Foghat - Live (CD)

All Music Guide

Back in the day, this release was regularly cited in many a '70s live album Top Ten list, but a few decades on, and with the concert experience so removed from that time period (when smaller media exposure for rock roll meant live albums were truly unique, highly sought-after affairs), it's probably difficult for most modern listeners to hear what the fuss was about. Still, in case you care, in their day, Lonesome Dave Peverett and his crew were true road warriors, peddling their Anglicized blues-rock to American audiences with power, conviction, and a blue-collar honesty -- all of which are captured here. Also, Foghat's studios albums were always pretty tough and gritty in their own right, but on Foghat Live, whatever fluff or sleekness had managed to creep into hit singles like "Fool for the City," "Home in My Hand," or the timeless "Slow Ride" was stripped away to reveal the warts and scars beneath. And speaking of warts and scars, it's no coincidence that Foghat's career died a de...ath as soon as MTV came around, making this live recording captured at their peak one for the road. - Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide Read more Less