At last!! I've been waiting a long time for Motown to re-release this CD. I've played my old album so much that it is very scratchy and it skips in spots. This remastered version on CD sounds great. Since fans will never have the opportunity to hear the "Classic Five" sing again, this is the next best thing to being present at a live performance. The enthusiasm of the audience is apparent and it brings back memories of Temptations concerts of long ago. Paul's lead on "Don't Look Back" is fantastic and it makes one wonder why he wasn't used more often to lead. At any rate, I recommend this CD for anyone who is truly a fan of the Temptations. Now if only Motown would re-release videos on my favorite group, I would be ecstatic. I know one was done entitled "The Tempts and the Tops" but it is currently out of print. Come on Motown, take a hint. We'll never get tired of the "Classic Five."

A few months after this album was recorded in Detroit (October, 1966), the Temptations brought their musical magic to Central State University, Wiberforce, Ohio. Fortunately, I happened to be attending CSU and was in the audience when the Temps duplicated their "Upper Deck of the Rooster Tail" show for the students of CSU. The crowd of about 1,000 just couldn't believe it and the girls in the audience actually screamed long and loud. It was the most fantastic performce I've ever seen to date. That Temps concert (and a CSU performance by Martha and the Vandellas) inspired me to practice my Fender bass in earnest. The following summer (1967) I was able to land a part-time job as one of the on-the-road electric bass players and musical directors for a few notable Motown acts: Shorty Long ("Function at the Junction"), the Marvelettes, and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Cornelius Grant, as well as James Jameson - super Motown bassman, became good friends of mine during the late 1960's. They helped me learn the ropes of being an on-the-road musician. But, what's hardly ever mentioned in most reviews of the "Temptations Live!" recording is the work of the drummer, Norman. Norman was the best. Just give a listen to the "Don't Look Back" extended track and you'll see what I mean. Neither Buddy Rich, Tony Williams, nor Elvin Jones had more power or style than Norman. And remember, this recording was made before sampling and overdubbing techniques were perfected. Just pure talent and musicianship here. A "must" for any serious R & B collection. Rock-on Norman, wherever you are.... PJ

It was still winter-ish, cold and rainy in Philadelphia as I remember, when I first bought this album (originally Gordy 921) the month I turned 13. That would seem to jibe with its stated of release date of March 6, 1967. For hardcore fans of the group, perhaps the most pertinent piece of information is that this was the Only live album done by the group while David Ruffin was still a member. The LP version never stated anywhere on it where this recording was made, but its little surprise now to learn it was Detroit's `Roostertail'; you could always tell by the interplay of performers and audience here that the group was `at home.'

Further, note that fully six Temptation titles here: "The Girl's Alright With Me," "What Love Has Joined Together," "Fading Away," "You'll Lose A Precious Love," "Baby Baby I Need You," and "Don't Look Back" were all technically B-sides to the group's hit singles. However, the audiences' knowing and welcoming response to the start of each and all of them is perhaps the most enduring proof one could want that every Temptations record, at least up to 1967, was a Double-Sided hit. Starting with "Temptations Sing Smokey" in 1965, EVERY Temptations album with Ruffin in the group went to No. 1 on the R&B album charts, as well as quite a few others after he left.

This also is an audience that contributes significantly to the show. All these years later, it can still goose-bump my arms to hear the way female fans let out the startling screams when bass man Melvin Franklin comes in on his first lead line of "Ol' Man River." You just never forget that moment of the record, and it happens yet again when Melvin drops in his signature line in "You'll Love A Precious Love."

Around this same time, Motown also put out live albums on the Four Tops and Martha & the Vandellas, and while each of them have their moments, neither is as consistently and excellently listenable as this one. Get it.

I received this CD today and all I can say is Paul, Paul, Paul!! Of course, if it's not obvious, Paul was my favorite Temptation, but to here him singing that extended "Don't Look Back" just does something to my soul. That brother could sing to me any day of the week. The entire album is nice, and it really makes you wish that you were at the Roostertail and able to see the moves up close and personal. I envy those who were able to see the classic five in person. It must have been a wonderful thing. But for those of us that did not have that blessing bestowed upon us, this CD is what we all have to be thankful for. For those that already have it, the only thing I can imagine that could top it is a "Temptations Live Video." Now that, I would cherish, but for now I will listen to my "Temptations Live CD," and wish I had been there.

I originally purchased the album when I was 16 years old, and never forgot the excitement, the passion and the skill of these vocalists who defined the quality of popular music in the 1960s and beyond. After seeing the Temptations' movie recently, based on the book written by Otis Williams, I rushed to purchase "Temptations Live" the CD. I assure you that the excellence of the Temptations' music is only enhanced by their live performance. The medleys led by Eddie Kendrick and David Ruffin (Kudos to Ruffin's rendition of "What Now My Love"/"Yesterday" -- joined by basso profundo Melvin Franklin, who sings in French!) and the uptempo versions of their landmark songs ("My Girl," "My Baby," "I Want a Love I Can See," "Get Ready" and others) compel you to sing along and dance. You can only imagine the exquisite moves that the Temptations executed for the audience. Special mention to the always fabulous David Ruffin, whose powerful and throaty baritone is charismatic, and to the underappreciated Paul Williams, who took you to church with "Don't Look Back". Thirty-five years after I first purchased the record, "Temptations Live" the CD is now jammin' in my car stereo. Thanks to Motown and Amazon.com for bringing back the music and the memories! "Temptations Live" is an outstanding CD and anyone who wants to understand what Motown was all about - class, style and above all quality music enhanced with the excitement of a live performance, should buy this CD. I only wish it was accompanied by a video, so we could fully enjoy the brilliance of this classic and classy quintet. Temptations Forever!