As ever, I do of course have the deluxe expanded CD version of this record, but this fact is of immensely more importance than usual, for two main generic reasons, each of which I believe to be unique. These relate to the bonus tracks, of which there are 5, all described as having been “recorded at the Sydney Opera House 26th January 1974”. They are:
10. The Hexamshire Lass (4.09)
11. Polly on the Shore (5.12)
12. Bring ‘Em Down (11.39)[!]
13. Far From Me (3.16)
14. That’ll Be The Day (3.19)
However, the five tracks actually comprise one seamless whole (and this is the first of the two “unique” reasons), being the first half hour of this gig right from the introduction of the band onto the stage; and it very soon becomes clear that the group that was so introduced was the “Nine” (and indeed the first three tracks are versions of songs from that LP) line-up, i.e. Sandy Denny was conspicuous by her absence.
More of this truly fascinating aspect of the CD next time, and I’m not being cynical here.
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