Manfred Mann

Wikipedia information

Live In Budapest (1984)
The last Earth Band album to be released on the Bronze Label was 'Live in Budapest' which contains live versions of eight of their classic hits making up a very good greatest hits album. This album is well worth a listen to hear live versions of 'Spirits in the Night' through to 'Mighty Quinn' which will draw you into the gig atmosphere.

Manfred Mann's Earth Band were, in their heyday, a very credible live act. Their performances were powerful but the musicianship was always of a high quality. Unlike many other bands, they do not make a habit of releasing live albums, thus enhancing the attraction of this collection.

The renditions are reasonably faithful to the originals, with the occasional slightly extended keyboard flurries from Manfred Mann and guitar solos by Steve Waller.

Chris Thompson is in fine form on vocals, Personally I find his voice to be one of the most atmospheric in the business. The version of Bob Marley's "Redemption song", stripped down to a soft, but at the same time powerful, acoustic performance is particularly noteworthy. "Lies (through the 80's)" is a great upbeat, commercial number. It is more notable now for the lyrics, which reflect all that was new in the late 70's, early 80's ("Credit card limits, push button cash"!).

"Budapest - Live" manages to capture the atmosphere of MMEB's live performances, while retaining something close to studio quality in the music.

Line-up / Musicians
- Matt Irving / bass
- John Lingwood / drums
- Manfred Mann / keyboards
- Chris Thompson / vocals, guitar
- Steve Waller / vocals, guitar

Live, released in 1984

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Spirits in the night (6:04)
2. Demolition man (4:32)
3. For you (6:49)
4. Davey's on the road again (4:43)
5. Lies (through the 80's) (4:34)
6. Blinded by the light (7:45)
7. Redemption song (No Kwazulu) (3:26)
8. Mighty Quinn (4:15)… (meer)