Essential, The - Tampa Red

Advantages: Solid Moody's performance; still going strong
Disadvantages: None that the aficianado won't forgive

...The Moody Blues took to the stage of the Royal Albert Hall, London (home of the Prom concerts) on May 1st 2000 towards the end of their latest world tour. Billed here as the ‘Hall Of Fame’ tour we saw a concert with a very similar running order at The Ice Palace, Tampa, Florida on August 15th 1999. It was then presented as ‘World Tour 1999/2000’ and was being used to launch the new album ‘Strange Times’ (which coincidentally) was released the day after the Tampa show. Almost every concert was played with an orchestra. The Moodys were backed here by The World Festival Orchestra conducted by Larry Bair – who had produced most of the arrangements. There was a full house and a wrapt, appreciative and well behaved audience (perhaps awed and inspired by the august red and gold surroundings of this world famous venue). The band were in good... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Shows the versatility of the group, brilliant performances
Disadvantages: Bit short

...at $1500. Local galleries often hosted exhibitions of his pictures at the time of The Who concerts. I saw one when they played Tampa Ice Palace in 1999. The play list and my assessment (marked out of five) follows: 1. Slip Kid **** A thumping drum rhythm with ‘whooping’ bass chords from John accompanies Roger’s vocal .This alternates with jaunty piano riffs, electric lead, claps and Pete’s higher register descants. 2. However Much I Booze ***** An up tempo rhythm leads to a Townshend vocal. There is a busy and quite complex arrangement. The form is suggestive of his solo album, “Empty Glass” and there is also a suggestion from the sharply honed words that this is semi-autobiographical. 3. Squeeze Box **** There is a rock’a’billy country feel to this Daltrey song. Light in feel and sentiment, this was the single release. Good... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: It's pure brilliance
Disadvantages: Get on top

...I bought Californication on the recommendation of a friend, having only heard ScarTissue. What a friend. This is my favourite album I own, purely because it is sheer class. With only two weak tracks ( Get On Top being one of them), Californication gets me every time. Opening with the jumpy Around the World, the album promises to deliver - and by 'eck it does. My favourite song of all time is on this album - OtherSide, I'm a sucker for it's gorgeous baseline. My other favourite tracks include the singles Scar Tissue and Californication, the last song Road Trippin and the funky Right On Time. Whatever mood you're in, the album cannot fail. An essential in every rock-lovers collection.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful