I have this recurring dream that every live NRBQ show I have witnessed...about 70 and hopefully, still counting... will be made available in their entireties, warts and all. Though there are rarely any warts. It's a dream alright. Terry Adams knows better.
I did not love their last release, a live record culled from two performances because, well, it was culled from two performances and I know songs were missing. Plus, it just didn't have that special kick of being there, with the dancing, and the singing and all the smiling, not to mention just staring in amazement at what they are pulling off in front of your eyes. I think Terry wants it that way.
You want the Q. Go see The Q.
That said, when I saw the announcement of an "odds n ends" collection, a term that usually means "leftover crap," I wasn't as excited as I should have been at the news of something new from the band.
But, this time I was wrong. "In.Frequencies," the new collection from the wonderful people of Omnivore is not leftover crap. It's a cleverly assembled collection of yes, odds and ends from their entire career, but it plays beautifully. It zigs and zags, just like an NRBQ show. Though it spans a 50 plus year career, the sequencing feels timeless, and that is a testament to not only the diversity of the material but to the consistency of the playing, which for half a century has managed to be impossibly, both down home and virtuosic.
The songs are not chronological. "In.Frequencies" starts with a soundcheck from 1968, continues with an outtake from 1983's "Grooves In Orbit," which is followed by a late 60's single by NRBQ offshoot band Dickens. The album continues to jump from era to era and you will never realize it because you will be too happy to give a crap.
It is too much for me to suggest a starting point for those who have not been fans of NRBQ from the beginning. I love it all so much, to choose one would never satisfy me. I'd feel like a failure. But "In.Frequencies" is such a terrific taste of all this band can do, from the goosebump inducing harmonies of Scott and Casey, to Terry's one of a kind piano playing, to Mr. Ardolino's constant push on the drum kit, I say, go for it. Start here. If I am preaching to the choir, then I'll simply say "Congratulations. We have a winner!"
10 comments:
I'm so glad to hear you say that about this release! I was lukewarm on the recent Ardmore album and couldn't put my finger on it. And an odds & ends collection didn't exactly inspire me to open up my wallet. But if it's as good as you say, I may reconsider.
As for starters to the band, it's hard to argue with the box set "High Noon" or at least the highlights album. For my money, the starting point for live Q has to be God Bless Us All.
Thanks for the heads up, Sal.
You know Troy, I forgot about that Ardmore release. I was referring to the "Tune on, Tune In" set.
This new one really hit the spot for me.
Gotcha. I thought you meant the Ardmore set was from 2 shows. It was good, but didn't make my hair stand up on end like the best Q shows do.
As I said, God Bless Us All is still the gold standard of live Q for me.
Last question: how does the new release compare to, say, Froggie's Favorites? Thanks.
Sal,
You've made my day! And it's only 8AM.
Good morning Ken D!
And Troy,
There's nothing wrong with Froggie's Favorites. It is jam packed. But I like "In.Frequencies" because it plays so well. Nice and tight.
I love the Q! - Stinky
Thanks, Sal. And for the record, I like Froggie's Favorites a lot. Was just hoping the new compilation compared favorably. Sounds like it does.
Sounds Q-tastic! Just ordered it! Am going to wait for the postman now! Thanks a million for this great news, Sal. Best in a long time....
I read years ago that NRBQ opened for or shared a stage with The Grateful Dead. I pray someone recorded that entire evening. I'm sure miracles occurred, enlightenment happened, stars aligned, animals/insects/birds walked backwards and flew higher and everything tasted better, at least for a little while.
I remember at the time, reading something on the NRBQ listserv about some tensions between the two bands, I think they played a benefit together and things didn't go so well. This was mid or late 90s. Cannot recall the details, other than Weir was miffed at someone.
I loved the review, Sal, thank you.
I guess if they fell over, tragically drunk, at their shows or gave up after 3 albums, they'd occasionally get the attention the Replacements and Big Star get on the regular. They've just gone about tearing it up night after night after night, for half a century. One of the very greatest rock bands ever.
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