Sweet Ball Room Blitz: Live in Berlin

Berlin, 1976. Given that David Bowie at the time called it his home, and glam rock pioneers such as T. Rex, Alice Cooper, Roxy Music, and Kiss all enjoyed substantial success on the German - then, the West German - charts, the city was a magnet for glam rockers of all varieties. So it's little surprise that West German Radio (WDR) wanted to simulcast The Sweet's performance at the now-defunct Eissporthalle an der Jafféstraße on May 16, 1976. Like Budokan in Tokyo, Eissporthalle was not a large venue - it held about 6,000 - but it was mighty. Perhaps its biggest claim to fame is that it hosted the final performance from Led Zeppelin's original lineup, but it was also a must-play destination for artists from Bob Marley to the Clash to Genesis during its 28-year history. This recording features the classic Sweet lineup: Brian Connolly, Steve Priest, Andy Scott, and Mick Tucker, playing such hits as "The Ballroom Blitz," and "Fox on the Run," plus cuts like "Action" and "Lies in Your Eyes" from the then-current Give Us a Wink album. While the audio may be a little ragged, it really captures the kinetic energy of a band at the height of its musical powers.