CHANCE FOR A LIVE TIME

I would consider this album as the first KAYAK true live album because it has everything: there were gigs performed and recorded, and there were audience involved. Yes, you are right, "Eyewitness" was the band first live recording but it missed essential elements of "true" live records: the gig and the audience. "Eyewitness" was recorded to remark the end of the band in 1982. A sad story. This album was recorded live fro a set of "Close To The Fire" Tour in 2000: Rotterdam, Utrecht, Leeuwarden, Hrdenberg and Enschede, Holland. Wel well well . I truly envy on people who had a chance seeing the band performed the gigs. What a wonderful nights they might have. I cannot imagine that, my friends . Yeah, kayak has been in my life since I heard and fell in love with their wonderfully crafted tune "Woe and Allas", sometime in mid 70s, that has become my lifetime favorite. Even until now, whenever I heard this song, it crunches my heart. It's killing me man!

As I have reviewed a lot of Kayak albums in this site, I would not repeat reviewing them, musically, in this live record. I'd rather comment on how the live itself has provided us with a sort of musical quality different than studio version. I could only assure you that this live act is really an excellent performance. It's definitely true for those of you who like Kayak's music. You don't need to love the band's music, just like it - and you would enjoy their music. For me personally, Kayak music is not something that I consider a true "prog" music. But their music is definitely not a typical pop rock vein. I enjoy Kayak music for a change, usually, having listened to complex music such as The Tangent, Island, Somnambulist, Gentle Giant, etc. It's a relaxing music, I would say. Forget about prog nature, even though I know that there are some elements that constitute a prog nature of their music.

All tracks that come from "Close To The Fire" album were performed excellently by the band. For my listening observation, this live set is much more dynamic and more rocking than the studio version. All musicians contribute their best in this live show. There are seven tracks coming from "Close To The Fire" album. The other 11 tracks coming from their classic albums. One thing that makes me happy, despite the new album, is their performance of classic hits like "Mammoth","Periscope of Life", and "Wintertime". I especially like "Wintertime" that is performed nicely in this album. My favorite classic "Starlight Dancer" that has a killing melody at intro part is also featured in this CD.

I don't think there is no human being that dislike "Anne". Yup, the band fetures also this song in here. Again, I cannot imagine how would I feel if I were in the crowd watching these guys perform this live. For sure, I would sing a long during the show! "Merlin" - hey, tell me who the guys on earth don't like this tune??? "Ninianne" - another excellent shot.

I think, you should enjoy yourself. It would not be a regret at all to own this CD yourself. If you like Kayak and live music, this is for you man! But if you don't like live albums, forget it - just buy their terrific studio albums. Highly recommended. Keep on progging! Progressively Yours, GW - Indonesia.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to Gatot
• Report this review (#4225)
• Buy KAYAK music online with PA partners
• Show all KAYAK MP3/Stream
• Go to KAYAK page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Chance for a Live Time page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for KAYAK related discussions