THE VERY VERY BOOTLEG LIVE IN LILLE FRANCE 1992

It's interesting that, with all the fuss the music industry makes about illegal copying, it is considered a good marketing policy to label a quasi-official release as a "bootleg". This live album is not in fact a bootleg, but an official fan club release. The recording, which has not been remixed or dubbed, and thus has the feel of a bootleg, is taken from the band's performance in Lille in France in 1992.

Pendragon are primarily a studio band who seldom tour now, probably due to the numerous other commitments of Clive Nolan. Four of the five tracks included on this album originally appeared on their earlier albums "World" and "Kowtow", the opening track "Excalibur" being a something of a sought after rarity.

The band's reputation has been built on high quality albums of the neo-prog genre, with lush keyboard sounds supporting melodic vocals and incisive guitar work. The production standards brought to their albums give them a polished feel, and an air of quality. Unfortunately, most of those values are missing here, the sound being raw to the point of almost appearing amateur.

The main problems I have with the album are the drums which are much too predominant in the mix, and the vocals of Nick Barrett, which are far below his usual standard.

There are some enjoyable moments. Nolan plays some excellent synth on "Queen of hearts" the full length version (over 21 minutes) of which is included here, and "And we'll go hunting deer". Barrett has a bit of fun with vocal echo effects on "Solid heart" which at the time would have seemed quite innovative (along the lines of Queen's "Prophet song").

Pendragon's recent "Liveosity" DVD/CD release shows just how far they have come in live performance terms. This albums though is entirely dispensable, and should be avoided by all by the most ardent of fans.

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