801 LIVE

The most interesting side project from Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, 801 played for a very short time, and 801 Live came forth. 801 Live is a captured performance of what they thought was the best night of the few gigs they played. Everything fell into place. Well, it would be surprising if something didn't fall into place with Simon Phillips and Eno there. The best part (or one of them) about the album is the diversity of the songs played, opening with "Lagrima", a solo Manzanera piece. Next, an intriguing version of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows". And out of the covers of that song, try to find a better one. Next, the fusion-like "East of Asteroid" followed by "Rongwrong", a psychedelic- touched song. "Miss Shapiro", "Third Uncle", and "Baby's on Fire" are no less interesting either. Even another cover turns up, this time it's the Kinks' "You Really Got Me". Eno's piece "Sombre Reptiles", and Manzanera's "Diamond Head" are also very good. A live glimpse into the short-lived world of an unlikely group, and a very good one at that, is enough for you to buy this very good album. (Once again, a 4 1/2 would have been more suitable).