Joe Cocker

This live two-album set is probably indispensable to diehard Joe Cocker fans. Anyone else
should proceed at his own risk. The reason isn't too hard to figure out. Mad Dogs and
Englishmen was formed on a few days' notice to meet contractual obligations, and sounds
like, well, like a group that was formed on a few days' notice to meet contractual
obligations. With the exception of Leon Russell, who excels on guitar as well as... More >

An impressive document, but the same overkill (eleven musicians plus nine backup singers) that was so exhilarating live wears a little thick over a double-LP, especially when you compare the four repeats from Cocker's two studio albums--he sings more accurately when nobody's rushing him. I love Leon Russell's guitar raveup on "Feelin' Alright," though. And the New Orleans horn break on "Cry Me a River." And "The Letter." (Grade: B+)