That's The Way Of The World: Alive In '75 (live album) by Earth, Wind & Fire

From neilgee 12/09/2024 18:49

A bit of a dissapointment to me after the classic "Gratitude" which was the bestselling album of 1975 in the USA. Clearly these are recordings that were rejected for the original album with good reason because they are just not as good, also the crowd that helped make Gratitude so electrifying are muted on these versions. The only track that would have contended for inclusion on Gratitude is the title song, eight and a half minutes of mesmerising brilliance that I would have loved passionately back at 15 years old if it had been on the album (but what would you drop to make way for it? None of the live stuff could be replaced, it would have to be two of the studio tracks so suppose I understand why at least one classic live track had to fall by the wayside) that is the only thing worth buying this album for and is certainly why I bought it (after hearing this version on YT). There is a disconcerting long monologue on the subject of love that sounds so corny and patronising all these years later, the love-preaching thing was less prolonged on G too (but then I suppose being told about the value of love by a guy of twenty something when you are fifteen will sound different than being lectured by the same guy at the same age whilst you have moved on to 64. Just find myself thinking phew what nerve). I would only buy this one if you absolutely have to.