Performer Notes
- Stage Fright was a reaction to a level of adulation that the Band's members were unprepared for. It was conceived as a lighter, less serious, more rock & roll type of album. The final product ended up somewhat darker, as the Band themselves were going through a number of changes. "The Shape I'm In" and "Stage Fright" tell the story well. Some of the original feeling manifests itself in romps such as "Strawberry Wine" and "The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show." ~ Rob Bowman
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (9/17/70, pp.40-2) - "...A fine, determined performance....I am excited about STAGE FRIGHT....It is an amazing acquaintance, pleasant to be with..."
Rolling Stone (8/31/00, pp.69-73) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...A party album, bright and loose-limbed, with only a late creeping shadow in 'The Rumor'..."
Entertainment Weekly (9/1/00, p.81) - "...These remasterings sound incredibly rich, and each has alternate takes....this is reissuing done right." - Rating: A-
Q (10/00, p.139) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...[It] has some fine tunes on it, even if the feel was less campfire organic....Remastered, properly annotated, plus bonus tracks....there's been no better time to get re-acquainted with this quintessential American music..."
Down Beat (10/01, p.66) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Songs and performances you can feel way down in your bones..."
No Depression (9-10/00, pp.102-3) - "...A marvel....it enhances one's admiration for [their] achievements..."
Mojo (Publisher) (10/00, p.126) - "...Improves on the original digital transfers, clarifying significant details without homogenizing the overall sound. The addition of bonus tracks, of varying interest, will please some..."
