BBC in Concert [live]

Members of Badfinger have often been quoted as saying that Badfinger were a misunderstood 'rock' band, and that their studio output did not do them justice, as it portrayed the band as 'pop.' It had also been said that they utilized the live stage to showcase their hard-edged rock sound. This CD somewhat demonstrates such a claim. Badfinger have not been represented well with live recordings, and although these recordings were done at (arguably) their creative peak, this CD does little to remedy that situation. The hits are not played, with the exception of the 1970 live television performance of 'Come and Get It'. No 'Day After Day' or 'No Matter What,' but the listener is treated to two very long cover versions of Dave Mason's 'Only You and I Know', and 'Feelin' Alright?'. In all honesty, the band's playing sounds sloppy at times, although Pete Ham does shine with some great guitar playing, but overall they performances are not tight, or even together at times. To add to this, the CD is not particularly well recorded or mixed. Also of question is the choice of material, since the concerts were obviously longer than presented here, is there any purpose to two, all most identical live versions of 'Suitcase,' a second-rate Badfinger song to begin with? Their harmonies are not really present, and true classics, such as 'Take It All' and the beautiful 'Sweet Tuesday Morning,' do not fare well live. It is not a total loss, however. The material from Ass ('Constitution,' Icicles,' and 'Blind Owl') holds up very well, as that particular album already had a rock sound. But this CD seems aimed at the Badfinger collector, and not the average listening fan. It is a fascinating, and perhaps important, document in terms of Badfinger's history, but it also proves to be somewhat disappointing.