Five more 1974 live albums, including two appearances by a British organist and two with ‘oblivion’ in the titles. What are the chances?
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VELVET UNDERGROUND — 1969
Released in September 1974 when Lou Reed was a star (if that’s the right word), this rambling double-LP live album is really rather a delight for Velvet Underground fans. So laid back as to be almost horizontal, it is a composite from two 1969 recordings: one in Dallas and the other San Francisco. What makes it special is not the recording quality (which is basic yet satisfactory) but the chance to hear previously unreleased songs, VU faves, and some known songs preformed by different band members. I’d describe this as a ‘must’ for Lou/VU fans.
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ROY HARPER — FLASHES FROM THE ARCHIVES OF OBLIVION
Known by some as the subject of “Hats of to Harper” from Led Zeppelin III and to others as the guest singer on Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” (Wish You Were Here), Roy Harper is a cult folk-rock-singer-poet whose fascinating (if sometimes uneven) body of work is well represented on this double LP. Recorded (as Roy tells us helpfully on the back cover) “at various concerts up and down England at one time or another,” the album opens (perversely) with a studio recording before Harper and his guitar take centre stage. There are moments of acoustic folk beauty and others—like “Don’t you Grieve”, about Judas’s tricky situation—demonstrating the poet’s mordant wit. Those already on board will enjoy this wander through Roy’s garden; others might want to start with an intro such as 2001’s Hats Off.
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BRIAN AUGER’S OBLIVION EXPRESS — LIVE OBLIVION VOLUMES 1&2
British Organ/Keyboard player Brian Auger had success with his outfit the Trinity, featuring Julie Driscoll. After they disbanded at the end of the 60s, Auger formed the Oblivion Express who played, toured and recorded for several years.
These live albums (the second volume is a double) were recorded at Hollywood’s Whiskey a Go-Go and capture the Express’s jazz-rock excursions well as they explore pieces by Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock, and some originals. There’s even a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues.” Singer Alex Ligertwood adds a rock element with his Steve Winwood-style vocals, and the whole thing cooks very pleasingly. (I’ve included Volume 2 because it draws from the same gigs, even though it was released a couple of years later).
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PASSPORT — DOLDINGER JUBILEE CONCERT
German saxophone player and band leader Klaus Doldinger formed Passport in 1970 to meld his jazz background with emerging rock rhythms and instrumentation. The result was a uniquely European jazz-rock outfit that made some highly entertaining LPs.
This live concert was recorded in late 1973 and released in ’74. It contains two tracks from their debut LP, one each from two later albums, and a couple of standards (“Freedom Jazz Dance” and a one-of guest vocal spot from UK blues legend Alexis Korner on “Rock Me Baby”). Brian Auger contributes organ to the band, demonstrating how hard he was working in 1974.
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DAVIE BOWIE — DAVID LIVE
At the time of its release there were lukewarm reviews of this tour and live album. But that may have been influenced by things other than the music. Maybe Bowie’s restlessness of image confused those still grappling with the canine glam rock of Diamond Dogs. Or the pre-filled the perception that good music cannot be made through a haze of cocaine (Ha! Talk to Black Sabbath, doubters!). Whatever, this is a very enjoyable live set that has been expanded several times over the years. In fact I don’t have the original 2LP set any more, having shed it after springing for the triple LP remastered gatefold in 2017. Purchased in a haze of vinylist Bowie obsession, no doubt.
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Love Bowie’s Halloween Jack persona and emerging Young Americans sound? Doff your hat to Roy Harper? Or perhaps nominate Roy’s album cover for the Worst Covers of the 1970s Award? Do tell!
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Nice selections of live albums. The Velvets release is one of their best recordings ever. What Goes On absolutely cooks. Always enjoy exploring Roy Harper’s work, but am not familiar with this record – will look into it. As for David Live, I have had a love / hate relationship with it for many decades. Certainly an interesting era for David, his voice is not in great shape but crucial phase in the Bowie scheme of things.
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The drugs were not kind to David’s voice at this time, were they? Transitional but enjoyable. I think I rate it because I have always liked Young Americans (shoot, I like pretty much every thing of Bowie’s).
Thanks for dropping by. I plan to explore your posts further during coming weeks, but for now want to alert VC readers that your current post on designer Barney Bubbles is a corker!
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Thank you for reading VC and linking it up. Really appreciate the feedback. I agree with you re Young Americans.
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The only album in this post I previously heard is Bowie, at a friend’s house, though it’s been a long time. Since it falls in the tail end of his glam rock period, my favorite Bowie phase, this makes me feel like revisiting this album.
I mostly know Klaus Doldinger by name and because he composed the musical theme of long-running German police drama series “Tatort.” That specific track featured Udo Lindenberg on drums, who subsequently became a prominent Deutschrock artist. It appears Doldinger who is 88 hasn’t officially retired.
Last but not least, I see that Velvet Underground album includes “Sweet Jane,” a song I only recently “discovered” and immediately decided to cover. 🙂
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I do enjoy your run-throughs, Christian. The Bowie (especially the expanded edition) is very solid and draws on his entire catalogue to that point in time. I would be surprised if you did not enjoy it as the playing is very good.
I don’t think Tatort was shown here, though we did get “Inspector Rex”! Herr Doldinger also did the OST for the feature film “Das Boot”, which achieved a level of fame worldwide. I like Passport a lot, though this live outing is not their best. The 2 CD ‘Spirit of Continuity’ is a great career summary.
“Sweet Jane” is a great one to cover, as witnessed by the frequency with which artists do a version! I am sure yours is top notch.
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Ah, yes, “Das Boot” – amazing movie and great score. This brings me to yet another music connection: One of the actors in that picture was Herbert Grönemeyer who remains quite popular in Germany as a singer-songwriter. I need to check out Passport’s “Spirit of Continuity” – thanks for the tip!
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I know both Herbert and Udo’s names, but not their music. 🙂
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Ha ha, looks like for a change I know some German music you don’t. Of course, you can easily “retaliate”with German prog rock or Krautrock I likely have no clue about!😆
I listened a lot to Deutsch Rock and Pop in the ‘80s, including Lindenberg and Grönemeyer. I’ll spare you other names.😀
I think Lindenberg was best in the ‘70s – pretty rock-oriented! He also did some fun covers like “Sympathy For the Devil”, “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” (with Eric Burdon) and “Penny Lane”, for which he wrote new lyrics and titled the song “Reeperbahn.” His live album “Lindenberg livehaftig” is a great intro to that era.
Grönemeyer is more pop and new wave focused. Initially, he gained popularity in the ‘80s during the “Neue Deutsche Welle” period. His albums “4630 Bochum” and “Ö“ are my personal favorites.
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I find myself enamored by and sometimes annoyed by Roy Harper. I think he’s still performing if I’m right?! Love his f-it spirit though, that’s for sure. And you’re right about that VU live one also.
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Thanks Bill.
Yes, a very personal vision/journey, is Roy’s. There’s an album from 2013 that I enjoyed and keep meaning to spend more time with. (Sadly, a common VC story.) He’s lived his life doing what he loves, which is no mean achievement, right?
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I’m not a huge live album guy, so never heard any of these. A lot of flesh on the Roy Harper cover…
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It’s a shocker, really. An arm-wrestle with Hipgnosis, apparently. One where both lost, I reckon!
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Harper certainly doesn’t look muscular enough to be a good arm wrestler. Long levers though.
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😅
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I’ve been tempted by the Velvet Underpants album but not bought it yet. I own none of the others. I’ll get my coat.
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Actually, I do understand ambivalence towards the VU, especially given the deification process that has followed them closely since the mid-70s. The third LP was my introduction. Though ‘Loaded’ is perhaps the best set of songs. Whatevs. You probably know all that anyway, Joe. 😉
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Sorry, I meant none of the other selections here, I’m very much a VU fan – White Light, White Heat esp. a significant part of my record collection was sired by ‘Sister Ray’.
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Ah, apologies for misunderstanding. Your swipe card for the VU Users Lounge has been re-instated.
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The live Bowie LP included in this post is a classic.
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Agreed. And the expanded version even more classicker!
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And it’s one of the coolest covers to boot! – Marty
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Apparently the Roy album cover caused a walk out by the ladies at the record plant. This may be apocryphal but I dont want to know the truth.
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Given the clumsy black circle censorship, one wonders that an unexpurgated version has not surfaced over the years. But some things are perhaps better left in the trash can of history, eh Neil?
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I would not want to see that and some things should be forgotten
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[…] Vinyl Connection […]
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Is that Roy on the Velvet cover also? I do like “Live” records. The Passport and Oblivion have tweaked my interest.
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That’s hilarious, CB. Maybe he knicked the VU models knickers?
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[…] FIVE MORE LIVE […]
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Not a great album cover but an interesting live document of Bowie’s ‘heady’ days.
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