Journey have released many live albums during their lengthy career but ‘Captured’ is their jewel in the crown as a live statement.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Journey
ALBUM: Captured
LABEL: CBS
SERIAL: KC2 37016
YEAR: 1981
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Steve Perry – vocals * Neal Schon – guitars, backing vocals * Ross Valory – bass, backing vocals * Gregg Rolie – vocals, keyboards * Steve Smith – drums, percussion
TRACK LISTING: 01 Majestic * 02 Where Were You * 03 Just The Same Way * 04 Line Of Fire * 05 Lights * 06 Stay Awhile * 07 Too Late * 08 Dixie Highway * 09 Feeling That Way * 10 Anytime * 11 Do You Recall * 12 Walks Like A Lady * 13 La Do Da * 14 Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ * 15 Wheel In The Sky * 16 Any Way You Want It * 17 The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love)
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
1980 completed the second phase of Journey’s career/history. The first phase ended in 1977 when the band dropped their progressive/jazz ambitions then signed Steve Perry for their run at chart success with the triumvirate of ‘Infinity’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Departure’.
The latter album released early in 1980 was followed a year later (Feb 1981) by the double-live LP ‘Captured’, which was also the swan-song for keyboardist Gregg Rolie who had decided that enough was enough, and that he needed to get off the road and start raising a family.
When we compare double live albums from this era, ‘Captured’ is one that often gets overlooked for its quality. I know I certainly have unintentionally given it a wide berth, but it deservedly gets its moment in the sun with this review, as part of a completion package of all Journey albums reviewed at Glory Daze.
The quality of the recording is a testament to the professionalism to the band and Herbie Herbert’s management team.
The Songs
All of the material on the album is taken from the three albums ‘Infinity’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Departure’, with particular emphasis on the latter album which the band were touring on the back of during this period.
Certainly, songs such as ‘Where Were You’, the amazing ‘Line Of Fire’ and the chestnut ‘Anyway You Want It’ sound tight and furious in the live environment. The mid-section of the album goes into a subdued mode with ballads ‘Lights’, ‘Stay Awhile’ and ‘Too Late’ slowing up momentum.
However they pull away again with ‘La Do Da’, ‘Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ and ‘Wheel In The Sky’, where Steve Perry invites audience participation, while Steve Smith has his obligatory drum solo at the tail end of ‘La Do Da’.
However, of most interest to longtime fans are the inclusion of the previously unrecorded ‘Dixie Highway’ which is a stand-out track for me, plus the last track on the album which is a studio affair, the fantastic ‘The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love)’ which is an eye-opener to the next incarnation of the band through their ‘Escape’ era.
In Summary
Other interesting notes on the album. The live recordings took place over three locations in 1980. Montreal, Tokyo and Detroit. The liner notes made reference to AC/DC‘s Bon Scott, with the album dedicated to him. On the sole studio track ‘The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love)’, the keyboards were performed by Steve Roseman.
As mentioned, ‘Captured’ needs to be given reinvigouration in terms of its profile, and though overshadowed by their many studio LP’s, as a live recording, it stands head and shoulders alongside the great live albums of the 70’s and early 80’s.
And what about the cover art? Simply beautiful, with the trademark scarab, as were all the other Alton Kelly & Stanley Mouse covers prior to this. Rediscover this classic 70 minutes of high energy arena rock n roll!
Video
Entire Album (Select Tracks)
