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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWith the mighty Flamin\u2019 Groovies being the sound of summer chez moi, it seems appropriate to review this double CD live release from Cleopatra Records. With the lion\u2019s share of tracks being from the Roundhouse gig of 1978, and the rest from the Imperial College in 1976, this is the classic line up of Jordan, Wilson and Alexander. On the one hand, this was the band at the height of their live power, tight and focussed. On the other, I\u2019d really like to hear the Roy Loney era gigs, to absorb his more unhinged approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1978 kicks off with \u2018Between The Lines\u2019, and it\u2019s a reminder that we\u2019re lucky to have The Speedways nowadays. It\u2019s a similar knack with a tune, simple but somehow clever at the same time. \u2018Lady Friend\u2019 shows their talent for melding Beatles and Byrds melodies without sounding too earnest, which makes the inclusion of two Beatles songs all the more puzzling. \u2018Please, Please Me\u2019 and \u2018From Me To You\u2019 are decent enough homages, the drummer nailing Ringo\u2019s hi-hat shenanigans, and the crowd sound happy. Maybe the band wanted to move away from the Loney material, but didn\u2019t have too many songs to choose from?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, we do get to hear the classic \u2018Don\u2019t Put Me On\u2019, which is essentially \u2018Shake Some Action\u2019 Part 2 (this isn\u2019t a criticism!). It remains one of my favourite songs, and currently, in France, the fabulous Fran\u00e7ois Premiers do a cracking version. Along with \u2018House Of Blue Light\u2019 and \u2018Reminiscing\u2019, there\u2019s Cliff\u2019s legendary \u2018Move It\u2019, which feels like a better choice of cover version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1976 has to include \u2018Shake Some Action\u2019, obviously, still one of the best songs ever. Sound quality is a little shaky (sorry), but worth hearing nonetheless. You don\u2019t want a slick sound, do you? It\u2019s beautiful as it is. \u2018I\u2019ll Cry Alone\u2019 is gloriously melancholy, while the run through of \u2018Miss Amanda Jones\u2019 might remind Mick and Keith to dust it off whilst they still can. And they rattle through \u2018Hey, Hey, Hey!\u2019 in a manner to get Jim Jones\u2019 foot tapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also included is an alternative take of \u2018Slow Death\u2019 and the Courettes\u2019 mix of \u2018Shake Some Action\u2019, which is pleasant enough with its Spector Sound and added drums, but you can\u2019t improve on the original. So, if you want to experience the 60s by way of visiting the 70s, this is a fine destination, daddio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n