In the early days of their existence, when Humble Pie was on, they were perhaps the most dangerous rock band on stage. Their live performances were simply outstanding. The free-form approach and improvisation elevated them to heights very few reached in those days.
This box concentrates on the second part of their career, perhaps the less known time, but still interesting and somewhat creative. This 5CD retrospective covers both live and studio recordings from Humble Pie. With the exception of the Live at Winterland from 1973, everything else centers around the band’s 1980s run.
After a four-year break, Steve Marriott reforms Humble Pie in 1979 and releases On to Victory in 1980 and then Go for the Throat in 1981. Neither record was a great success, but the musical climate was changing drastically, and a jam rock band could no longer do what it did a decade earlier. Listening back to these albums now, they do maintain a certain feel and give off a rather positive energy.
The box is completed by three live recordings from 1981, 1982, and 1983. When it comes to Humble Pie, this group was an undisputed live band. The performances are still great, but nowhere close to the infamous Fillmore show. It’s still a great treat to be able to follow a band through their recordings. As a whole package, this feels like a complete picture in the latter days of Humble Pie.
Hallelujah: 1973-1983 is the missing link in the complete history of Humble Pie. It’s a beautifully put-together collection. Some of these albums are out of print, and some of these live recordings are probably seeing the light of day for the first time. All in all, a great effort in bringing some vital history out of the shadows.
Mark Kadzielawa
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