Album Results
Mott The Hoople
Two Miles From Live Heaven
Genre:
ROCK/POP
Label:
Angel Air Records
Release date: 2001
Album Reviews
Taking its name from the first ever visit to the Mott The Hoople archives, the early 1980s' Two Miles From Heaven out-takes collection, Two Miles From Live Heaven adheres to the same high standards as its predecessor with the unearthing, at last, of one of the best known (and most sought-after) of all Mott documents, the 1974 Santa Monica Civic show. Originally recorded and broadcast by the King Biscuit Flour Hour, the show has sustained some of Mott's most cherished bootlegs, including the legendary Behind Enemy Lines. Since then, odd tracks have filtered out on various official collections, but Two Miles From Live Heaven marks the first ever appearance of the entire show, and it was well worth the wait.
Opening with Ian Hunter's a cappella drawl through the first verse of "American Pie", it then crashes into a phenomenal "Golden Age Of Rock'n'Roll", before charging on through a set that doesn't put one foot wrong in its portrayal of the Ariel Bender-era band at its peak. From obscure b-sides ("Rest In Peace") to even more obscure solo shots (Bender's own "Here Comes The Queen", from his Under Open Skies album), from key album tracks to monster hit singles, and all wrapping up with a fabulous "All The Young Dudes", this remains the only Mott live show that everyone needs to hear.
But, of course, it won't be. A 2CD package also serves up highlights from two further Mott shows, similarly recorded on US tour duty. Five tracks from a Fillmore East gig in 1971 include their then-customary visit to the Jerry Lee Lewis songbook, a rousing "It'll Be Me", plus a scintillating Rolling Stones medley; four more date from 1973, and a show at the New York Felt Forum. It is a little disjointed in terms of overall listening, and the sound quality is rougher than the Santa Monica show, but the power of the band - and the strength of their material - is undeniable.
The same disc wraps up with three studio demos from 1969-70, plus an unexpurgated rough mix of 1971's "Death May Be Your Santa Claus". Of the four, another Lee Lewis number, "If Your Heart Lay With The Rebel" is the most interesting, representing one of the earliest Mott recordings yet to emerge, but all contribute mightily to the growing mound of Mott off-cuts and oddities which will some day demand an anthology of their own. ~ Dave Thompson, All Music Guide
Track Listing
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Run Leona Lewis |
| What started life as a Radio 1 Live Lounge performance, has ended up as a clever instrument for world domination by Simon Cowell. The Snow Patrol cover hasn't officially had a UK singles release, instead it's been added to the Christmas re-released 'Deluxe' Edition of the album, with a brand new artwork, just to tease us all a bit further into forking out again for the CD. It seems to have worked as it went to number one the week after her amazing X Factor appearance and even managed to hold off Dido's comeback record. Having said all of that and without meaning to sound like Mr. Cowell himself, it's all about the music, right? And despite the plethora of low notes she has to contend with at the beginning of the song, there is enough soaring moments later in the piece to showcase her wonderful voice beautifully. It packs a huge emotional punch and, for once, a gospel choir kicks in at the right place, without being cliche. There are not too many Leonas around and love or hate her style, you cannot fault her vocal range, effort and the team behind her choosing the right songs and producers to work with. 'Run' is pretty faultless, but it's new material we want from her and to that end wish her all the best for 2009. ©2008 Shazam Entertainment Limited. All rights reserved. | |
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