Nick Lowe/PA, USA 1995

The album “THE IMPOSSIBLE BIRD” released by Nick Lowe in 1994 was the beginning of a mature path for him, who was in his mid-40s. After Rockpile disbanded, they put an end to the 1980s when they had a series of smash hits with their unique pop and basic sound, and a new sound began through Little Village with Ry Cooder and others. It was also the beginning of an era in which people did not need to be big hit artists to gain enough fame (they were especially popular in Japan) and pursue their own music. With the release of “THE IMPOSSIBLE BIRD”, a touring backing band, Impossible Birds, was formed using the musicians who participated in the recording. Thanks to this, his performance in Japan in November 1994 was one of the few times in his history of visiting Japan where he led a band on stage. Six months later, “LIVE! ON THE BATTLEFIELD”, which recorded a live performance with Impossible Birds, was released. It included a take from Nakano Sunplaza, which made Japanese fans go crazy, but since the format it was released in was a maxi-single, there were only 5 songs included. Even though it was a time when they were actively performing live, it was a disappointing release. This release is perfect for lowering the appetite of enthusiasts around the world. It is an amazing sound source that recorded the Philadelphia performance on January 28, 1995 with a unique stereo sound board recording. The opening “Twelve Step Program (to Quit You Babe)” fades in, and the instrument balance is adjusted with “Without Love” and “Allons Rock ‘n’ Roll” sung by the band members in the encore ( During that time, the balance becomes unstable), so it is clear that this was recorded for “LIVE! ON THE BATTLEFIELD”. However, the 1995 takes adopted for the previous EP were only takes from the February stage, not January. Therefore, the January stage that has not been heard until now is almost completely recorded with perfect sound quality. It will definitely attract attention from enthusiasts around the world. In addition, it is not long after the Japanese performance, so it is also attractive that you can enjoy the same atmosphere as that stage with perfect sound quality. However, the difference from the Japanese performance is that when it landed in America, a part was added that had the band members singing. Among them, “A Tombstone Every Mile” is sung by Impossible Birds’ van mass and craftsman guitarist Bill Kirchen, and you can’t miss this part. And above all, I was captivated by the way Rowe sang carefully with the mature sound of “THE IMPOSSIBLE BIRD” in the background. If you saw the performance in Japan, you may remember that Lowe didn’t play the bass at all at this time, and was just a singer using an acoustic guitar with nylon strings. It was also the time when the foundation for his current stage performance was laid, so to speak. In such a warm atmosphere, not only his own numbers, but also covers such as “True Love Travels On A Gravel Road”, which was sung by Elvis Presley, are exquisite. There is no way that the rockabilly and country sounds played by the Impossible Birds will be popular in America, and you can clearly see that it is very exciting even though it is a soundboard. And the ultimate song is “Shelley My Love”. The way Lowe sings the song carefully is very moving. A full live soundboard album with Impossible Birds that was originally obtained and could not be realized even by the official. Enjoy to your heart’s content with perfect sound quality. Theater of the Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA, USA 28th January 1995 STEREO SBD Disc 1(52:00) 1. Twelve Step Program (to Quit You Babe) 2. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 3. Without Love 4. Lover Don’t Go 5. The Rose of England 6. Trail of Tears 7. Dream Girl 8. Cruel To Be Kind 9. Where’s My Everything? 10. I’m Coming Home 11. Lonely Just Like Me 12. Band Introductions 13. A Tombstone Every Mile 14. Half A Boy And Half A Man 15. Crying in My Sleep Disc 2(37:25) 1. Soulful Wind 2. I Knew The Bride 3. Bobo Ska Diddle Daddle 4. Raging Eyes 5. Shelley My Love 6. Allons Rock ‘n’ Roll 7. (You’re My) Wildest Dream 8. If You Ever Want Me By Your Side 9. What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING Nick Lowe – vocals & guitar Bill Kirchen – guitar & vocals Robert Treherne – drums Paul Riley – bass Gerant Watkins – keyboards