Heart Involvement (Mindwarp MWCD-048/049)
Disc 1, July 16th, 1970 (59:49): John Peel intro., The Embryo, Fat Old Sun, Green Is The Colour, Careful With That Axe Eugene, If, Atom Heart Mother
Disc 2, September 30th, 1971 (65:40): John Peel intro., Fat Old Sun, One Of These Days, The Embryo, Echoes, blues
When Pink Floyd were a young band in the 60’s lead by Syd Barrett they utilized radio broadcasts quite frequently, but as they become more established their appearances became fewer. Heart Involvementis the latest release by the erstwhile silver pressed progressive rock label Mindwarp and it presents the two last appearances by Pink Floyd with John Peel on BBC radio.
Mindwarp use the multi-track stereo sources that were used by Sirene on BBC Archives (Sirene-026) released several years ago. The first disc with the July 16th, 1970 Paris Theater session is a straight copy of the Sirene while the second disc, with the September 30th, 1971 source is twelve seconds longer than Sirene.
The difference in timing is attributed to more time at the conclusion of the “blues” played as an encore with more audience noise. There isn’t any new music and the sound quality on Mindwarp is pretty much the same. Mindwarp increased the volume making it somewhat more clear but it is crystal clear and for the most part is well balanced sounding much fuller than the mono versions of these tapes that also exist. Like their previous releases this is packaged in the standard double slimline jewel case with common live photos and the effective picture of the band hovering over the desert on the front.
The first “Peel Sunday Concert” was recorded on July 16th and first broadcast on July 19th and repeated throughout the ’70’s. It occurs a little more than two weeks from the Bath Festival appearance and was first released on the vinyl titles The BBC Tapes (Embryo Productions BBC 7071) and Eclipse (001 Diamond Records).
On compact disc it appears on Pink Floyd Live (CDDV 2032DV) on More Records, Pink Floyd Live (MT CD 1104021), Pink Is The Pigon The Genuine Pig (TGP-CD-125) and the two Sirene releases BBC Archives, both mono and stereo. The tape begins with Peel saying how excited he is to have Pink Floyd on the “Sunday, repeated on Wednesday” show before the band band start with a well developed version of “The Embryo”, which he calls “hopeful and optimistic”.
“Fat Old Sun” receives its radio debut with Gilmour confirming it will be on the next LP. “Green Is The Colour” and “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” are segued together as was the custom in early 1970. Pink Floyd also premiered two new pieces, “If” and the grandiose “Atom Heart Mother” suite. The latter’s title is introduced under the working title and this is the day that saw its name change from “The Amazing Pudding” to what we now know. The band is accompanied by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble performing before a live audience.
On the 30th of September, 1971 session, Pink Floyd returned to London’s Paris Cinema to promote their new album Meddle. This concert was first broadcast on October 12th and is featured on the well known vinyl boots Floyds Of London (3645) reissued five times, London Wavelengths on Rock Hour (52 A/B BBC), One Of These Days on The Swingin’ Pig (TSP-034), See Emily Smile (905) and Tour 73 (Tour 73) which claims to be from France.
On CD it has been released on Rockstars In Concert – Pink Floyd (MERIT-6117042), The Floyd’s Of London on Front Row Center, The Last BBC Session 1971 on Highland (HL 280), Meddler on Harvested (HRV CD 0001), One Of These Days (TSP-CD-034) on The Swingin’ Pig, and Rock Hour on Fire Power (FR-9042). John Peel’s introduction is interrupted several times by applause before the band play “Fat Old Sun”. In contrast to the previous year, the song is much more developed with lengthy guitar passages.
“One Of These Days” is introduced featuring the vocal debut of Nick Mason, whose lips won’t move during the performance. “Echoes” receives its radio debut and is followed by their blues piece lasting four and a half minutes. Heart Involvement is not a big improvement in sound quality over the Sirene release but that title has been sold out for year now and the Mindwarp is a viable alternative.
1 Comment
Make no mistake, this title is truly outstanding. Until the BBC gives these sessions an official release, this is as good as it gets. Pin sharp clarity, phenomenal, crystal clear detail. Sounds better than some official releases I’ve bought over the years. Contains a great heavy version of “One Of These Days”. Peel’s comments are a joy throughout.