This 4-record set just dropped into my lap from the bundle of albums a friend donated to the cause.
For lovers of live concerts The King Biscuit Flower Hour was compulsory listening in the US for 20 years from 1973 to 1993, broadcast through the D.I.R. Radio Network and participating radio stations. Concerts were recorded using a mobile recording truck. They were mixed and edited and as technology changed the shows were sent out on reel-to-reel tape, then vinyl and lastly on CD. Their first broadcast show in 1973 had Springsteen, Blood Sweat & Tears and the jazz fusion band Mahavishnu Orchestra. What a start !!
This 'best of' really does contain some gems.
Did you get to the Hammersmith Odeon in 1975 to see Supertramp? No? Well here they are with 'Dreamer' and 'Bloody Well Right'.
Join Phil Collins in Pasadena, 1982 for a chilling performance of 'In the Air Tonight' and a bit of 'I Don't Care Anymore' - and yes, the famous drum break from 'In the Air Tonight' is just as good as the studio recording.
1985. Dallas, Texas. Robert Plant. 'In the Mood' and 'Big Log'. What could be better.
Queen, Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, The Who. All live, all doing what they do best.
Finishing off the album is the DJ's friend, the track they play when they need a bathroom break or to finish a hamburger in peace. Here it is, live, over 12 minutes in length in all it's glory. 'Freebird' by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
This package could be written off as a novelty or overkill, but it really is a great time capsule. A selection of recordings spanning 1975-1986 from an innovative company providing access to otherwise unavailable performances.
I came across an ad from the time offering the whole lot for $19.95. Get 'em while they're hot !! Strangely the poster of the ad has the date of 1984 in the description, but some concerts are 1986 recordings and the album itself is dated 1987.
If you want an idea of how these shows unfolded, you can find some on YouTube.
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