The Original Bad Co. Anthology Review

07/13/2005 6:57 AM, AMG


It didn't take bootleggers long to notice Bad Company. The British arena rockers only had one studio album out when, in 1974, Trademark of Quality released this bootleg LP, which documents a June 8, 1974, show in Boblingen, Germany. Boblingen is believed to be the first Bad Company bootleg, and even if it wasn't really the very first, it was certainly among the first. Offering sound quality that is okay but not great, Boblingen boasts performances of mostly songs from Bad Company's self-titled debut album, including "Rock Steady," "Can't Get Enough," "Movin' On," and "Ready for Love." Bad Company also performs Free's "Easy on My Soul" and "Deal With the Preacher," which wasn't released commercially until Straight Shooter came out in 1975. So those who acquired this bootleg in 1974 had "Deal With the Preacher" on vinyl before the official studio version came out. Enjoyable but imperfect, Boblingen isn't for casual listeners but is a bootleg that obsessive Bad Company aficionados were glad to obtain back in 1974. Note: around 1978 or 1979, Boblingen was reissued as the Aftermath bootleg The Number One European Assault. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide