Love Live: Whisky A Go-Go 1978 CD

The first domestic CD reissue of the collectible picture disk LOVE LIVE: WHISKEY A GO-GO 1978 captures the final show of Arthur Lee and Bryan MacLean's last reunion tour, which ended where Love's career had begun more than 10 years before. The sound has been remastered from the original tapes by Friday Records founder Joe Reagoso, and it sounds quite good, though the recording retains some typical bootleg blemishes, including a few mic glitches and no shortage of crowd noise. The performances by Lee and MacLean, supplemented by hired guns, are respectable if not transcendent; in light of Lee's subsequent touring under the Love name, MacClean's guitar work, and vocals on "Old Man" from FOREVER CHANGES, are the main draw. The original release has been expanded with two bonus tracks in the form of "My Little Red Book" and "Orange Skies."

A collectible document of a 1978 reunion concert issued by Rhino Records as a picture disc. It features the same 1966 photo of the band as on their boxed set, Love Story; in it, Arthur Lee sports psychedelic specs and a cigarette in his ear. Singer/guitarist Lee and guitarist Bryan MacLean, who died from a heart attack in 1998, were the only -- but arguably most important -- original members present for this date at L.A.'s Whiskey a Go Go, where they got their start (MacLean exited the band in 1968). Sound quality -- of the music -- is pretty good, but there are only eight songs and the audience is too loud, especially during slow burners like "Andmoreagain" and "Signed D.C." Although the performance of the latter is strong, it's further marred by a squealing mic and Lee's request that it be turned down. MacLean sings on "Old Man" from the seminal recording Forever Changes. "Good Times" and "Singing Cowboy" (from Four Sail) and "Keep on Shining" (False Start) are songs that had been released by Lee after all the original members had left. The German Line edition of this recording replaces "Alone Again Or" and "Andmoreagain" with "My Little Red Book" and "Orange Skies." The compilation Dr. Rhino & Mr. Hyde includes "Movin' On," which was recorded at the same concert, but is otherwise unavailable. For collectors and completists only. [Friday issued a deluxe edition in 2009.] ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy

Deluxe Edition

Recording information: Whisky A Go-Go (10/20/1978).

Personnel: Arthur Lee, Bryan MacLean (vocals, guitar); John Sterling (guitar); Kim Kesterson (bass instrument); George Suranovich (drums).

Liner Note Authors: Joe Reagoso; John Sterling .