BADFINGER
BBC In Concert 1972-3 (Fuel 2000)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

---

There's a level of audio deficiency on this disc that relegates these performances to more historical than musical interest, but despite the failure of the BBC engineers to catch Badfinger at their best sound-wise, there's some fascinating stuff here. For those who think of the band as pioneers of the lighter side of Brit-pop, there's plenty of gut-it-up, grind-it-out hard rockin' material among the fifteen tracks offered.

The first seven were recorded in 1972, and are the least successful aurally, but among the most interesting musically. There's a pair of Dave Mason covers, and while the band's take on "Feelin' Alright" is no Supersession, it's a clear demonstration of their abilities in the realm of extended bluesy jam music for which they're hardly recognized. The harder they rock, the better they sound on these cuts, with power hiding the mud in the mix. By the time they get to "Suitcase," the last song in the set, they're rockin' their butts off and you'll hardly worry about what the engineer is up to.

The next seven tracks are from a 1973 broadcast, and while the sound is somewhat better, the performances are a bit less energetic. Still, there's more punch and power than the band is generally credited with.

The album is capped by a version of "Come And Get It" from a Tops Of The Pops show in 1970, and it's the vintage pop sound most would expect from Badfinger, and the best track on the disc from an audio standpoint.

Altogether, this is a worthwhile addition to a Badfinger fan's shelf and an interesting look at some less familiar sides of a very familiar band.

Track List:

Better Days * Only You Know And I Know * We're For The Dark * Sweet Tuesday Morning * Feelin' Alright * Take It All * Suitcase * Love Is Easy * Blind Owl * Constitution * Icicles * Matted Spam * Suitcase * I Can't Take It * Come And Get It

© 2000 - Shaun Dale