When the Allman Brothers are focused and precise I believe they are the best rock band that ever has been. Side one of this double LP is I believe the best live rock album side ever with "Statesboro Blues," "Done Somebody Wrong," and "Stormy Monday." But the Allman's don't usually stay precise and the rest of the album wanders from the 19 minute long "You Don't Love Me" to the 22 minute long "Whipping Post." As a rule I always make sure I own a copy of this album, just for side one, but I can't see picking it to be in the top 100 of the 70's, at least not as high as number 47 which is where it sits on the Best of the 70's list.
If you are alone, 19, and out driving the back roads of Kentucky late at night you really can't beat the Allman Brothers and this album will fit the bill nicely.
Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 3 out of 5 stars for Pretty Good.
I agree with every part of this review. I would never want to be without this album, but I almost never listen to it. I actually prefer their first two studio albums. But it is a joy to hear them when they are going good.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this album has one of the greatest album covers of all time.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great album cover.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was "alone, 19 and out driving the back roads of Kentucky late at night," I pretty much always turned to Nebraska or Quadrophenia. But, whatever, I could see where this record would suffice, too.