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There are long-time PFM fans who think this album is the stuff that makes life worth living. It's played very well, but how much you like it will depend on how much you personally like long jamming solos--if that's what you like, add another star. "Just Look Away" changes up the arrangement from the studio version, including a long intro by Franco Mussida on the most electrified acoustic guitar you're ever likely to hear, and a more powerful close.
I've listened to 1998's "www-pfmpfm-it" in 1-1/2 years than I've listened to this in 20 years. About one-third of the album is taken up by "Alta Loma Five Till Nine", a 15-minute jam of guitar and violin solos that follows "Mr. I've had this album for at least 20 years and it doesn't do much for me.
But the album's sound quality is mediocre at best, not as bad as the terrible bootleg quality of "A Celebration" and "10 Anni Live", but below average even by '70s standards (was "Waiting for Columbus" the ONLY well-recorded live album that decade). That's not a knock, it's just intended to give some balance for prospective buyers who may not have heard the album already.The musicianship on the album is very good. "Four Holes in the Ground" and "Celebration" are done very well, despite being played at an almost frantic speed.
Nine Till Five". After listening to PFM's most recent albums, I can't help but notice that all of the vocalists have improved a LOT since the 70s.(1=poor 2=mediocre 3=pretty good 4=very good 5=phenomenal)
It is from the same concert tour as "10 Anni Live Vol II". It has a great flow to it, starting with an impressive guitar solo and ending with the screaming violin solo. This was originally released in Europe as "Live in USA" and in the US as "Cook" with a cheesy cover. On "10 Anni Live", there is a high pitched whine at the beginning of Alta Loma. These really aren't bad songs, but they are the bombastic, neo-classical type of songs that gave progressive music a bad name. You might wanto to consider "10 Anni Live Vol II" simply because it has most of what is here plus an extra 20 minutes. My favorite number by PFM has always been Alta Loma.
Other versions, such as on "10 Anni Live" have an extra violin part that actually detracts from the tight flow.On the down side: The annoying "Four Holes in the Ground" is freatured and you have to wade through Mr. You always wonder about Record Executives and how they can possibly think that this type of artwork can be attractive or would want to make anyone buy the album. This version is very tight. On the plus side for "Live In USA": sound quality is a little better. There is also a great acoustic guitar solo that isn't available on "10 Anni Live". Nine to Five to get to Alta Loma. But, the other other numbers and especially Alta Loma are enough to give it 5 stars.
"Older" PFM fans all remind of those years (1971-1975) as the very best. Classical guitar solo as intro to "Dolce Maria/Just look away".
Excellent selection of tracks. "Alta Loma 5 till 9" (never released in a studio album) is a must have where Mussida's guitar is absolutely phenomenal, in a rather long (15 min, not quite long enough though.).
An excellent live album, from shows given in New York and Canada back in 1974. Display of classical influence and virtuosity in "4 Holes in the ground".
and jazzy structure. Powerful interpretation of E' Festa/Celebration.
PFM is here at their best. Would give 5 stars but sound could be a little better.
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