PLAYS LIVE

When this album was released in 1983, I was still in Bandung for my engineering study. My friend who just received the album in LP version showed me the pictures inside the LP. I was really impressed with all accompanying pictures inside the LP and my attention went to a pair of shoes that one of the band members used - it's David Rhodes? Not sure. But, that pair of shoes stimulated me to get and .. finally I got it! I was proud that it seemed I dressed like the member of the band. Oh, what a memory! Anything about rock music always create good stimuli for me to emulate except drugs man!

This album was compiled from four concerts in the mid-wesr of the United States and Canada on autumn 1982 tour. The album opener "The Rhythm Of The Heat" (6:26) is an excellent song from Gabriel's fourth album "Security" that has become one of my favorite. With a longer introduction part and big applaud from the crowd, this song performed live has created great live vibes for the live CD listeners. Wow! So lively! I used to play this CD in, especially this opening track, in LOUD volume. I enjoy especially when Jerry Marotta enters his drums and percussive followed with Gabriel's yell "Oooooo ." oh man . what a wonderful voice entrance. It follows with "Looking out the windows ." voice of Gabriel that set the live atmosphere. [Hey, am now listening this track with loud volume so what I'm writing truly represents what I feel now. It's so powerful man!]. It then continues with Gabriel's voice saying "I Have The Touch" (4:43) in an excellent way.

Yeah man, it's the live vibe that has made this album is something that you should have the CD. Songs like "Not One Of Us", "Family Snapshot", "D.I.Y.", "Intruder", "I Go Swimming" are better performed here than the original studio versions. Oh man .. I can not bear it any more when this live set reaches "The Family And The Fishing Net". It's one of my best favorite track from Gabriel's fourth album "Security". The melody, the composition and the lyrics are all wonderful! The singing style of Gabriel during this track is top notch!

"San Jacinto" is another track that I love from Peter Gabriel; the composition and singing style are both wonderful. I truly enjoy the opening part with great keyboard sound that flows in ambient. It's a powerful song. "San Jacinto - I hold the line" - I cannot let myself not singing with Gabriel while playing the CD. "Solsbury Hill" continues the show nicely. "No Self Control" is another great track that I like "I don't know how to stop!". In "I Don't Remember" (with solid bass lines) Peter Gabriel sings beautifully during opening (improvised) and the rest of the track. "On The Air" and "Humdrum" are another excellent track performed flawlessly.

Overall, it's an excellent addition to any prog music collection. It's a must for those who love live record or Peter Gabriel's music. Production quality is also excellent. My CD is a double CD set with a double jewel case. It's one of my precious collection. Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW