This is the Barclay James Harvest album that introdused me to Barclay James Harvest. It caputured me, I played it again and again. Later I baught all the other albums.

The classic songs from Child of Univers, Poor Mans Moody blues, Mocingbird, Taking me Higher, Suicide and Hymn are given a new dimension from the original soundtracks. The songs have a stronger dynamical and emotional feeling that goes straight to your heart. Guitarist John Lees, bassplayer Les Holroy and keaybordist Wooly Wolstenholme all gives their distinct voices to some incredible good harmonies. Together with drummer Mel Pritchard they are one of the most underrated bands of the 70's. It's not to late to discover them, try this album first!

My favourite song? All of them

Barclay James Harvest never got the success they deserved. A shame, because they were easily on a par with their contemporaries - Genesis, Yes, etc. Live Tapes not only showcases the best songs from the Octoberon and Gone to Earth albums - the zenith period of the band's career - these songs actually benefit from the spacious live sound. Taking Me Higher is thus transformed from a cracking song into three minutes of sonic glory, while Poor Man's Moody Blues stretches the limits of orchestral grandeure. The vocal performances are spot on and the harmonies send goosebumps down my spine. Essential listening, I would say, for fans of symphonic rock.

From the opening strains to the final note on CD 2... you'll be swept away by the majesty of it all. It has Child of the universe, Mockinbird and of course Poor man's moody blues... each played in total symphonic majesty.
Forget a best off compilation if you haven't heard BJH before. Live Tapes has them at their best, playing their best.
Listen to it and you will wonder like i do everytime i listen to it - Just how exactly did the world miss out on this band?!?
My advice. Buy two copies! So you always have one copy just in case the one you lent never came back (believe me it happens)!