Swingshift Live (2CD)

The first live album ever to debut at #1 on the Australian charts, Swingshift was recorded during the winter of 1980. If anyone wants to know what the sound of pub rock was, then all they need is this double live LP. Seeing Cold Chisel in 1980 was a complete sensory experience. Jim was totally immersed in the songs. To contrast that rawness, Ian brought a sweeter tone to the harmonies and his breathtaking guitar work was unmatched on the planet. Those two out front of a great rhythm section in a venue packed tighter than sardines marinated in lashings of beer and you have Swingshift. Recorded mostly in one night at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, the band delivered on their hits plus a soulful reading of Bob Dylan's "Knocking On Heaven's Door" a berserk run through of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Don't Let Go" and blistering versions of deep album cuts like "Star Hotel". The rock is hard and the R&B numbers are soulful. This is a band peaking after 7 long years on the road.