ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 20, 1982
By Steve Newton
This is a live, completely digital recording of songs performed earlier this year in Munich and Copenhagen. Though not a particular fan of keyboard-dominated, pompish rock, I must admit that Saga quite impresses on this latest effort.
The band is very tight, the rhythm section of bassist/keyboardsman Jim Crichton and drummer Steve Negus particularly shines on “Humble Stance”, a bouncy, slightly Supertrampish track from their self-titled debut album.
“No Regrets” has a soft, childlike quality, whereas “You’re Not Alone” is an upbeat, lively number that includes an interesting guitar/synthesizer duet.
“A Brief Case”, Negus’ two-minute drum solo, showcases his fine percussive talents, and the sound production is so brilliant that you can close your eyes and imagine his drum kit right there with you.
One of the clearest live albums I’ve ever heard. Digital dynamite.