lambchops's Full Review: Live Blueswailing '64 by The Yardbirds
Once upon a time, there was a band of strapping young English lads. Hailing from Surrey, they came to be known for their live prowess would boast at various times in various incarnations the young Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page—well before they would come into their own musically.
The Yardbirds, as they were known, made their official debut in 1964 with Five Live Yardbirds. That live release featured the band’s second incarnation—Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, and a new guitarist named Clapton. Though this was their official UK debut, the United States didn’t get their first taste of the blues-rock until the next year’s Have a Rave Up which consisted of excerpts from that album in addition to a selection singles and b-sides. Those two LPs helped to cement the early Yardbirds into rock psyches everywhere and made them one of the obvious standouts of the 1960’s British invasion.
But have you ever wondered what the classic band of rockers did before they blast onto the scene with that first release? Their run was definitely short and memorable (they lasted just six years from formation in 1963 through breakup in 1969) and the Yardbirds left behind but a handful of sometimes exploitive releases (see For Your Love, Sonny Boy Williamson & the Yardbirds). That is why any newly uncovered material will be of particular note for fans of the legendary band.
Believe it or not, but such a record was unearthed and released in mid-2003. Live! Blueswailing July '64 predates the band’s live debut—Five Live Yardbirds. Even more impressive is the fact that in some ways it surpasses it in quality. The new disc collects seven previously unheard songs (many of which were recorded later by the band on other albums). The recording quality is surprisingly clear for something that now is forty years old. In addition, Live! Blueswailing July '64 provides a clear indication of the abilities of each individual member of the Yardbirds and the direction they would take in the future.
The Blueswailing recording, as mentioned, features seven songs on which Clapton in particular shows great improvement since the 1963 show where the band performed behind Chicago blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson. Also of note is the impressive live performance of Relf, who despite suffering from chronic asthma manages to turn in a vocal showing that is unrestrained and acrobatic. Certainly, not the kind of thing an asthmatic could possibly do…
On the whole, the five members come together brilliantly on the actual performance. Even more impressive is the lovely packaging which contains interviews with Dreja and McCarty, Clapton quotes, pictures, advertisements, and various newspaper clippings—most interesting of which is one where the band knocked on the front door of Lord Willis (aka TV writer Ted Willis) who had called them a “cheap candyfloss substitute for culture) and gave him a private show to prove that they were more than mere savages. The neighbors (who asked Willis to tone down the noise) didn’t agree, but Willis said he had a newfound appreciation and respect for the Yardbirds. It is slices like this from the band’s scrapbook that make the listener feel as though they’ve been invited to an exclusive, intimate party.
Blueswailing boasts a track listing not too incredibly different than the band’s official debut. But with that said, there are enough surprises to give any listener (much less a true Yardbirds fan) a thrill. As the brief, rousing Someone To Loves Me comes to an end there is a strange pause—turn your stereo up. You’ll note that this recording has been left relatively untouched. Clinking glasses, conversations and tuning instruments have all been caught on reel. At other moments throughout Blueswailing you’ll hear similar off-the-cuff intricacies often kept off of live albums. For example, before Smokestack Lightning begins, Clapton spends literal minutes tuning his brand new Fender. Relf’s charming banter makes the guys seem so young, but so real at the same time. Instead of seeming like just legends, they are humanized. It is this human element that the album is all that more important than much available from the Yardbirds.
As far as actual songs go, Clapton fans will undoubtedly most appreciate The Sky is Crying, but truth be told the whole damn album pretty much will rock the socks off of even your Granny. Blueswailing will leave listeners wondering why these recordings have only now been unearthed. The Sky is Crying is a fantastic blues offering. Clapton’s playing is some of the best of his early career—the fact that it is a brand new guitar goes to show just how innately gifted he is as a guitarist.
My favorite moments come with Too Much Monkey Business, I Got Love If You Want It, or Good Morning Little Schoolgirl but I don’t think anything more needs to be said than this is an essential Yardbirds record. Regardless of whether you like, love, or just merely appreciate the band don’t hesitate to buy Live! Blueswailing July '64.
“Wow” aptly describes what the album does for me.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Someone To Love Me
02. Too Much Monkey Business
03. I Got Love If You Want It
04. Smokestack Lightning
05. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
06. She Is So Respectable/Humpty Dumpty
07. The Sky Is Crying
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