An All New Magic Band
Although this album of a previously unreleased recording of a 1974 gig is named 'Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band Live' the band playing on this tour was a very different incarnation of the Magic Band than the one that had appeared on the most recent albums at the time. Don Van Vliet, a.k.a. Captain Beefheart, had to put together a replacement Magic Band just before the tour after the originals walked out over issues with songwriting credits and financial irregularities. Unfortunately, the original band were all very talented musicians so this left Van Vliet in a bit of a situation.
The new band, although also talented musicians as is evident on this CD, were not used to the unusual and particular way Van Vliet had of explaining the way he wanted things played, so they played the songs in a very different way. The tracks on this album showcase a very much more straightforward sound than Beefheart fans may be used to. The songs seem to be stripped down to their very basics, the blues/boogie sound is there but without any of the more experimental elements that are usually a core of Captain Beefheart's sound. So instead of a unique sound that seems not to age this album doesn't feel so fresh and new because it has a very specifically 1970s sound, more influenced by the sound of the guitars and the wind instruments. The versions of old favourites are, disappointingly, done in a more standard rock style, without all the quirks. The only constant and over-riding element is Van Vliet's husky, bluesy voice; he goes all out with the vocals, really pulling the performance and the band together.
Fans may be divided on the performance on this CD, as critics were at the time; some believing that the band was a shadow of its former glory and others loving it. Those that love Captain Beefheart for the blues/jazz sounds will most likely think that it ranks as a brilliant performance, because the band is surprisingly tight considering how short a time they had been together and Van Vliet himself pulls an outstanding performance out of the bag. Whilst on the flip side, those that love the eclectic and experimental side will find this a bit lacking in charm. Whatever the split however it's likely that the excitement over a previously unreleased Beefheart recording will make up for any short comings.