Rod Stewart/CA,USA 1982 Mike Millard 1st Generation Tapes Complete

Speaking of Mike Millard’s recording of Rod Stewart, “L.A. FORUM 1977: MIKE MILLARD MASTER TAPES” is fresh in my memory, but even though it had the best sound quality, it was recorded from the middle of the show. will be greatly missed. In that respect, this new rod sound source by Millard is completely complete. Even more than that, the sound quality is excellent. The Long Beach Arena, along with the LA Forum, is a venue that Millard knows on his own and is like someone else’s home, and it exudes his typical “miracle by default” quality. Not only Rod’s vocals but also the band’s performance are captured in a wonderful sound image. At this level, even non-maniacs can enjoy it to the fullest. Above all, it is an ultra recording that brilliantly cleared away the insults of 1977. The 1982 tour that featured the masterpiece “TONIGHT I’M YOURS”, which was a big hit thanks to Rod’s approach to Eighty’s sound, produced a byproduct of the live album “ABSOLUTELY LIVE”, but on this day… It was also the day the album was recorded. When Rod himself finished singing “Sweet Little Rock and Roller,” he said, “We’re recording it for a live album.” The audience in Long Beach, which was already excited, was very excited at this news. This is where the true value of mirrored recording comes into play. Yes, the sound image of the performance is extremely well-balanced, yet it captures the “atmosphere” and “excitement” that are unique to a live performance in an exquisite balance that does not stress you out. This is the real thrill that can only be experienced with mirrored recording. It is said that it perfectly conveys the enthusiasm and excitement of Rod’s live performances at the height of his stardom. At the same time, with the release of a sound source that captures the entire show, at least “Hot Legs,” “You’re In My Heart,” “Young Turks” and “Maggie May” from Long Beach will be included in “ABSOLUTELY LIVE.” It turned out that it was. What’s more, the interlude in which the band members performed short solos in “Hot Legs” was edited short, and “Maggie May” was replaced because Rod’s voice seemed tired in the middle, or edited with another performance. It also turned out that it was recorded in the form of. It is only in the full-length version that such surprising new facts were revealed. Furthermore, although the Expanded Edition of “ABSOLUTELY LIVE” was released 10 years ago, “(I Know) I’m Losing You”, which is a medley to Clapton’s “Layla” in the middle, is included in the same song. This was not possible due to usage fees. In other words, not only was the official version compiled from multiple performances, but there were also circumstances in which the set list could not be completely reproduced due to this. In this respect as well, the value of this release is immeasurable. Moreover, this sound source reveals that the editing and retouching that is common in official live albums like the one mentioned above has been done, so we are reminded of the importance of audience recordings as documents. I think it will happen. Yet, the sound quality and sense of presence are exquisitely balanced. In that case, the trouble that the sound becomes monaural for a moment at the beginning of “Tonight I’m Yours (Don’t Hurt Me)” is only a minor problem. This is the best audience album that not only enthusiasts but also general listeners should experience. Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA, USA 24th March 1982 ULTIMATE SOUND Disc 1 (58:38) 1. Intro 2. Tonight I’m Yours (Don’t Hurt Me) 3. Sweet Little Rock & Roller 4. Hot Legs 5. Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright) 6. Passion 7. She Won’t Dance With Me 8. Little Queenie 9. You’re In My Heart 10. Rock My Plimsoul 11. How Long 12. Young Turks Disc 2 ( 62:57) 1. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right 2. You Wear It Well 3. (I Know) I’m Losing You 4. Drum Solo 5. (I Know) I’ m Losing You (reprise) 6. Gasoline Alley 7. Maggie May 8. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? 9. I Was Only Joking 10. Tear It Up 11. Stay With Me Rod Stewart – vocals Jim Cregan – guitar, backing vocals Robin Le Mesurier – guitar, backing vocals Wally Stocker – guitar Jay Davis – bass, backing vocals Kevin Savigar – keyboards, piano Jimmy Zavala – harmonica, saxophone Tony Brock – drums, backing vocals