GREATEST HITS LIVE

This live CD is the same set as on the Live DVD and indeed this is better viewed than listened to as Nektar were such a dynamic act live with the psychedelic lighting, but nevertheless this reunion for the NEARfest 2002 event is very good quality. It as as good as the DVD sound and the band were definitely a crowd pleaser. They launch straight into what arguably must be one of their most complex tracks, 'A Tab in the Ocean' and they do it masterfully. This is followed by a scorching version of 'Desolation Valley' and an edit of the magnum opus 'Remember the Future Part One'.

The best song from "Down to Earth" follows with the rollicking 'Nelly the Elephant', always a fan favourite. Some of the lesser known songs follow with 'Man in the Moon', 'It's All Over' and 'Now'. Albrighton is great on vocals and his guitar soars perfectly as it does on the studio releases. It is apparent that the band have really put some effort into making these treasures come to life.

CD 2 begins with the classic 'Recycled' followed by 'A Day in the Life of a Preacher'. The second part of 'Remember the Future' is excellent with 'Lonely Roads' and 'Let It Grow' sections a stand out. A mesmirising version of the rocker with killer riffs follows in 'Crying in the Dark / King of Twilight'. These songs are among Nektar's best and to finish another track from "Down to Earth", 'Fidgety Queen' closes the show. It is a great performance all up and I have a soft spot for this, but the real drawcard comes with listening to this same concert while watching it on DVD.