Supertramp Album: “It Was The Best Of Times”

A few years back a purchased a copy of the eleven song single CD edition of these Supertramp live recordings from two ahows at The Royal Albert Hall in London on September 19 and 20, 1997, and I enjoyed it a bunch. Then to my surprise (and I was at least a little PO'ed) when I discovered the 2 disc set expanded to twenty one songs spread over (now) two CD's and once again I had to shell out my bucks for not doing enough homework on what versions were available.

The late ninties Supertramp was the core of Rick Davies, Jon Helliwell and Bob Siebenberg with five more additional musicians with Mark Hart being of note for singing the songs of long-departed member Roger Hodgson and Bob's son Jesse Siebenberg on percussion right along side his father on stage. As some of the band members hadn't played in quite awhile it doesn't show on these recordings as this is a very strong and tight edition of Trampsters playing songs from their (then current record) "Some Things Never Change" also featured are eighties greats like: "Free as a Bird" and seventies classics as: "The Logicial Song" "Bloody Well Right" and epic set closer: "Crime of the Century" that ended most Supertramp shows for many, many years running.

A new touch to the touring band was the trumpet and trombone of Lee Thornburg that fattened the sound of the reeds of John Helliwell for a much bigger sound of horny delights that is a grand addition to the band's sound. This eight man version of Supertramp is really tight and everything is played to perfection. I had waited years for a live version of: "Cannonball" and this is exactly what I was hoping for as for just shy of eight minutes the band pounds out a mighty version that slays it's studio cousin. "Don't You Lie To Me" the old blues chestnut is transformed by Supertramp and except for the almost impossible to find disc entitled: "Live 88" this is the only place to find this only-performed live gem that is way different in sound and style from: "Take The Long Way Home" and "School."

There are copies still being sold of this great live addition of Supertramp, but look closely and make sure you are purchasing the double CD version because you will want all 21 tracks and really shouldn't miss half the show. Sound quality is stellar and of the later versions of Supertramp you cannot beat this band for overall excellence.

Four & 1/2 Stars!

this is a must have for supertramp fans rick davies stellar keying on another mans woman is awesome as well as some of best hits interperated nicely. great sound horns guitars vocals and keyboards plus whistling and harmonica too give that special touch . get before this version goes into obscurity

Speaking as someone who attended a Canadian date of this tour, I was very excited to hear that a live CD from the tour was coming out. The fact that I had to pay a few extra bucks for the import didn't really matter to me. Supertramp is a classic band, and, in my opinion, every recording they have put out has had something special about it. It Was The Best of Times is a very satisfying CD as it, unlike other live offerings, contains the whole show. It is well produced and the band sounds top notch. However, songs like Breakfast In America, Take The Long Way Home, The Logical Song - originally sung by former Tramp member Roger Hodgson - should ONLY be sung by Roger Hodgson. During Hodgson's tour he played his songs and his songs only. Rick Davies should have had the respect to do the same in Supertramp. Mark Hart has a decent voice, but singing Hodgson numbers just isn't right. This is one of the reasons why bassist Dougie Thomson left the band. Would McCartney sing any songs that were typically Lennon's? I don't think so.

Supertramp is one of those special Rock bands, on which one of the main vocalists -Roger Hodgson- cannot be replaced at all. His vocal scherzos are 45%-50% of Supertramp's musical power.

Imagine Zepp without Robert Plant - The Who without Roger Daltrey - Pink Floyd without David Gilmour and/or Roger Waters - Rush without Geddy Lee - The Stones without Jagger - Aerosmith without Steven Tyler... Would it be possible??? Sure, if possible, they wouldn't have been the greatest Rock bands they still are!!!

Then, this live recording will provide you the sound of... SuperCRAP in concert. Period!