Benefit for Moogy Klingman

Considering there was only actual 3 hours of full band ability to rehearse as a unit due to snow storms that kept Todd on the west coast when these benefit gigs were, the work isn't as bad as one would think ( see above review by danger duo) taking this and the fact most of this music hasn't been played live by Todd in over 35 years I am pleased this finally was released as I was fortunate enough to attend both gigs at the Bowet Ballroom in Manhattan and the Paramount in Peekskill after Moogy left this earth for hos final rest. Is it the best versions ? no not by any means but the January show with Moogy is a bit rougher than the rehearsed band at the Peekskill gig. There is a deluxe package available through cleopatra records which includes a DVD of each show. A Must have for any true todd fan and certainly not a money grab, but a kind last minute gesture by Todd to help one of his dearest friends in his time of need at Moogy's asking him for one last chance to play with " The Boys" and let us not forget mother nature tossing a wrench in the rehearsal time needed to make this collection that much more polished. RIP Moogy it was a pleasure to meet you and your son both nights in Manhattan and thank you Todd for releasing this document of a special night/ nights of shows.

I was excited for this release as I love these old utopia songs like utopia, freedom fighters, freak parade, ikon and another life. This is a collection of the WORST renditions. So many wrong notes and sometimes it seems the band is playing in different keys. Like they didn’t rehearse. There is bad out of key singing with many notes that can’t be reached and the mix is not great. I wish I could return this. I will never listen to this again. The only good thing is that I saw these songs live in shows when they were good in the 70s and didn’t have to experience this abomination live in the 2000’s.