Buffalo

Buffalo

Having not heard many of the early 1980s shows, I was absolutely floored when I first heard Buffalo. This is essentially a variation on the Joe's Garage band, with the absolutely otherworldly rhythm section of Arthur Barrow and Vinnie Colaiuta leading Steve, Ray, Ike, Tommy, and Bob through some absolutely astonishing renditions. "Keep It Greasy," for example, is played at something approximating warp speed...the virtuosity is just jaw-dropping. Other standouts include embryonic versions of "Drowning Witch" and "Tinseltown Rebellion".

Pity, then, that the entire thing is compressed to hell and back. This could be inherent in the source or the mix, but the really tinny sound of "Buffalo" (when compared to the relative richness of "Imaginary Diseases" or even the recent "Trance Fusion") really does a disservice to the performances. Worst affected is Vinnie, whose cymbals pulse and distort wildly, and whose performance on the kit is frequently rendered an indistinguishable mess.

Verdict: "Buffalo" is a great purchase, and a great concert, but expect sound quality that doesn't even rise to the level of the hit-and-miss "Stage" series.