801 LIVE

This was a Phil Manzanera side project that did three live gigs in August / September of 1976. This album captures one of those nights where the band was firing on all cylinders. And what a lneup ! The core of this band was in the QUIET SUN band that released their one record the year before (1975) and included Manzanera, Eno and MacCormick. That same core lineup was also in Manzanera's first solo album called "Diamond Head". Of course Eno and Manzanera were in ROXY MUSIC together as well earlier. Add Simon Phillips on drums, Francis Monkman (CURVED AIR) on Fender Rhodes and Lloyd Watson an slide guitar. All of these songs were previously known to me which was cool. Three and a half from "Diamond Head", one and a half from QUIET SUN's "Mainstream", three from three different Eno solo albums and then two covers. One from THE BEATLES and one from THE KINKS. I have to say the Fender Rhodes and bass work are fantastic, and i've always liked Manzanera's guitar work. Eno is on vocals (and other things) and does a really good job.

I should mention that most of these songs blend into one another. "La Grima" from "Diamond Head" features Manzanera doing his thing on guitar and it's impressive. "T.N.K. (Tomorrow Never Knows) is THE BEATLES cover and they make it sound different enough from the original to make it interesting. The rhythm is catchy and how about the bass playing. Killer sound before 5 1/2 minutes as it gets more intense. "East Of Asteroid" combines two songs. One from "Mainstream" called "Mummy Was An Asteroid..." and from "Diamond Head" "East Of Echo". The drumming is prominant early on then it settles but not for long as the guitar comes in lighting it up as the drums stampede. It settles again as we get some raw guitar and electric piano. So freaking good. "Rongwrong" is from QUIET SUN's "Mainstream". Atmosphere and a beat to start and it will close the same way. Vocals and a fuller sound inbetween. "Sombre Reptiles" from Eno's Another Green World" is next and it sounds amazing when it picks up and gets fuller.

"Baby's On Fire" is also from ENO but from "Here Comes The Warm Jets". Lots of energy and the guitar rips it up 2 minutes in. "Diamond Head" has some tasteful guitar early on then it all gets heavier. Love the electric piano 5 minutes in. "Miss Shapiro" is from "Diamond Head" as well. Just a killer instrumental intro. Vocals before 2 minutes. Love the guitar in this one. "You Really Got Me" is a cover of THE KINKS popular song and well done. "Third Uncle" ends it from Eno's Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)". It sounds like PINK FLOYD until it kicks in to an uptempo groove. The guitar is killer. Vocals after a minute. Lots of energy and the bass is incredible.

For me this is a high 4 star album. Highly recommended to Eno, Manzanera and ROXY MUSIC fans.