Although several ‘in concert’ recordings have made it into the 74 FROM ’74 Countdown, there are lots that didn’t.
Here are a handful.
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BIRTHCONTROL — LIVE
Almost a quintessential 70s prog rock band, Birthcontrol released this live double album to please their many German fans. It is energetic, with familiar songs getting extended treatments and everyone takes a turn in the spotlight (a strength and weakness of live albums). Zeus B. Held is a fine keyboard player and the vocals are strong too. Having considerable form with tasteless album covers, Birthcontrol didn’t disappoint with this one. Why, you ask, isn’t it just a gangster pastiche? Correct. But the tone changes somewhat when you see the target of those hairy hitmen.
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LARRY CORYELL & THE ELEVENTH HOUSE AT MONTREUX
When this live set was re-issued on vinyl a couple of RSDs back, I dug out the CD to see if it was worth a dual investment. Musically it is terrific. The solo opening track, “Improvisation on Villa-Lobos”, demonstrates Coryell’s outstanding guitar skills, while the following piece, Alphonse Mouton’s “Tamari”, is a hot-as-hell fusion gem. Mike Mandel, who regrettably did not record much, contributes varied and interesting keyboard parts. In fact the only disappointment is the length: a measly 34 minutes.
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ARGENT — ENCORE
A double live album from Rod Argent’s prog-infused rock band, marking the departure of co-founder Russ Ballard. In keeping with the times, we get extended workouts on Argent favourites (including the tedious “God Gave Rock and Roll To You”) and the welcome “surprise inclusion” of the Zombies “Time Of The Season”. I’m assured the whole thing sounds great after a herbal remedy or two.
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KEVIN AYRES / JOHN CALE / ENO / NICO — JUNE 1, 1974
This was a popular LP back in the day. I could never quite see it myself. A bit all-over-the-place and generally downbeat in mood, or so I thought. Though perhaps that is due to Nico’s doleful performance of the Doors epic “The End”. I like Eno and Ayers but still don’t quite get this one. If June 1, 1974 is a favourite date on your rock calendar, please share your enthusiasm!
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CARAVAN —LIVE AT THE FAIRFIELD HALLS, 1974
An excellent document of the 1974 incarnation of Caravan, who were a strong live act. I love the cover art where the Wise Men seem to be rocking up to the gig on camels.
Released in 2002, it was also in the 2021 monster boxed set Who Do You Think We Are?, a lavish, overblown and ridiculously expensive artefact that only fools and horses bought. Was Vinyl Connection a Yea or a Neigh? I’m sure you can guess the answer.
One of the many bonuses was the short live CD on the right.
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There is every chance that another “Five Live” post will appear between now and Christmas. You have been warned.
In the meantime, are any of these personal favourites?
vinylconnection.com.au 
Well, at least I was aware of Argent though not that particular album. “Time of the Season” indeed is an unexpected track. I absolutely love the original by the Zombies. Spontaneously, I think Argent’s cover has its charm. And, yeah, perhaps it gets even better after ingesting a herbal remedy or two! 🙂
Caravan are a band my dear longtime German music buddy Gerd has tried to make me like. You guys would probably get along well with each other! 🙂
In terms of embracing them, I’d say it’s still very much a work in progress. But, hey, it took me while to arm up to Zep, and they’re now among my most favorite rock bands, so ya never know! 🙂
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That’s it, Christian. Keep the door open, or at least ajar! Encore is OK, but rather ‘of its time’. By way of comparison, I’ve just written on Stop Making Sense for my paying gig and it sounds fresh, creative and exciting 40 years on.
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Cool, “Stop Making Sense” is an album you don’t have to convince me is great!
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I’ve bookmarked this page…I only know Argent off of this list…So I’ll check out the rest of them.
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Cool, Max. “All Together Now” is a good one to start with. Has the marvellous “Hold you head up”.
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Oh yes I like that one…plus if you were a member of the Zombies…you have to be alright.
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Too right! 🙂
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My listening has declined recently but interest piqued with mention of Ayres, Cale, Eno and Nico. Interest sank again with your commentary.
HiHo.
Thank you
DD
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It does have its adherents, DD. But for now Bill Evans might be more nourishing for body and soul.
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I’ll take that advice.
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Nice choice on that Caravan cover as your featured image here, has real nice composition. Don’t know any of these records; won’t be tracking down that Eno one either any time soon based on your assessment. Nico doing The End sounds dreadful. Kind of wish it were, eh? Like all 10 minutes’ worth.
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Nico and her harmonium (yes, that is the total ensemble) is an, er, acquired taste. I guess the VU connection with Cale makes the event special. Or maybe you just had to be there.
Thanks for browsing the racks, Bill.
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Don’t know Birthcontrol, all the other artists have passed by at one time or another. The Zombies version of Time of the Season was in my singles collection back in the day. Good song.
But, I must congratulate you on your writing (again). I chuckled long and loud when I read “… a lavish, overblown and ridiculously expensive artefact that only fools and horses bought. Was Vinyl Connection a Yea or a Neigh?” 🙂
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Thank you very much indeed, Phil. It means a lot to know that you are still enjoying the posts.
Like many lists of this kind, and certainly previous editions of the XX FROM ‘XX series, I would predict that the familiarity will only increase as we ascend. 🙂 Thanks for taking the journey.
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Now that’s a warning I can look forward to (it’s election time here in the U.S., so I’ll take whatever good comes my way at the moment). I remember the Ayres/Cale/Eno/Nico one from later years when a roommate picked it up used. I don’t recall rating it very high, but that was also when anything with Eno on it was a barn burner for me. – Marty
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Well, it’s happened already. (The sequel, I mean.)
I’m watching the US election closely and working out my pitch to offer friends relocation-to-Australia advice should the narcissistic ignorant felon not be consigned to the garbage dump of history. 😳
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And I’ll continue to try to provide some diversionary content, Marty. 🙂
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I might need such protection!
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