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!

I saw Supertramp on their 1997 tour for "Some Things Never Change," and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen in my life. The band sounded so tight, so clean, and so good, I could've sat there and watched them play all night. Thank God they released a live album from this phenomenal tour! Supertramp's 1999 double live album, "It Was The Best Of Times," is a fantastic live set, with Rick Davies & the boys recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall in September of '97. The double CD contains the complete 21-song concert in it's entirety, as well as the occasional song introduction from saxophonist John Helliwell, so the album really does give you a marvelous "you are there" feel. Rick Davies & company are simply sensational, delivering smoking-hot live renditions of 'Tramp classics such as "Ain't Nobody But Me," "Cannonball," "Breakfast In America," "Rudy," "Downstream," "Take The Long Way Home," "The Logical Song," "School," and "Crime Of The Century." The material performed from the "Some Things Never Change" album, including "It's A Hard World," "You Win, I Lose," "Sooner Or Later," and "Listen To Me Please" are also wonderfully done. And although former co-leader Roger Hodgson is no longer with the group, his place is taken just fine by Mark Hart, whose voice sounds close enough to Hodgson's, and who sings the Hodgson material perfectly. And, of course, Davies' voice is still as rich-sounding as ever, and his effortless piano-playing outstanding, as is the band's amazing live chemistry. "It Was The Best Of Times" is a truly mind-blowing live set from Supertramp that easily rivals their classic "Paris" concert album. Definitely pick it up!

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!

This is a great new live album from Supertramp. The best Supertramp song ever "Another mens women" is the greatest song i have heard. Try this.