The Complete Concert
Liberation Hall, 2024
10/10
Listen to The Complete Concert
A performance that was recorded live at the Venue, London, England May 21, 1982, some of these tracks have been released before, but now we get the entire The Blasters show that comes with new liner notes from Chris Morris, rare photos and memorabilia images.
“This Is It” starts with Bill Bateman’s thumping drums that suits the driving guitars and frontman Phil Alvin’s distinct and inviting voice via a lively Americana climate, and it isn’t long until “Border Ratio” recruits rhythm and animated piano that spotlights John Bazz’s animated bass.
Deeper into the set, the scrappy “I Love You So” will get you on the dance floor with its infectious energy and soaring vocals, while “I’m Shakin’” recruits upbeat sax bouts from Lee Allen amid Dave Alvin’s meticulous guitar playing.
Arriving close to the end, “So Long Baby Goodbye” makes great use of spirited harmonica and Steve Berlin’s frisky baritone sax, and “Barn Burning” exits with timeless rock’n’roll flavor, where Alvin’s memorable pipes and fluid guitar make for a rootsy appeal.
Undoubtedly one of the pioneers in the area of roots and Americana music, The Blasters may have very well been the first alt-country band, and the incredible live sound of this early concert is further proof that they inspired legions of similar bands.
Travels well with: The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters; Phil Alvin- Un “Sung Stories”