It was certainly no Frampton Comes Alive!, but in the catalog of live albums issued in the '70s, it was certainly one of the strongest. Manilow's only chart-topping album (unseating the mighty juggernaut that was Fleetwood Mac's Rumours) was a high-energy affair capturing the atmosphere of... [+] Expand

It was certainly no Frampton Comes Alive!, but in the catalog of live albums issued in the '70s, it was certainly one of the strongest. Manilow's only chart-topping album (unseating the mighty juggernaut that was Fleetwood Mac's Rumours) was a high-energy affair capturing the atmosphere of Manilow's sold-out homecoming stint in New York City during 1976. This expanded edition restores the concert to the form heard on vinyl (the "Beautiful Music" segues were omitted during the original CD pressings), giving the whole affair a bit more continuity. And it certainly helps that much of the on-stage banter as well as several songs never before released are also included, giving a clearer portrait of Manilow's endearing wit that helped to define him as one of the most successful live acts of the '70s. This level of self-deprecating humor reaches its peak with the fan favorite "A Very Strange Medley," which features many of the commercial jingles Manilow composed before he was a hitmaker. Stitched together and without much context, it's a hysterical romp through '70s commercial pop culture. But if you know Manilow's history, it makes the performance that much sweeter. This is essential for even the most dedicated of Barry Manilow's fans. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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