Fans of the original
801 Live album will know and love the songs found here. This was recorded during the famous 1977 tour and features a number of songs found on that classic recording. Of course,
Eno is not here and the same excitement and tight playing are not found. However, this is still a very good album.
Manzanera released this in 2000 as part of his Archive Series and intended it for fans or collectors. However, this album is a great example of late-'70s prog/art rock. Yes, the long-drawn-out guitar solos are here, but these are interesting, melodic solos; they fit the songs and actually add a great deal. The music is a great cross section of
Manzanera's pre-1977 history.
Roxy Music is represented here, with a blistering version of "Out of the Blue" featuring Eddie Jobson that is brilliant, with a great violin solo and wonderful arrangements. Also here is some of
Manzanera's best solo material, including the brilliant "Diamond Head." Also worth note is the
801 take on "Tomorrow Never Knows" (known here as "TNK"), sounding eerie and frightening with atmospheric vocals. The sound quality is not the best, but it is lacking the typical overdubs so often found on live recordings, and for that reason it is worth extra points. This really is a treasure for
Manzanera fans, but others might find something of interest here as well. ~ Aaron Badgley