SAGA - Detours (Double live-CD)
(Steamhammer/SPV 1998)

Canadian band SAGA still rocks on. To many fans around the world they've become almost an institution over the years, and I was once a member of the fan club. These days I still think they were one of the coolest bands ever. This charming band with the not-so-very-tight drumming has given us tons of timeless killer songs. But of course it was the first 5 albums or so, which was really the true SAGA career. Now that the double live-album is released, you can see that MICHAEL SADLER, STEVE NEGUS, Jim & IAN CRICHTON and JIM GILMOUR has chosen mostly old classics for the tour on which these songs were recorded. Compared to the truly classic \x{201D}In Transit\x{201D} live with SAGA, this one has got a real good sound which is a really nice advantage. And, like I said, they simply throw out classic tunes. Right after the intro the 7 first songs are: 'How Long', The Perfectionist', 'Careful Where You Step', 'Ice Nice', Don't Be Late', Interview' and 'Wind Him Up'! On CD number 2 the classics continue: 'Scratching the Surface', 'On The Loose', Time's Up', 'You're Not Alone', 'Framed' and 'Humble Stance' - well, how many bands can bring that many fantastic songs? With a live production like this it's a pure pleasure to hear SAGA, and I don't even mind much when STEVE NEGUS loses pace in the drumming, or JIM GILMOUR does the same on the keyboards. One must face that SAGA is not as sharp as they once were, but it's good to know that this doesn't discourage them. By the way; except for the songs listed on these 2 CD's there's one extra CD live video track on each one of them. Thank you SAGA! Prod: no info.

Grading: 7
Quelle: http://home1.swipnet.se/~w-14302/more.htm#SAG