Magnetic Hands - Live in the UK 1972-1980

Given that it was Virgin who released 'Unconditionally Guaranteed' I suppose that it led the way. The recent releases have all been disappointing in their own ways so I did not have high expectations about this album. But due to the lack of available material by the Magic Captain, I bought it anyway.

As soon as the music started my heart sank as it was clear that this had been recorded in the audience. Now, dear reader, let me make you aware that I was fortunate enough to be at that particular venue - a cold soggy mass of mud otherwise known as the Bickershaw Festival where the Magic Band performed at 3 am. The sound was not so great then but the band put on a great show.

However, on this occasion, I was pleasantly surpised to hear the music which came through loud and clear despite the poor recording. And what a way to start with 'Click Clack'.

The album technically is quite poor given the audience tapes and the poor balance between the singer and instruments. As a record of the incredible performances of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band, it is excellent. There obviously is great demand for music of Don van Vliet which justifies these CDs and the music itself is a testament to a man that many think of as a genius. The combination of urban blues and the free form jazz which the Captain espouses is one which, though uncompromising, attracts attention and even demands close inspection.

There are some great tracks here, for instance, Electricity, Abba Zabba and more besides. Beefheart is found to be responsive to his audience, willing to perform the songs that they shout out for. This is truly a man who cares. While most bands can hardly bring themselves to play anything except which is on the current album, here is someone who can conjure up songs performed throughout his career without worrying if the band can play them or if he would remember the words. This is a man who cares what his supporters think and doesnot want to dissappoint them. What humility.

I have played this twice now since it arrived yesterday. I have grown to like it a lot. I am saddened though, that there is no real offical live release at the height of Don's power, at around the time of Trout Mask or Decals.

If you have to buy any of the recent releases buy this one. You will not regret it.

One final thought. I must disagree with Bernie Connor, the author of the sleeve notes about the appearance of the band at the Knebworth Festival in 1975. I think that they fitted in well and that aside from the Steve Miller Band, all of the performers put on a good show. My recollection was the poor sound for Pink Floyd but Captain Beefheart was more than appropriate.

'...and what about after that, and what about after that...'

But the sound, which is from audience recordings, is dreadful. The last 6 tracks from Liverpool are from a soundboard tape, but they have already been released as Merseytrout Live 1980 - why repeat them here? Surely whomever made the audience tape of the several shows represented here had more than two or three songs from each show? You don't get much for your money here. But for the die hard Beefheart fan, there isn't much choice: you need this. Novices stay away, and purchase the essentials first (Safe as Milk, Trout Mask, Lick my Decals, Clear Spot, Shiny Beast, and Doc at the Radar Station).