JUNE 1ST,1974

This is an odd one. I say so because it is no way a 'conventional' record in that it is a live concert of a one-off gig of avant-luminaries. Thus, there really isn't much to compare it to. I am prompted to do so because I saw that there was only one existing review of this album and I figured I'd add my 2 cents.

Right out of the gate: portions of this album border on genius. Eno (and to a lesser extent Ayers) is in top fom. His star in the ascent due to his recently released "Here Comes the Warm Jets", Eno is really on fire and it's great to hear him cutting loose. Fan of his work with 801 should really enjoy his 2 contributions. Ayers side-long songs are not my favorites by him but special mention must go out to Ollie Hassal, really amazing here on guitar. WARNING: this album is in NO way prog by conventional standards. Side 2 is really just a rock and roll record with some fantastic musicianship.

"Driving Me Backwards": Retains the lilting, seasick rhythm of the recorded version. Ayers and Archie Leggatt play some great descedending bass patterns. John Cale contributes in his idiosyncratic viola style: grating while oddly beautiful. Only regret: no drum kit so it never goes into the 4/4 beat that contrasts so greatly with the oceanic bass drum of the studio version. Favorite Eno-ism: "She treats me good/Just like an armchair"

Rating: 5/5

Baby's On tire: Eno in great, maniacal form. His vocals will probably annoy anyone not into glam-posturing. The first instrumental break is awesome: guitar freakout with Robert Wyatt playing what sound like timbales. Ollie Hassal's guitar playing is tremendous. When the full-band finally kicks in at the end for a few bars it sounds absolutely perfect.

Rating: 5/5

Heartbreak Hotel: First of the two real problems with the album. One gets the impression on this and the next track that the group is having a laugh or not taking itself too seriously. Giving it the full Art-Rock treatment, the original is scarcely recognizable (although the hyphenated main-riff is great). Backing vocals do nothing but annoy. Eno's synths are great 'Pong' sounding distractions though. A novelty.

Rating 2.5/5

"The End": Yup, it's the Doors song. Nico is an acquired taste and I've only really enjoyed her non-VU album Chelsea Girl. I guess this is supposed to be some heavy- handed minimalist statement but to me it sounds like a French cafe cliche. Brings to mind berets and goatees. Hearing Jimbo's sophmoric poetry delivered in monotone by the chick he used to have relations with is 'wanting' to say the least. Listen to it once to say that you survived it. For fans of coffee house poetry readings and drying paint.

Rating: 1/5

"May I?": Intro has a real heavy Dylanesque Highway 61 feel. Hammond organ and acoustic guitar. Once the verse comes in you have a sort of samba rhythm again greatly enhanced by Hassal's playing. When Ayer's starts speak/singing French in his trademark baritone it's almost too much. All in all though, worth the solo alone.

Rating: 3.5/5

"Shouting In A Bucket Blues": Just plain fun. Not prog in any way, shape, or form. Jazz-inflected guitar runs reminiscent to me of Garcia at times. Band's in great form and really rocking out.

Rating: 4/5

"Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes": Pretty straight ahead rocker. Reminds me of Lou Reed. Really ahead of its time in some arrangement respects. The middle-eight is pretty 'far out'. Rating: 3.5/5

"Some Peoples Sometime and Other People's All the Time Blues": Clear winner of "Best Song Title on Album' by a mile. Slow blues with some really transcendent guitar playing by Mike Oldfield.

Rating: 3.5/5

Two Goes Into Four": Pastoral, pretty, and easily my favorite Ayer's track on the whole shebang. Tympani rolls, atmospheric ambient synths, and a muted performance by the main man. Great closer to the album.

Rating: 5/5

For fans of prog-related pop. If Tales from Topographic Oceans is your bag, you will not find much here to love (myself, I like both). Completist fans of Ayers and Eno will love it...other than that, I'd guess probably not much of a coup for anyone.

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