With the release of the 35th anniversary edition of Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the original version as great as it was, has now become obsolete. This delux edition, is packed with top notch bonus material that never made it to the original 2 album set in 1970. Cocker is phenominal on such bonus tunes like "The Weight", "Something, "Darling Be Home Soon", and of course his trademark "With A little Help From my Friends". All the above mentioned bonus tunes are further enhanced by the gospel drive of the space choir. The original version of "Delta Lady", is also extended with a third encore verse only seen in the movie. Add to that, a wonderful version of "Let It Be", by Claudia Lennear, taken from the actual movie, as well as 2 cuts by Leon Russell Hummingbird", and "Dixie Lullaby, and you can't help but feel the power of one of rocks greatest tours ever. The disc also has lots more verbal interaction with Joe and Leon, as well as an introduction by what sounds like promoter Bill Graham at the Fillmore East in New York. Also of note is the inclusion of studio versions of "The Letter" and "Space Captain", that were recorded just prior to the tour. Joe never sounded better on these rare takes, which are also presented for the first time in stereo. "Space Captain", is also an alternate version that has never been heard before. What makes this set so special, is the bonus material is all quality, with no filler that often plagues releases with bonus material. The cd ends fittingly with Leon Russell's "Ballad Of Mad Dogs and Englishmen", which also played during the end credits of the movie. The 24 page booklet is also a treat. Great new liner notes by J.P. Bean, Joe Cocker's biographer, along with photo's and information on each song only enhance this cd to elite status among reissue packages. Finally, I can't say enough about the remastering and sound quality of this recording, which far exceeds any prior edition, including those gold disc versions. If you are a Joe Cocker fan, you haven't heard Mad Dogs and Englishmen until this delux edition is part of your collection.

I initially balked at the outrageous price of 27 dollars for this cd set but let me tell you rest assured that this is a bargain considering the quality of this album.

The sound qaulity is absolutely phenomenal and the bonus material is not filler. I have not heard other versions of this record but on this set everything is crystal clear and none of the musicians (and there were a lot of them) get lost in the mix. The Weight is my favorite song included and it is a previously unreleased track. It is shocking that a track as powerful as this one went so long without being released.

Kudos to whoever put this set together because the packaging is flawless. If you are going to buy mad dogs and englishmen this is the edition to own.

LONG LIVE COCKER POWER

This is one of the best live albums ever recorded. The first track which is called 'Introduction' and lasts 41 seconds tells you a lot. A punchy brass section, and a great drummer (either Jim Gordon or Jim Keltner) who drives everything along. Straight into track 2 which is a stonking cover of the Stones 'Honky Tonk Woman'. Joe Cocker sounds like he's singing through broken glass, and the band rock in way that few bands can these days.

Another reason why this album was such a success was the appearance of Leon Russell whose presence is felt throughout the album on Piano and Guitar. If you've ever seen the film of this tour you'll know that he virtually stole the show from everybody with his Top Hat and huge white beard (not so out of place in 1970!). You can hear his distinctive Piano on the intro to another superb cover; 'Cry me River'. This track like all the uptempo tracks on this album has that gospel feel because of the backing choir and Joe Cocker's broken singing voice.

The other well known members of the band are:

Chris Stainton - frequently Claptons regular keyboard player

Bobby Keys - Tenor Sax

Rita Coolidge - Vocals

When listening to the band introductions and the interludes between the songs it becomes rather obvious that a lot of the band were either very stoned or had drunk a huge quantity of alcohol! Its also worth saying that this was recorded 37 years ago now, so for those used to crystaline modern recording techniques this probably sound horrible. However if you prefer your music carved from Rock rather than made in the studio by a computer, you want some soul, a big gospel influence and some driving rock 'n' roll this can't be beaten.

Normally I prefer studio albums over live ones, since the sound quality and performances are usually better. Mad Dogs and Englishmen is an exception though. This deluxe edition is infinitely preferable to the non-deluxe one, and I can hardly believe they left some of these songs out of the original release. The album captures the incredible energy generated by both the ecstatic crowd and the 20+ people onstage during the concert. The sound quality is extraordinarily good. Even amidst the wall of sound one can clearly distinguish each voice and instrument. Cocker sings with such a gritty passion that you would think it was the last thing he was ever going to sing. He is surely one of the greatest singers in the soul/rock/R&B genres, and his performance here is beyond any praise I could offer. Of course, the backing band is just as important as Cocker himself. Under the direction of the legendary Master of Space and Time, Leon Russell, the band, comprised of three drummers, a full choir, horn section, and assorted other players, cranks like no other. Russell's greatest strength as bandleader is his ability to drive the band into a seemingly unstoppable frenzy of intensity, and his inimitable piano style adds a quirky zing to many of the arrangements. The combination of all these elements propel the show into truly epic territory, well beyond what someone would expect from a bunch of R&B cover songs. Highlights on the album include a ridiculously awesome performance of Joe's signature "With a Little Help From My Friends," "Delta Lady," and "Space Captain," as well as Leon Russell's "Hummingbird." Cocker and Russell's duet on "Girl from the North Country" is extremely touching - the perfect way to close the show. This one is absolutely essential for Cocker fans, and anyone else who loves to hear a totally awesome band in all its glory.

This splendid Deluxe Edition with extra material makes this alltime live-record better than ever..

Joe Cocker is here at his highest vocal point of his career, together with Leon Russell (the Master Of Ceremonies

who was famous for his "steam rollin' train" kind of sound)..accompied with so many top artists they create a mighty soulful

and so honest masterpiece..one could compare their sound of a Ray Charles Band from another galaxy..

this time-area was famous for so many live albums who appears to become "precious diamonds" in music-history..

to name a few : Cream - Wheels Of Fire second disc (1969)

The Rolling Stones - Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out (1970)

Jimi Hendrix - The Band Of Gypsys (1970)

Woodstock - Various Artists (1970)

The Allman Brothers Band - Live At The Fillmore East (1971)

C,S,N & Y - Four Way Street (1971)

behind all this there was an important keyfigure : Bill Graham

this man who organised so many music-events can be followed in his excellent book :

"Bill Graham Presents : My Life Inside Rock And Out"

it is a must have for all you music-lovers and is also available at Amazon.com