AT THE CLIFFS OF RIVER RHINE

This album wasn't released till 1998 but contains excellent recordings from 1974, shortly before the band split. It mainly consists of tracks from the second album, the 13 minute Through The Moods and 9 minute Big Fuzz add more then 20 minutes of unique material.

Just as on the 1974 release Last, it seems you can't go wrong with live work from the band. Their studio albums didn't really reveal their inner beauty yet for me, but the live work sure compensates for that. The playing is dedicated, subtle, inspired and energetic, in other words, exactly how you would want it from the band. The recording quality is superb, except for the 2008 bonus track Big Fuzz that has a more bootleg type of sound but it's still enjoyable. The 2008 re-release also has different artwork, with a picture of the band and public in live action, which is far more fitting then awkward 90's Yes-pastiche of the original 98 release.

I'm not the biggest live album enthusiast as so few bands can add anything to their studio albums. But the list of exceptions to that rule is growing bigger and Agitation Free can sure be added onto it. Recommended Kraut-rock live!