Live - Blackfoot

While Blackfoot never gained significant success outside of becoming regional favorites throughout the Southeastern United States, their musical connection with Lynyrd Skynyrd gave them a primary push via multi-instrumentalist Rickey Medlocke (guitar/vocals). He was among Skynyrd's primordial members, going so far as to record with them during their first studio sessions -- which can be heard on the highly recommended Skynyrd's First: Complete Muscle Shoals (1998) compilation. After a more or less permanent lineup was established, Medlocke co-founded the all-Native American band, Blackfoot. Live (2000) -- which was initially broadcast on the nationally syndicated King Biscuit Flower Hour radio concert series -- captures the band at the Palladium in Hollywood on August 10, 1983. This was undoubtedly the height of Blackfoot's concurrent upswing, which came hot on the heels of triumphant headlining tours in the U.S. and Europe. They had likewise just issued Siogo (1983), their sixth LP, and as such their set list is reflective of this repertoire, with a healthy sampling from earlier albums Strikes (1979) and Marauder (1981). Highlights include the typical early-'80s corporate rock of "Teenage Idol" from Siogo, as well as the pile-driving "On the Run" from Tomcattin' (1980). Perhaps due to the dearth of suitably self-penned material, they resort to covering Uriah Heep's "Easy Livin'." Among the standout originals are the rabble-rousing seven-plus-minute "Train, Train," "Livin' in the City," and the Skynyrd soundalike "Highway Song." ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide