01-31-67 - 12-18-68
This is exactly the same (in content and fidelity) as the quasi-legal Black Country Rock compilation on Gold Standard, with the notable omission of one of the best songs, a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence." Otherwise, this anthology of 25 BBC performances from the late '60s, in reasonable to excellent fidelity, shows the Move's astonishing versatility and range of influences. Ten of these are live-in-the-studio run-throughs of original material, including most of their early British hits -- "Night of Fear," "Fire Brigade," "Flowers in the Rain," "I Can Hear the Grass Grow," and "Blackberry Way." More interesting from a historical perspective are the 16 covers, showing an eclectic range that must have been the equal of any major group of the time -- the Byrds, Tim Rose, Love, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran, Neil Diamond, Jackie Wilson, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, Moby Grape, and the Beach Boys all come in for the Move's accomplished chunky rock, harmony-laden treatment. The cover of the Byrds' "Goin' Back" is particularly nifty. It's not recommended to anyone except serious fans, but that small audience could hardly wish for a better collection of rarities from the group's salad days.