Customer Reviews

Stupidity +

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I tend to avoid live albums because they usually highlight deficiencies while failing to capture any of the excitement of the event. Even so, I own some superb and well-regarded examples by such as Thin Lizzy, Blue Oyster Cult, UFO and Status Quo. None are as good however as "Stupidity" by the classic original Dr Feelgood line-up.

By the time the booming bass rhythm of "Roxette" starts up, you almost feel as if you're in the audience marvelling at the best three-way rhythm section in British rhythm and blues. This is what the Stones started out doing, but executed with a tighter groove. It builds from a brief, relatively routine version of a Chuck Berry song into a series of classic performances. It's characterised by Wilko Johnson's distinct, choppy guitar playing against Lee Brilleaux's vocal and harmonica, yet also underlined by bass and drums. The band seem to reach a peak with "Going Back Home" from which they never come down.

"Stupidity" is unlike other acclaimed live albums of the 1970s in not being a heavy-riffing, hard rock album nor is it a double-set, though some good bonuses have been added to the CD release. But you'll never hear a better example.

No question, this is simply the best live album you can buy. All the other reviews are spot on, this shows all four members of the band at their best - for example, who else but the great Wilko could play the one chord solo in "I'm a hog for you baby" and make it sound so good? Not a duff track on it, I've played the vinyl version regularly since it came out in 1976, and I can still picture the scene at Sheffield City Hall, May 23rd 1975, as a seventeen year old me leapt about down the front with all the other sweaty Feelgood maniacs. One listen to this and I'm straight back there.

Dr Feelgood was at their best playing live, and even though most of these live versions stick close to the originals, they are played with so much energy and nerve, making this one of the very best Dr Feelgood albums.

This is down and dirty R&B with crunchy stop-and-go guitar riffs. Lee Brilleaux' vocals sound even more rough and gravelly than usual, and his harp playing is sharp as shards of broken glass. The performance of the three Johns gels completely, from the less-is-more approach of guitarist John "Wilko Johnson" Wilkinson, to the rock-solid foundation of bassist John B. Sparks and drummer John "The Big Figure" Martin.

This is some of the best and juiciest rock n' roll you're ever likely to hear.

The best Brit R&B album ever. NME made this their Album of the Year when it was released and rightly so. The original Feelgoods playing live as if their lives depended on it. Wilko's (Mick Green's willing apprentice) choppy guitar licks are a joy to hear, you'd think he was playing two guitars at the same time. If you like this kinda stuff, make sure you check out The Pirates and The Inmates who are just as awesome.

This fabulous live album went to no.1 in the album charts in 1976, which is quite remarkable if you think back to that era. Glam and Progessive Rock had happened and disco & Punk/new wave were about to be huge. So it makes no sense that a rhythm & blues band album should get to no.1.

Listen to the album though and you begin to understand why Feelgood were so successful. Its a straightahead R&B album (in the old sense) with an un-schooled and English 'lads night out on the town' feel to it. Yes they certainly were influenced by Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry etc but they brought something new the material, and of course wrote some classics themselves. 'She Does It Right' remains my favourite original with Lee Brilleaux belting out the vocals and Wilko Johnson playing incendiary guitar. Of the covers I'd pick their version of 'Riot on Cell Block No. 9'. The atmosphere on this track captures the live feel brilliantly.

Another aspect of Dr Feelgoods success was the visual element. 30 years later its easy to forget the stage presence these guys had. Remember Wilko on tram-lines skating across the stage! Its a shame they didn't film any of these shows from 1975. You can catch film of them performing on the Old Grey Whistle Test DVD, which is pretty good.

The CD runs to 47mins, has 15 tracks, with some interesting sleeve notes about the background to their success during the mid 70's.

Stupidity is Dr. Feelgood at their best, playing live. No other band could touch them in their day, and this should not be missed. Sadly their relative lack of success in the singles charts, masks was a great band they were on stage.

This album of live performances at Southend and Sheffield, show Feelgood in their prime, with that pulsating beat and catchy guitar riffs of Wilco, Lee's brilliant vocals finishes the sound of brilliantly. The songs have so much go and zest, pure energy, is a must for oldies party nights...

I was still listening to this album yesterday, I have the original vinyl edition and I have decided to buy the cd. This album is raw power, not a single moment of respite, your feet will be tapping, you will sing along, whatever, this is a great album for a bad mood: 100% guarantee to make you smile and enjoy. Must have.

I bought this in the late 70's a few years after it was released. The first time I played it I was totally amazed and and I am still playing it today 30 years on. This is what Rock-n-roll is all about 110% energy exuding from every track, you can feel the sweat rolling off the walls. However there is one fundamental reason why this is the best, all the tracks that were released on the original studio recordings are recorded, here, with so much guts and presence that they surpass their studio versions. This is a feat that I have never heard on ANY other live album. The boys from Canvey Island were absolutely brilliant on the night.

I saw them several times at the time that this album was recorded and it really captures the excitement and quallity of the band