Live in Europe
click the image to get it in cd-cover size
| Release Date: |
July 10, 1967 |
| Label: |
Atlantic |
| Rating: |
5.0 |
Description: Otis Redding's studio recordings remain some of soul's greatest moments, yet it was primarily his live performances that made Redding's reputation so stunning in the years prior to his death. In fact, at the time of his death, Redding had recently stolen the show at 1967's legendary Monterey Pop Festival. This live document was released only a month after that California performance in July of '67--and it's an even better set than the one that made him famous here in the States. In fact, it's a tossup between this and
In Person at the Whisky a Go Go (released posthumously), in regards to capturing the soul great onstage in all his glory. But as much as the California hippies seemed to love Redding at the Whisky and at Monterey Pop, the Europeans simply adored him. That may be what gives this performance the slight edge as Redding runs through a standard set, spotlighting both some of his biggest hits as well as covers of tunes made famous by the Beatles, the Stones, the Temptations, the Isley Brothers, and Sam Cooke. Critic Sid Griffin suggested that this "is simply one of the few albums to give James Brown's breathtaking
Live at the Apollo a run for its money"--and, really, you can't do any better than that.
--Bill Holdship
Tracklist of Live in Europe
Reviews:
Another Grreat Live Performance by Otis Redding
I would actually give this four and a half stars. One reason is the sound quality. There is alot of audience noise and sometimes the vocals seem distant. Other then that, Otis Redding Live in Europe is a great album. It is not quite as good as In Person At The Whisky A Go Go, but it is still really good. The setlist is great. Respect kicks the album off great with one of the best versions of the song ever. This recording of Can't Turn You Loose is not as good as the one on Whisky, but it is good. This is followed by a very inspired version of I've been Loving You Too Long. The cover here of My Girl is probably even better then the version on Otis Blue, which is saying alot. Shake is done great and a very good version of satisfaction, but nowhere near as good as the one on Whisky. Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa is one of the highlights of the album, with alot of audience participation, which could be considered good or bad. I think that it still sounds really good. These Arms of Mine is another highlight. It's followed by a good version of Day Tripper that is drastically different then the Beatles version. The album closes with Try A Little Tenderness, which is the best song on the album. Overall this is a great album, but I would reccomend buying In Person At The Whisky A Go Go over this album.
Not the best live Otis, but still wicked good
Otis is the man. His voice is powerful, his melodies stirring, and his energy onstage is unmatched. Unfortunately, it doesn't show as well on this album as on some of the others. On this cd, recorded (I think) in '67 in Europe, his backup band includes writing partner Steve Cropper as well as the rest of the members of Booker T & The MGs. Unfortunately, while the production and sound may be better on this album than on the other live Otis album, the songs come off somewhat sissified, less powerful, missing the vibrant energy heard (or felt!) on the other release, Otis Redding In Person at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go (released after his death). If you're looking for a reasonable introduction to Otis Redding, this is a good start - the songs are recognizable, the production is fairly clean, and it is enjoyable. Stand out tracks on this album include Daytripper (Beatles cover), Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa, Try a Little Tenderness, and Shake. Satisfaction is okay, but Respect and I Can't Turn You Loose sound tired and old. A good beginner record. If you're a hard-core R&B fan looking to groove, though, check out the Whiskey-A-Go-Go record. That will blow your socks off...
You gotta hear it to believe it!
"Live in Europe" by Otis Redding is one of the 4 or 5 greatest live albums that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. I bought the CD last year, and have enjoyed it immensely ever since. Interesting that Redding covers both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. All of the songs here are superb. The audience participation here contributes greatly to the mood and atmosphere, and Redding knows exactly how to interact with the audience. This is exactly what a live album should be. This disc comes highly recommended.
