it.

"Help Me/ Checkin' Up On My Baby" is a bluesy number including the vocal style. They seem to jam here. It's okay. "Grass For Blades" is a Pembroke song and a great way to end it. My final top three. Floating organ to start as quiet vocals join in. The vocals turn passionate and theatrical around 2 minutes. It's pretty much bass and a beat after 8 minutes as the organ floats in. I like when the tempo picks up as they "rock out" for a while. A calm after 10 1/2 minutes with some nice guitar. The vocals are back after 14 minutes.

If your into this band I'd suggest checking this album out. I'll stick with "Fairyport" and "Being" myself but there's lots to like here.