REO Speedwagon Album: “Live: You Get What You Play For”

I only own two REO releases; You Can Tuna Piano... and You Get What You Play For; and both are on vinyl. Why you may ask? Well, after reading the reviews for You Get... I decided that the only way to go was vinyl so I'd get the complete concert.

After listening to all 4 sides I've made a couple of mental notes. First, I believe that everyone that gave this cd 3 or fewer stars is correct. Until the omitted tracks are returned and the album remastered there is no sense in spending money on the cd. That brings me to the second point, remaster this album! Gary Richrath's guitar is buried too deep in the mix. It's his guitar that makes songs like 157 Riverside, The Flying Turkey Trot, and others the whole point of buying '70s rock! Remix it, add the guitar solo and Little Queenie and then the cd will truly be worth purchasing. In the meantime, if you don't have this, get it on vinyl and spin some great tunes.

P.S. REO seriously went downhill with the release of Hi Fidelity, subsequent releases, and letting go of Gary. I agree with other reviewers that the band was much better churning out Midwest bar rock instead of the sappy, love songs.

This really makes me angry.

They cut Little Queenie and Gary's Guitar Solo.

157 Riverside Avenue, and Flying Turkey Trot are not complete.

I guess if you never heard the LP (vinyl) you'd never know the difference.

True REO fans are not buying it. I've had this abortion a couple of years now and I'm still steamed.

First. I agree with those who feel that this abreviated version of the album isn't as good as the original vinyl release. Part of the appeal of the original recording was that it faithfully captured REO's set at that time which is why it was considered by fans as being a good release. They played well and there did not appear to be lots of overdubs or added studio trickery. On the other hand I cannot say that the omission of Gary's guitar solo was a bad thing since his solo tone wasn't exactly my favorite sound. Having seen REO during their heyday I've always felt that they were a solid act who knew their set well but they lacked the necessary charisma to command the rock arenas they found themselves playing as their career progressed.

This isn't to say that they were bad just that they appeared to be more comfortable in the clubs and I don't think they themselves would be uncomfortable with that characterization. In any case for me the highlight of this record is "Golden Country". Obviously "Riding The Storm Out" is their closer (it always was) and it has alot of energy. As you know they eventually went on to significant popular success and mutated into something of a ballad machine. I wasn't totally surprised by this direction since it was clear to me that they were lacking a strong,obvious identity and looked out of place say next to bands like Rush or Blue Oyster Cult (bands they were supporting at the time) . I suppose there was only so much mileage they could get out of being a midwestern band with a middle of the road approach. So becoming a pop band was probably a very good move for them and it certainly put some money in their pockets though it rapidly became the Kevin Cronin show.

The bottom line here is that its a solid live album which was released at a time when everbody was releasing live albums though many were of inferior quality. In my mind were I to recommend a REO record to someone this would be it because it documents a solid music set at a time in their career when they were on the rise.

Live recordings are always the second best way to enjoy a great rock and roll band like REO. Here are 9 tracks written by Gary Richrath and 4 by Kevin Cronin. The blend is perfect and these two should get it back together. Gary wrote (mainly) Like You Do, Lay Me Down, Any Kind of Love, Only A Summer Love, Son of a Poor Man, Flying Turkey Trot, 157 Riverside Avenue (the full length version), Ridin' the Storm Out and Golden Country. Kevin wrote Being Kind, Keep Pushin', I Believe Our Time Is Gonna Come and Music Man. If ever an album had some great tunes on it, this is one. Gary's smokin riffs and Kevins perfect for rock voice makes this one of the best bands ever. Just listen to them spar off on 157. There are two songs from the original album missing, however the rest remain intact and are a work of art. By the way, there must be another cd out there with 15 tracks and a shortened version of 157 according to some of the other write-ups.

Anyway, the only way to beat listening to this cd is to hear them live. There is just one hitch, they don't have Gary anymore and I can't think of a worse thing to happen to a truly great band. I am so glad I got to see them live (twice) before they lost Gary. Buy this one to experience the band at it's best in 1977.

because it truly is awesome.

and put little queenie back on there!!