MAXIMUM DARKNESS

Wales's finest are here! Man did a couple of live albums in the early 70s (the other is not listed on this site for some reason), and since they were best appreciated, apparently, as a live act, this album really does them justice. It serves as an excellent introduction to what Man were all about. They did extended versions of their studio stuff and managed to make them interesting. The band's enthusiasticaly shrill vocals are always fun, and the sound is excellent. They were joined by Quicksilver guitarist John Cippollina on this one, and there is certainly a West Coast psychedelia feel to these long jams. The reason it works is the guitar players, while not virtuosic, have enough interesting ideas to keep you grooving. This is definitely an album fans of long solos will enjoy! Frankly, I don't think you can have enough live versions of "Bananas".

Live albums have always been hit and miss I think. I always think that we have not enough of them (in Man's case we are graced with plenty) There are a few cases where live releases are among a bands best (The Who and Deep Purple spring to mind) and this is no exception. Recorded during a tour that featured John Cipollina from west coast Quicksilver Messenger Service (Man's idols). For a start, the sound quality is amazing. It's crystal clear and all instruments balance out well in the mix. The songs are superbly performed, most of them extended beyond the original studio versions. A thing that is always essential for live LP's I've thought. It has been widely rumoured the Cipollina's playing was not up to expectations, so a little overdubbing was necessary. I dont know myself how much is true, but it still sounds totally live to me. You can feel the energy almost as if you are in the concert hall with them. They appear to be getting a lot of well deserved applause from the crowd. Without a doubt, my best live album of all time. Amazing stuff.

Along with Budgie,Man was the best band to come out from Wales during 70's , they toured relentessly and build strong fan base mostly through extended concerts.I always felt that their best records are live ones.Point in case,Maximum darkness is so perfect,you would think that massive studio overdubs are employed here,as someone already mentioned.There are three guitarists on this one(John Cippollina of Quicksilver fame guests here)and they are all of average guitar skills(not as bad as Neil Young,though),but ,my god,do they rock hard.Most of the songs are way superior to studio offerings,Many are called,but few get up is just a monster of a jam,also 7171-551 is another highlight,Deke's use of wah-wah pedal is just amazing here.Sound is very clean and powerfull,reinforcing the fact about studio overdubs,but I can care less.Very enjoyable album and excellent starting point for the newbies to Man's music,essential for a hardcore Manband fan.