PiL
- Amsterdam Paradiso,
Holland,
November 25th 1983
Running Order:
1. Public Image
2. Low Life
3. Annalisa
4. Religion
5. Memories
6. Solitaire
7. Careering
8. Flowers Of Romance
9. Chant
10. Anarchy In The UK
11. This Is Not A Love Song
Running Time:
44:37 minutes (approx)
Sound Quality:
(8) 1st Generation Audience Recording
Tape Gradings Explained here
review by TIM BUCKNALL
Notes:
Includes a rare version of 'Careering'. Possibly the last time John Lydon
performed it live until his solo tour in 1997…
Review:
This
tape will please anyone who likes bassy recordings (like me). This is
an untouched 1st generation audience recording. Some tapes from this
venue (of other bands) have suffered from rather poor acoustics. The
bass-heaviness of this tape counteracts that
to a certain degree.
Technical problems affect the very start of the first track but they
soon resolve. The opening salvo of 'Public Image' / 'Low Life' / 'Annalisa'
is delivered competently. 'Annalisa' is particularly good. 'Religion'
is a solid performance with a great sneering vocal, despite bursts
of annoying bass feedback in places. 'Memories' has some good flanging
guitar.
It seems like audience recordings are the most enjoyable record of this line-up. The soundboard's just emphasise the over-slickness of this period.
It seems like there's trouble from spitters after 'Memories'.
'Solitaire' is always a low point in '83; cheesy pianos tinkle and
clean guitars chop.
Next is a very rare and very welcome 'Careering'. It's played at the
right speed and the synths are suitably ominous. The only drawback
is John forgetting the words, and some occasional atonal piano splashes.
Why wasn't it played more?
The tape has just the merest hint of low-end distortion at this point.
The rest of the set is business as usual.
Pleasingly 'Anarchy in the UK' is the two-guitar version, and since this tape doesn't have the speed problems of Glasgow, PiL fans will probably want this tape for 'Anarchy' as well as the rare 'Careering'.
