Posted on: November 27, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

/ 2012 Eagle Rock / 81 Minutes / http://www.eaglerockent.com

The Groundhogs are an act that still has it. The live show was captured in February of 1998 at the Astoria (London) and contains all of the band’s best known cuts (Cherry Red, Still a Fool, and Groundhog Blues are all present). The video quality of Live At the Astoria is absolutely stellar, while the audio captured is clear and without distortion.

Shake For Me immediately will hit viewers with the sheer intensity of arrangements and the eclectic set of styles that are presented. 3744 James Road showcases that the band’s overall sound can vary in the space of just a few minutes. The two parts of Split speak to the epic aspirations of The Groundhogs; the longevity of this effort is absolutely astounding. The concert ends with Cherry Red, Groundhog Blues, and Down in the Bottom. The narration weaved through this trio of tracks is furthered through the unity enjoyed by the constituent instrumental sides of the band.

While one could conceivably buy a Greatest Hits of The Groundhogs, I feel that the live setting shows the true talent of the band. This 1998 concert showcases a wizened act that is far from stopping. The introduction by Tony McPhee provides viewers with semblance of the sheer amount of work that each member of the band has placed into the creation of a stellar band. Check out the Eagle Rock Classics line for additional trips back into memory lane, made all the better by the tremendous care that the company takes in the preservation and overall presentation of their live footage; give their website a spin to see what they have on deck for the next few months.

Rating: 9.0/10

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