Rolling Stones/Belgium 1973 Upgrade

In 1995, four of the Rolling Stones’ vintage live recordings were released, in the wake of their second visit to Japan. All of them were first-time CD recordings, and included valuable recordings from Fort Collins performances of various eras, such as Elton John’s appearance in 1975 on the first day of the 1969 US tour. In the early 1990s, CD items were released along with the bubble of excavating soundboard recordings that had never been heard in the record era. However, once such excavations had settled down, CDs of audience recordings heard on LPs also began. Charlotte in 1972 and Baltimore in 1969 are typical examples. In that respect, what makes the items released in 1995 unique is that they released audience recordings that had not been heard even in the record era. In addition to the 1969 and 1975 recordings mentioned above, one item was released from the Stones’ peak European tour in 1973. That was “HOW COME YOU TASTE SO GOOD”. The Antwerp performance on October 15, 1973 was recorded there, but no items were produced after that, and it is still an overlooked 1973 sound source that can only be heard with this item. Even so, “HOW COME~” had a fatal mistake of extremely low pitch, and the negative point was that many cuts were made after “Angie”. In addition, the four titles released in 1995, including this title, were packaged in a paper jacket, which was rare at the time, but they were made of poor paper quality, not like the paper jackets of today’s CDs. Therefore, the jackets are easily damaged, and although they are not particularly rare items, they are now less frequently appearing on the second-hand market. It is a very popular period among enthusiasts around the world, so at first glance it seems as if all existing (listenable) sound sources have been released in Europe 73, but “HOW COME~” and Antwerp were completely overlooked in that situation. However, in this Antwerp, although the sound image itself is far away, the performance and Mick’s vocals are very clear and easy to listen to. If the shortcomings of “HOW COME YOU TASTE SO GOOD” were adjusted, wouldn’t that alone make it feel more upper? The thought of this was the reason for this release. So, first I tried to correct the pitch of “HOW COME~”, and as expected, the stress was immediately relieved and it became much easier to listen to. Furthermore, the noise caused by the cuts that were scattered after “Angie” was also deleted. It has finally been reborn as an upper version that is easy to listen to. However, it is impossible to eliminate the wavy state that occurs at the beginning of “Gimme Shelter” and “Tumbling Dice”, and there is no other sound source that can compensate for the previous cut parts, such as “Midnight Rambler”. In that respect, it is true that it cannot be said to be a good sound source for everyone. However, on the other hand, there is no doubt that maniacs will realize that it is a sound source that is surprisingly “listenable”. As with the Berlin concert on the final day of the tour, there are many sound sources in Europe 73 that enthusiasts can enjoy even if they are not of top quality. Antwerp has also joined the ranks of such sound sources by making this adjustment. The sound quality itself lacks thickness and there is a certain amount of hiss noise, but this time we have not equalized those parts. This antique-like analog audience recording should make the most of its flavor. And yet the pitch is accurate, so I think it is surprisingly pleasant to listen to. As for the performance, the next one is Brussels. Before such a historic show, the Stones’ performance is solid and solid. The superb performance unique to Europe 73 is clear. This audience recording not only captures the vocals and guitar, but also the sound of the horn section, a famous 1973, so you can enjoy the Europe 73 style even more. The sharpness of the performance and the sense of speed that runs wild as the show progresses are all amazing. Taylor’s solo in “Gimme Shelter,” which was the highlight of every show at the beginning, is the best here too. The first half starts with a slightly delayed phrase, and the final part is wonderful to play. Mick shines even more. The shout reaches its climax in “Tumbling Dice,” and his hyper vocals, which are typical of Europe 73, continue to shine after that. Europe 73 is exceptional, and this day was also full of brilliant performances. “HOW COME YOU TASTE SO GOOD,” a by-product of the cassette trade era in a paper jacket that most enthusiasts would have missed by now, has been thoroughly brushed up and enclosed in a limited press CD. Rather, this release may be the first time that many people will hear Antwerp in 1973. Please enjoy this upper version, which has been reborn in a different dimension, which will definitely be enjoyed by Europe 73 enthusiasts all over the world! Live at Sportpaleis Merksem, Antwerp, Belgium 15th October 1973 UPGRADE (71:12) 1. Brown Sugar 2. Gimme Shelter 3. Happy 4. Tumbling Dice 5. Star Star 6. Dancing With Mr. D. 7. Angie 8. You Can’t Always Get What You Want 9. Midnight Rambler 10. Honky Tonk Women 11. All Down The Line 12. Rip This Joint 13. Jumping Jack Flash 14. Street Fighting Man