by Kathleen C. Fennessy
A collectible of a 1978 reunion concert issued by Rhino Records as a picture disc. It features the same 1966 photo of the band as on their boxed set, Love Story; in it, Arthur Lee sports psychedelic specs and a cigarette in his ear. Singer/guitarist Lee and guitarist Bryan MacLean, who died from a heart attack in 1998, were the only -- but arguably most important -- original members present for this date at L.A.'s Whiskey a Go Go, where they got their start (MacLean exited the band in 1968). Sound quality -- of the music -- is pretty good, but there are only eight songs and the audience is too loud, especially during slow burners like &Andmoreagain& and &Signed D.C.& Although the performance of the latter is strong, it's further marred by a squealing mic and Lee's request that it be turned down. MacLean sings on &Old Man& from the seminal recording Forever Changes. &Good Times& and &Singing Cowboy& (from Four Sail) and &Keep on Shining& (False Start) are songs that had been released by Lee after all the original members had left. The German Line edition of this recording replaces &Alone Again Or& and &Andmoreagain& with &My Little Red Book& and &Orange Skies.& The compilation Dr. Rhino & Mr. Hyde includes &Movin' On,& which was recorded at the same concert, but is otherwise unavailable. For collectors and completists only.