Live in Cuxhaven, 1976

The third in a series of official concert releases by Can, Live in Cuxhaven, 1976 is another real-time document of the groups creative process demonstrated in front of an audience. One has the opportunity to hear the group work out ideas, shifting through rhythms and moods, sometimes landing on patterns they would return to on their studio albums, and other times ending up elsewhere. Jaki Liebezeits fluid drumming keeps everything in motion, as the other members cycle through guitar riffs and try out synth textures, seeing what sticks and what doesnt work. The band definitely has chemistry, and every moment on this recording is driven and energetic, even if it seems to meander a bit. The album seems to stumble in on the group mid-jam, as scratchy guitars and glowing keyboards flow atop a strong rhythm. The second track is a bit darker and moodier, and has some shades of familiar chords and melodies that arent fully fleshed out yet. "Drei" is much faster and looser, with a speedy, heavy backbeat and flailing guitar riffs, as well as some brief vocals that are easy to miss. The fourth piece has some bluesier riffs and some more daring synth experimentation, which seems to contrast with the more traditionally minded rhythm. And then the tape runs out, with the entire album stopping just shy of 30 minutes -- both of the previous live releases were three times longer than this one. Whats here sounds fine, but its nothing revelatory, and there arent any sections that tap into some sort of divine inspiration. This may as well just be a bootleg recording of a dress rehearsal, certainly of interest to fans, but not one of Cans essential releases. ~ Paul Simpson