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I originally had this as.dare I say.an 8-track tape. I haven't had an 8-track player in years and I was missing this music, so I broke down and bought the cd. Still great after all these years. Thank you.
Now I watch it every Easter weekend to hear Joe say, "It's Easter, if you're living by the days." and Leon replies, "I just wanna say, don't get hung up about Easter." Have seen Joe live a few times including right after the Mad Dogs tour at the old Long Beach Arena--Stevie Wonder opened. For a brief shining all too short span of time Mr. The CD and video of this tour bear witness to this fact. Years later I came across a vhs version of the movie while visiting the Lincoln Park area of Chicago and picked it up. If you haven't seen it in a while--treat yourself to Mad Dogs and Bangladesh--and unlike George Harrison--remember Billy Preston. Combine Joe's vocals with Leon and band and it was something special.
He was amazing. Joe Cocker was the finest lead vocalist in all of rock n roll. Enjoyed several Leon Russell concerts back in the day including his magnum opus at Ontario Motor Speedway. I remember well making the pilgrimage to the movie theater to see the movie when it first came out. Totally blew me away. Still love his work on Concert for Bangladesh--a couple numbers from Leon.
Bottom line--1 million stars for Mad Dogs.Aloha
It was unrealAs far as rating this album, it is my Number 1, all time favorite. Being older, sometimes has its advantages. Basically, there is not a bad song in the bunch. I saw this production, here in Phila., at the Academy of Music. There were dogs and children running around on the stage, and all those folks on the stage. I am buying as many albums now, for Christmas presents. The normal Cocker hits of Came in through the bathroom window,The Letter, and Delta Lady, goes Soul withCry me a river, and the Blues Medley offered.Leon Russells tribute to Dylan in North Country is right there, and Give Peace a Chance, rocks
The inside also includes many strange photos and I do not quite understand what they are supposed to represent. Bean has written a very poignant, informative and well-written essay about the tour.
Cocker is here in his prime and we hear him sing with alot of covers. Here we have Cocker singing rocksongs written by Beatles, Roling Stones, Traffic and Bob Dylan.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen is a live album with Joe Cocker that was recorded in 1970 and features a blend of rock and soul. J.P.
He also sings bluescovers by Ray Charles, Sam and Dave and Otis Redding. The book-let is quite remarkable.
To think that Cocker was more or less forced to play on this tour to be able to work in America again is so strange and bewildering. 4/5.
You can hear his distinctive Piano on the intro to another superb cover; 'Cry me River'. This is one of the best live albums ever recorded. A punchy brass section, and a great drummer (either Jim Gordon or Jim Keltner) who drives everything along. If you've ever seen the film of this tour you'll know that he virtually stole the show from everybody with his Top Hat and huge white beard (not so out of place in 1970). However if you prefer your music carved from Rock rather than made in the studio by a computer, you want some soul, a big gospel influence and some driving rock 'n' roll this can't be beaten. Straight into track 2 which is a stonking cover of the Stones 'Honky Tonk Woman'.
The other well known members of the band are: Chris Stainton - frequently Claptons regular keyboard player Bobby Keys - Tenor Sax Rita Coolidge - Vocals When listening to the band introductions and the interludes between the songs it becomes rather obvious that a lot of the band were either very stoned or had drunk a huge quantity of alcohol. The first track which is called 'Introduction' and lasts 41 seconds tells you a lot. This track like all the uptempo tracks on this album has that gospel feel because of the backing choir and Joe Cocker's broken singing voice. Joe Cocker sounds like he's singing through broken glass, and the band rock in way that few bands can these days. Another reason why this album was such a success was the appearance of Leon Russell whose presence is felt throughout the album on Piano and Guitar. Its also worth saying that this was recorded 37 years ago now, so for those used to crystaline modern recording techniques this probably sound horrible.
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