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Topic: Brussels and London 1973: Best & the Rest Return to archive
02-11-03 10:56 AM
Mathijs The following artice is written by Mathijs, and available on my web site:

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The Rolling Stones in Review

URL: http://stonesinreview.tiscaliweb.nl/
E-Mail: [email protected]

Bootlegs for Sale
The Lowdown on the Guitars of Keith Richards
Bootleg Reviews
Brussels Affair 1973
Vinyl Gang Productions / The Swingin' Pig
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Brussels, 17/10/73 1st show, London, 9/9/73, Rotterdam 14/10/73 2nd show

This article is about the in my humble opinion best concert ever given by the Rolling Stones, and about the best ever live Rolling Stones bootleg in existence: Brussels, Belgium, October 17 1973, matinee show. Released on many, many bootlegs together with excerpts of the September 9, 1973 London, Wembley, show. Surprisingly, most bootlegs - especially the CD releases- feature bad sound, hiss and crackles, and in order to be complete the collector must purchase several titles. Therefore, as a guide to what NOT to buy is this article.


1. Where does it start:
After the legendary 1972 American Tour, a.k.a. the Stones Touring Party 1972, the Stones went to Europe during autumn 1973, to promote their new album "Goats Head Soup". Starting in Vienna, Austria, September 1 and ending in Berlin, Germany, October 19, 1973 the Stones played all over Europe, except for France, where Keith was refused a visa by the French authorities due to his drug (ab-)use. The Stones management (well, Jagger and Richards that is...) decided to add an extra concert in Brussels, Belgium on October, 17, specially for the French fans (beautifully filmed and aired by RTL as "the Midnight Express"). Both Brussels concerts were recorded for radio broadcasts, but only the first concert that day has seen the light of day officially (the second concert that day is available partly in average soundboard quality on "Back To The Graveyard" on Outsider Bird Records.


2. The King Biscuit Flower Hour Broadcasts
The King Biscuit Flower Hour has broadcasted the Brussels, 17 October 1973 first show, combined with recordings from Wembley, London, September 9 and Rotterdam, October 14, 1973 several times, in two versions. The first version has been broadcasted in 1974 and 1975, the second version in 1987 and 1988. The versions do not only differ by source of the songs, but also by final mix of the individual songs. E.g., Brown Sugar is remixed for the 1987 broadcast (most probably by Mick Jagger himself) and the remixed Brown Sugar has now an audible sax solo by Bobby Keys. So, what do we have so far?

The Broadcasts:
Broadcast 1 - September 29, 1974:

Brown Sugar/Happy (London, September 9, 1973 source) Dancing With Mr. D /Angie/You Can't Always Get What You Want/Midnight Rambler/Rip This Joint/Jumpin' Jack Flash/Street Fighting Man (London, September 9, 1973 source)

Broadcast 2 - November 24, 1974:

Gimme Shelter (London, September 9, 1973 source)/Tumbling Dice/Brown Sugar/Heartbreaker (London, September 9, 1973 source) /Angie/Honky Tonk Women/Midnight Rambler/All Down The Line/Street Fighting Man (London, September 9, 1973 source)

Broadcast 3 - Last week of December 1974:

Angie, All Down The Line, and Street Fighting Man (London, September 9, 1973 source)

Broadcast 4 - June 29, 1975:

Brown Sugar/Happy (London, September 9, 1973 source)/Gimme Shelter (London, September 9, 1973 source)/Tumbling Dice/Heartbreaker (London, September 9, 1973 source)/You Can't Always Get What You Want/Dancing With Mr. D/Angie

Honky Tonk Women/Midnight Rambler/Rip This Joint/Jumpin' Jack Flash/Street Fighting Man (London, September 9, 1973 source)

Broadcast 5 - September 27, 1987:

First airing of the lost Brussels 1973 tracks, including the horn remix of Brown Sugar. The three Brussels tracks are: Brown Sugar/Happy/Gimme Shelter

Broadcast 6 - Week of November 20, 1988:

Brown Sugar (Rotterdam October 14, 1973 source/Street Fighting Man (Brussels, October 17, 1973 1st show source) /Gimme Shelter/Happy/Tumbling Dice/Dancing With Mr. D/ Heartbreaker (London, September 9, 1973 source)/Angie/Honky Tonk Women/Midnight Rambler (edited!)

Broadcast 7 - September 10, 1989:

A re-broadcast of the September 27, 1987 show.


3. The Songs
From here on, the first broadcasts in 1974 and 1975 will be called VERSION 1974; the broadcasts from 1987 and 1988 will be called VERSION 1987.

The following songs are broadcasted:

1. Brown Sugar

Three different versions exist:

Version 1974: not remixed Brussels source

Version 1987: Brussels source remixed

The third version is taken from the Rotterdam October 14th 1973 show. The Rotterdam version can be recognised by the "ay-ya" welcoming by Jagger and by the feedback whistles after 9 and 14 seconds. The remixed 1987 version has in my opinion the best ever Keith Richards rhythm guitar sound I have ever heard. Playing it on a Fender Stratocaster in 1972, he choose a P90 equipped custom build five-string Ted Newman Jones in 1973. Slashing through the open-tuning chords with the 350 Watts Ampeg SVT amp burning at ten -it's just incredible!

2. Happy

Two different versions exist:

Version 1974: Wembley

Version 1987: Brussels.

The Wembley version can be recognised by Jagger�s "Shake it down" and the Brussels versions by "Take it on home" just before the closing bars of the song. The Wembley version has some crackles which are static crackles during recording in my opinion, and not caused by a vinyl source. In my opinion this version is one of the hardest rocking Stones song around -exceeding the Punk-explosion by four years!

3. Gimme Shelter

Two different versions exist:

Version 1974: Wembley

Version 1987: Brussels.

The Wembley version can be recognised by Jagger�s "Yeah baby" at the start of the guitar solo and the Brussels version by Jagger�s "Yeah" at the start of, and during the solo. This Wembley version is my all-time favourite Stones live track. The combination of Taylor's haunting guitar, Jagger's melodramatic voice and Keith's driving guitar is the best I ever heard -after listening to it for more then 15 years I still get goose bumps. Notice that the at the Brussels version Keith's Gibson Les Paul Junior is out out-of-tune from the very beginning!

4. Tumbling Dice

Both versions: Brussels, and the best ever version of this song in my opinion. Everything just falls in it's place after the teasingly slow intro.

5. Heartbreaker

Both versions: Wembley. The song has not been played during the Brussels shows. A true show-case of the skills of Taylor, playing Jazzy E-minor pentatonic scales over the A7 chord in both solo's.

6. You Can't Always Get What You Want

Both versions: Brussels. Keith's rhythm playing after the long sax solo by Bobby Keys is really incredible, a showcase how to phrase when you only got two strings to riff on!

7. Dancing With Mr. D

Both versions: Brussels

8. Angie

Both versions: Brussels. A haunting version with an incredible lead of Taylor.

9. Honky Tonk Women

Both versions: Brussels. Listen to Taylor's counter-riffing in the intro!

10. Midnight Rambler

Both versions: Brussels. One of the finest Stones-moments around, here the bands at its absolute peak.

11. All Down the Line

Two versions exist, but both are recorded at the Brussels gig:

Version 1974: Brussels with incomplete intro

Version 1987: Brussels but now complete intro

Notice that Keith messes up at the last turn-around!

12. Rip This Joint

Both versions: Brussels

13. Jumping Jack Flash

Both versions: Brussels

14. Street Fighting Man

Two versions exist. The Wembley version was broadcasted both in 1974 and in 1987 and can be found on all Brussels CD releases except one. The second version is the original Brussels, October 17, 1st show track. Although the Brussels version can be found on original KBFH discs, I am not sure if this version has ever been broadcasted. The Wembley version can be recognised by Jagger's three shrieks near the end of the song and by the excellent playing -most noticeably a fantastic long guitar solo- by Taylor. The Brussels version can be recognised by Jagger�s "get down" before the final guitar solo, and by the horrible guitar solo and ending of the song. Taylor�s solo is completely out of tune and the song gets an unpleasant ending. I wouldn�t be surprised if this version has never been broadcasted.


4. The Compact Disc Releases
The first Brussels show is probably the most bootlegged live material by any band. Countless (mostly worthless�) titles have been released, but, strange for such well-recorded material, most released aren�t that good. For example, the well-known "Brussels Affair" by Chameleon is taken from vinyl and lacks good stereo separation and presence. Even worse, crackles and hiss is detectable.

The best release of the 1974 radio broadcast for many years was the Royal Sound "Europe �73" vinyl release. This release is good, but not perfect. Without wanting to start a "vinyl versus CD" debate, the Royal Sound LP sounds warmer and fuller but lacks the clear stereo separation one can found on some CD's. On the Royal Sound LP the drums are perfect stereo, but the guitars are not. Keith can be found in the left channel and Taylor in both left and right channel. The result is that Taylor can only be heard properly during solo�s (he turns the volume of his guitar up) but his very melodic and subtle rhythm playing can not be heard as well as possible. Further, the record is bass heavy, which buries allot of subtleties. Some CD�s containing the 1974 broadcast (Rock Out, Cock Out, Bedspring Symphony, Brussels Affair after Gimme Shelter) used a copy, complete with crackles (but beware, some crackles, like in You Can�t Always Get What You Want are static pops, not vinyl scratches) and static hiss of a Royal Sound vinyl album. The 1987 broadcast (thus with the Brussels Happy and Gimme Shelter) can be found on the Brussels Affair by Chameleon CD (the first three songs at least, the rest is again the Royal Sound copy) and the Heading for an Overload 2CD set by Totonka, but the latter has most songs recorded two times. Both titles share the same problem of stereo separation. The show has been taped directly of the radio, explaining the lack of hiss and crackles.

This is a short list of some of the most common CD releases containing material from Brussels, October 17, 1973. Most of these CD's are made from LP's and have pops and static. A few are made from non-vinyl sources like reel-to-real or the official King Biscuit Flower Hour CD�s.

Brussels Affair 1973 � 1 CD - Chameleon Records (CHAM 8812)
Made from an average "Europe '73" LP and a KBFH CD (first three tracks, with the remixed Brussels version of Brown Sugar. This CD has the same track listing as "Europe '73" except for Happy and Gimme Shelter changing to Brussels sources. Some pops and static can be heard, but especially the overall stereo separation is bad, and the CD suffers from some overloaded sound. Still very enjoyable, but this title is blown away sound-wise by other titles. Remark: this is the most sold boot ever, exceeding 30.000 copies world-wide! The following versions exist:

Version 1

Silver label with black letters.

Version 2

Limited edition, 500 copies on golden CD.

Version 3

Black label with golden letters.

Version 4

Yellow label with black letters.

Version 5

Silver label with additional 'compact disc' note on the right label side.

Nasty Remixes - Singer's Original Double Disc (SODD-012)
Actually a Vinyl Gang Product release. It uses the same cover artwork as the "Nasty Music" LP, but now the remixed Bown Sugar and the Wembley sources of Gimme Shelter and Happy are taken. Since it is taken directly from the KBFH CD it has truly excellent sound.

The Lost Brussels - Vinyl Gang (VGP-088)
All the Brussels tracks on one CD, no Wembley tracks. Star Star from October 17, 1973 1st Show is taken from a mediocre audience tape. The sound quality is the same as Nasty Music 20 Bit Master Recording - (20 BIT-01).

Bedspring Symphony � 1 CD - Chapter One (CO 25113 01)
Copy of the bootleg LP Bedspring Symphony (TAKRL 1941), including all crackles, static, pops and bad stereo separation. The announcer commentary is missing. Avoid.

Bedspring Symphony � 1 CD - TAKRL 1941
Same as the bootleg LP �Bedspring Symphony� (TAKRL 1941), but taken from tape. No crackles but boxy and condensed sound. The announcements are missing.

Nasty Music - 2CD - (SODDCD-012-1/2 � A Vinyl Gang Production)
Here the same track listing and venues as the LP, but clearly taken from a reel-to-reel or CD source, as there are no detectable pops on this recording and the sound has excellent clarity and a good bass response. The original LP announcer introduction is restored from side-A, but the side-B announcement is missing. The following versions exist:

Version 1

SODD 012

Silver CD�s in yellow cardboard fold out cover.

Version 2

SODD 012

Black cardboard fold out cover.

Version 3

SODD 012

Soft plastic fold out cover.

Version 4

SODD 012

Disc 1 yellow, disc 2 orange. Large sticker says 'Final Remastered Edition 1995'.

Version 5

CD SODD 012 A/B

Worst edition. Taken from LP, incl. crackles. Disc 1 contains side 1 and 3, disc 2 side 2 and 4 of the 2 LP set.

Version 6

SODD 012 (VGP)

Remastered edition, best sound of all versions. Golden CDs and packaging looking like the MFSL master recordings. Two different label designs of this version exist.

Midnight Rambler - Great Dane Records (GDRCD 8911 PHC)
Taken from the "Satellite Delayed" LP, this CD lacks clarity and depth and even has some vinyl skips! As with all Great Dane releases: avoid like the plague!

Europe '73 - Royal Sound/Vinyl Gang Product (RS-002)(VGP 011)
In total five variations of this title exist:

Version 1

RS 002 (VGP 011)

Same as on the 2 LP bootleg Europe '73 (RS 002), but taken from a near pristine copy of the LP. Hardly any crackles but the stereo separation could be better. It has a different track succession than the LP. The sound quality of this title exceeds �Brussels Affair�.

Version 2

RS 002 (VGP 011)

Laminated inlay and back cover with track listing. New label with order number RS 002 RE. The CD content is the same is version one.

Version 3

Royal Sound/SIAE CD 94102

Black label. Paper fold out cover. The worst of all versions, this one features static, hiss and an overall �boxlike� sound. Avoid this version!

Version 4

Royal Sound Records RS-002 (Shaved Disc TSD 023)

New black 'Smoking Pig' labels. 'Digitally Remastered...' note on back cover, but actually a bad copy of the Europe �73 vinyl album with added splices from the 1973 RTL Broadcast of the Newcastle 1973 tracks. The running order is the same except that it is missing You Can't Always Get What You Want and All Down The Line. Avoid like the plague.

Version 5

VGP 011

The KBFH announcement (buy Scotch tape!) at the beginning and much much better sound quality (better channel separation) than all other releases, truly the very best release I have heard. This version is on a Golden CD and a reworked back cover.

The Rolling Stones European Tour 1973 - Trade Mark of Quality/Vinyl Gang (RS-561b)
Same as on the bootleg LP European Tour 1973 (TMQ 71086) but taken from tape without crackles. Not the best sound available. Plus the early studio version of Gimme Shelter. Cardboard cover.

Rolling Stones: The King Biscuit Flower Hour - DIR Broadcasting (18 F 0200 A)
This is a very important CD as it presents the Brussels� version of Happy and Gimme Shelter as well the remixed Brown Sugar for the first ever. No further Brussels tracks on this title.

Hot Stuff Vol. 1 - Box-Great Dane Records: Disc 2 (1501-A)
A copy of "Brussels Affair 1973". The booklet included incorrectly lists Jumping Jack Flash as Wembley.

Jump - 2CD Flashback (04.90.0118)
Copy of "Nasty Music" LP including crackles.

The Rolling Stones - DIR Broadcasting (18F02)
An unauthorized copy of the official DIR radio distribution disc minus commercials. Of course truly excellent sound.

Nasty Music 20Bit Master Recording - (20 BIT-01)
Same content and track listing as "Nasty Remixes" but now digital remastered. The sound is indeed crisper and more bright, but I prefer the warmer analogue-like sound of the original Nasty Music.

Headin' for an overload - Totonka (PI5053A/PI5054)
Disc 1 contains the KBFH broadcast from September 9, 1974 as on bootleg LP �European Tour 1973� (TMQ 71086). Disc 2 contains the KBFH broadcast from November 24, 1974, same as on bootleg LP �Bedspring Symphony� (TAKRL 1941). Both CD�s are taken from tape without crackles and have very good sound. Unfortunately the recordings suffer from bad stereo separation. Four tracks appear twice on both discs in the same version. There are 3000 numbered copies, which include a small poster, a miniature 20 pages tour book, 3 postcards and a Rolling Stone article from 1975.


5. What to Buy!
The first label ever to use the original KBFH reel-to-reel tape has been the Vinyl Gang Production (V.G.P.) with their title Nasty Remixes, later re-released as Nasty Music 20 Bit Remaster. This re-release sounds crisper, but it depends on your own preference if you like it better then the original Nasty Remixes (I do prefer the Nasty Remixes title -I do favour the warmth and presence over the crispiness of the 20 bit remaster). On this title the complete broadcast from 1987 can be found, together with the Rotterdam� Brown Sugar and the Brussels� Street Fighting Man. The Nasty Remixes/Music title offers absolutely excellent stereo separation and especially Charlie�s drums sound excellent. The pounding in Tumbling Dice is unbelievable. On this title Keith�s guitar is mixed a bit down, making it possible to hear everything Taylor plays. Listen to Taylor�s rhythm guitar in Dancing with Mr. D and you�ll hear it�s brilliant. Negative point of this title is the shortened version of Midnight Rambler, which has cuts in two different places, shortening the song with more then 4 minutes.

The first broadcast can be found best on VGP�s Europe �73 (VGP 011). VGP released this title five times (they do that to keep things simple for us collectors�). The first four releases have the problem of bad stereo separation. They had the same artwork as the Royal Sound CD�s. But finally VGP released the perfect one: EUROPE '73, Gold Disc edition, ORIGINAL SOUNDBOARD RECORDING on back sleeve. Finally a straight transfer of the original KBFH broadcast CD. It features perfect stereo separation, Keith is loud in the mix without drowning out Taylor. This title is raw, hard driving and loud. At a first listen through headphones (after listening to "Brussels Affair 1973" for ten years) some accents are really amazing. Preston�s Hammond Organ in Midnight Rambler, Taylor�s Wah-Wah guitar in Jumping Jack Flash, and Bobby Key�s tenor sax during Honky Tonk Women makes your ears itch! A good second choice is "The Lost Brussels", VGP 088. This title uses the same tape as the Nasty Music 20 BIT Remaster. Added is Star Star from a mediocre audience tape. But, in my opinion the Europe 73 title sounds much warmer and fuller.

So, in order to get all material (aren�t we all completists�.?) in best ever quality without buying a shipload of titles, there�s just two titles you have two buy:

1. Nasty Remixes or Nasty Music 20 BIT REMASTER The complete 1974 broadcast (Brussels' Gimme Shelter, Happy and Street Fighting Man, Brown Sugar from Rotterdam)

2. Europe '73, VGP 011, fifth edition on Gold disc. The entire 1974 broadcast (Wembley London Gimme Shelter and Happy). Do not buy earlier releases! And remember: PLAY IT LOUD!

Mathijs
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The Rolling Stones in Review

URL: http://stonesinreview.tiscaliweb.nl/
E-Mail: [email protected]

Bootlegs for Sale
The Lowdown on the Guitars of Keith Richards
Bootleg Reviews
Brussels Affair 1973
Vinyl Gang Productions / The Swingin' Pig
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