Supertramp Album: “Live”

Warning: Everything on this CD was already released, in better form, on 'It Was The Best Of Times.' If you've got that, you've got this one too. There is NO new material here.

Extracted from their 1997 concert at the Royal Albert Hall to promote "Some Things Never Change" this finds the band sounding quite good. Long time member Mark Hart does a credible job singing Roger Hodgson's tunes (although I prefer Roger's voice to his on these songs at least). The band sounded very tight on this tour and while this performance is solid(I saw them on this tour in Concord, California)I prefer some of their other live recordings to this one. Still Rick Davies' singing sounds terrific--some things never change indeed.

The selection of songs covers the band's biggest hits and highlights some of the best tunes on "Some Things Never Change" including "You Win, I Lose". "Sooner or Later" works better in its live performance here with a slightly jazzy vibe. The expanded line up does a terrific job of capturing the power of the band's studio work while without making them sound sterile and by route.

As to the recording itself it captures the band's sound very well. I would suggest listening to the samples however as they accurately capture the feel of the recording. If it doesn't appeal to you (keep in mind it's a warts and all recording without overdubbing)I'd suggest sticking to "Paris" or even "It Was the Best of Times" both of which are better sounding recordings in my opinion. Still, this is essential for completists.

Obviously recorded during their 1997 tour. I'm giving this live Supertramp CD a 3 1/2 star rating because I thought they managed to play enough older material to make this disc a semi-keeper. Tunes that make CD worth checking out are "Free As A Bird", the emotional "From Now On", "Breakfast In America", the memorable "Take The Long Way Home" (great harmonica work), "Bloody Well Right", "The Logical Song" and one of my favorites "School". Line-up: original member Rick Davies-keyboards, piano, harmonica & vocals, long-time member John Helliwell (since 1973)-sax & woodwinds, Mark Hart-guitar & vocals, Carl Verheyen-guitar, Cliff Hugo-bass and Bob Siebenberg-drums. I know it's EASIER said than done, but they REALLY need to get founder Roger Hodgson back in the group.