The Plimsouls - Live! Beg, Borrow & Steal

Vintage stage set from unsung pop heroes

Peter Case’s solo career over the last 20-odd years has seen him collobarate with such names as Van Dyke Parks, Ry Cooder and T-Bone Burnett on several bluesinfluenced Americana albums, but back in 1981 he was at the helm of one of Los Angeles’ most exciting live bands. This radio broadcast from the Whisky A Go Go finds The Plimsouls at their supercharged best, alternating between howling Yardbirds R&B and the slick power pop of The Rasberries.

Case’s fiery rasp dominates these 18 songs, as if he’s developed his entire vocal style from listening to John Lennon on a tape loop of Twist & Shout. There’s further evidence of his anglophile passions on covers of The Who (Run Run Run) and The Kinks (Come On Now), with guitarist Eddie Munoz throwing some roof-rattling beat group shapes. Of the original band material, the near-hit A Million Miles Away gives the closest indication to the gentler sound of Case’s later work. For most part it’s a fuzz pedal party of the highester order.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Alive | ALIVEO 105

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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