Description
Mountain – Eruption – Live In New York City – Double Vinyl Records
Eruption: Live in New York City by Mountain is a live album that captures the energy and raw power of the band’s performance in New York City. Mountain, formed in 1969 by guitarist Leslie West, bassist and producer Felix Pappalardi, drummer Corky Laing, and keyboardist Steve Knight, is one of the pioneering bands of hard rock and heavy metal. They are best known for their hit ‘Mississippi Queen’ and their performance at Woodstock in 1969.
Mountain is often compared to contemporaries like Cream, partly due to Felix Pappalardi’s involvement with both bands (he produced several of Cream’s albums). Mountain’s sound is characterized by heavy, bluesy riffs, powerful vocals, and a blend of hard rock with elements of early metal. Leslie West’s guitar playing, in particular, is a significant part of the band’s identity, with his thick, distorted tone and aggressive style influencing many future rock guitarists.
Eruption: Live in New York City showcases Mountain at their peak, delivering high-energy performances of their most iconic songs. Live albums are a crucial part of capturing the essence of a band like Mountain, where the rawness and intensity of their live shows bring an added dimension to their studio recordings.
The album features a selection of Mountain’s most famous tracks, performed with the energy and improvisational flair that the band was known for in their live shows.
‘Mississippi Queen’ – One of Mountain’s most famous tracks, ‘Mississippi Queen’ is a hard rock anthem with a memorable riff and gritty vocals from Leslie West. The live version often features extended guitar solos and improvisations, showcasing West’s skill and the band’s ability to energize a crowd.
‘Nantucket Sleighride’ – A staple of Mountain’s live performances, ‘Nantucket Sleighride’ is an epic, sprawling track that combines powerful riffs with complex arrangements. The song, originally about a whaling ship, often includes extended instrumental sections when performed live, highlighting the band’s musicality.
‘Never in My Life’ – Another classic Mountain track, ‘Never in My Life’ features a driving beat and heavy, bluesy guitar work. The live version captures the raw energy of the band, with West’s guitar playing at the forefront.
‘Theme for an Imaginary Western’ – Written by Jack Bruce and Pete Brown of Cream, ‘Theme for an Imaginary Western’ was popularized by Mountain. The song’s live rendition is typically powerful, with emotional vocals and soaring guitar work.
‘For Yasgur’s Farm’ – A song dedicated to the farmer who allowed the Woodstock Festival to take place on his land, this track is another example of Mountain’s ability to blend heavy rock with more melodic, reflective moments. The live version often features a mix of subtlety and power, demonstrating the band’s range.
Eruption: Live in New York City encapsulates the essence of Mountain’s live performances: loud, raw, and intensely passionate. The band’s style is deeply rooted in blues rock, but with a heavier, more aggressive edge that helped lay the groundwork for the development of heavy metal. Leslie West’s guitar tone—thick, saturated, and aggressive—combined with Felix Pappalardi’s melodic bass lines and Corky Laing’s powerful drumming, creates a sound that is both forceful and nuanced.
Mountain’s live performances were known for their extended jams and improvisational sections, where the band would stretch out their songs, exploring different musical directions while keeping the audience engaged with their musicianship.
Mountain is often considered one of the underappreciated bands of their era, overshadowed by some of the more commercially successful acts of the time. However, their influence on hard rock and heavy metal is undeniable. Albums like ‘Eruption: Live in New York City’ are crucial in understanding the band’s impact, showcasing their live prowess and the intensity that made them a memorable act on stage.
Live recordings like this one serve as important documents of a band’s legacy, capturing moments that are often more powerful than studio recordings due to the energy of the live setting. For fans of Mountain and those interested in the roots of hard rock and metal, Eruption: Live in New York City is a valuable listen that highlights the band’s strengths and their contribution to rock music.
Mountain’s Eruption: Live in New York City stands as a testament to the band’s live capabilities and their importance in the development of heavy rock. The album, filled with high-octane performances of their classic tracks, continues to resonate with fans of classic rock and those exploring the roots of heavy music. Leslie West’s guitar work, in particular, remains influential, and this live album is a prime example of his skill and the band’s collective power on stage.
Recorded live in N.Y.C. 1985 (Ritz & L’Amour clubs)
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Hard Times
Never In My Life
Spark
Theme For An Imaginary Western
Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin)
Mississippi Queen
Rocky Mountain Way
For Yasgur’s Farm
