Off the Desk

I finally got around to getting this live album, and I must say that I really, really like it--so much so that I'm kind of glad I waited a bit to get it. To explain myself, I was in a bit of a "burn out mode" from buying everything Fairport as soon as it became available. But I put it in the player as soon as it arrived today and was immediately struck by how even the tracks that are songs that haven't hit me very strongly on the studio albums sound so much better recorded live. Being in the states, I only saw the acoustic Maart-era lineup once prior to his leaving, and then several times I've seen the Chris-era acoustic lineup, but I never do get to see/hear the electric-guitar-toting-Simon except for the wintour/Cropredy DVDs/live CDs. I'm just glad that these do get released. There is a strength to the live stuff that just amazes me still.