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Reviews

Boud Deun — A General Observation
(EHP021, 1998, CD)

by David Ashcraft, Published 1999-01-01

A General Observation Cover art

I don’t tend to be a big fan of live albums. One reason is that they often waste the technological capabilities that compact discs offer in terms of fidelity. Another reason is that most bands sound better by utilizing all that modern studios have to offer in terms of effects, double-tracking, and guest musicians. Having noted these objections, let’s talk about Boud Deun’s superb live album, A General Observation. Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Boud Deun in concert knows that they are an exceptionally powerful and exciting live band. As guitarist Shawn Persinger points out in the liner notes, fans have been after the band for years to put out a live album since they are “sooooo much better live.” While the first two studio albums are both excellent, the sense of energy that they generate in their live shows is missing. This disc sets the matter straight, and does so with an exclamation point. The disc was recorded during two shows at the legendary Orion Studios, home of an amazing string of progressive rock concerts. The fact that it is a studio no doubt contributes to the remarkable sound quality that at times sounds better than some of their studio recordings! The only thing better than hearing Boud Deun roar through a number of old favorites is hearing brand new material. We are treated to four new tracks here, only one of which appears on their new studio CD, The Stolen Bicycle. One of the songs is particularly notable even though it is not typical of the band. “Raniliegh Gardens” is a short but beautiful song that may be as close as Boud Deun has come to writing a ballad. It sounds especially poignant after the ferocity of the opening track, “Copper Ink.” All in all this is a truly great live recording and an absolutely essential disc. It is certainly the next best thing to actually seeing Boud Deun in concert. There is something very special about this band, and if you haven’t yet investigated their brand of progressive fusion then now is certainly the time!

Filed under: New releases, Issue 16, 1998 releases

Related artist(s): Boud Deun, Shawn Persinger (Prester John)

 

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