Eddie & The Hot Rods – New York: Live

Eddie & The Hot Rods will forever be known for “Do Anything You Wanna Do”, an Eddie Hollis/Graeme Douglas composition that has more than withstood the test of time. Hell, it’s one of the greatest songs of the 70’s. Maybe of all time. But Eddie & The Hot Rods were also known as a great live band… and here’s the proof.

The band’s stage prowess is now documented with the release of New York: Live, a testament to the fire and fury of lead singer Barry Masters and company. The live show (recorded in 2009) takes us through a blistering set of originals and classic covers. Anything but a Hollywood production, this document was probably recorded from the club soundboard – warts and all. And it’s glorious.

I’m not a fan of their entire catalog (5 proper albums in all) but the best of the best are here. Be forewarned – the entire first half of the album may cause your sound system to spontaneously combust.  

“Teenage Depression” appropriately leads things off. In songs such as “I Might Be Lying” and “Quit This Town” one can hear similarities to fellow Canvey Islanders Dr. Feelgood. “Better Without You” reminds me of the David Johansen band when they were at their peek.

One of my favorites from Life On The Line, “Telephone Girl” is here, too. And of course there’s the greatest song of all time, “Do Anything You Wanna Do” presented in all it’s rock ‘n’ roll glory. If you want the chords so you can play along, you can get them HERE.

You’ll find Eddie & The Hot Rods New York: Live on CD at Kool Kat Musik or digitally at Amazon.