Since I've been an irresponsible blogger and haven't posted in awhile, I'm going to attempt to make good with two reviews, both from the Allman Brothers. Bob, listen up, because one of them is about to be mildly slaughtered. So, let's just chase the rabbit down the hole, shall we?
"Okay, the Allman Brothers Band." And so begins for most one of the greatest live albums ever -- except I must have been asleep during class, because I don't understand why. "Statesboro Blues" is proof enough, for sure, if it could only sustain my interest after that. Really, truly wonderful little cover it is. But come on, these fellows have better stuff than what this mediocre mess of a live album has become. Duane Allman and Dickey Betts are phenomenal guitarists, but the three boogie jamfests left me wondering if I could have taken three pilgrimages to Mecca and back before they were done. And I'm not Muslim. And I love jams. There was simply nothing consistently inspiring in "You Don't Love Me," "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" and especially "Whipping Post." Really, where were they going other than being novel and fulfilling the pandering of a wanting crowd? Live shows are fantastic, but I'm not entirely sold on most of them being good recordings. Very few can do that. This one sounds like even if you were there it may not have been great, either. C
3 comments:
I hear you on this one, Hatter. Somehow, I missed this recording (actually, I missed the whole Allman Brothers thing altogether), and when I finally dug it out and listened to it two years ago, I was... uh... um... how do I say this nicely?
I was bored out of my fucking mind.
It's just long-winded and dull. If Duane Allman is to guitar soloing what Bill Clinton is to public speaking, then Live at the Fillmore East is Duane's 1988 Democratic convention speech.
I listened to this last around the same time as Chuck and I remember being pretty caught up in it. I don't remember the details, but it seemed to me that the Allmans had real fire at this show. Unfortunately, it's been too long since I listened to it to adequately defend it. It might not argue well in the album's favor that I haven't gotten it back out in two years though.
Not that I think the Allman Brothers are anything brilliant, but I would not start or end with this. Duane and Dickey have their moments, but it's too Zappa-Shut-Up-'N-Play-Yer Guitar for me. And yes, Bob, if you haven't listened to it in that long, you're not putting up a spirited defense, eh?
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