This is really the final hurrah for the band, in spite of the fact that there were more recordings to follow. This is a two-record set from their 1976 tour of Europe with most of the original members still onboard. After this tour,
George Frayne (aka
Commander Cody) broke up the band, which now included
Norton Buffalo. While this live recording is just as powerful as the preceding
Live Deep in the Heart of Texas, it is obvious that some of their fire is burning mighty low. Still, this bunch always did their best work on-stage and they never failed to satisfy. Full of old standards, some new favorites, and plenty of wattage to make it all work just right, the standout tunes here are the
Commander Cody classics like "Seeds and Stems," "Too Much Fun," and "Lost in the Ozone." Other numbers that bring back the good old days include
the Airmen's version of "Milkcow Blues" and "San Antonio Rose." Trucker songs, big with the Continental crowd, are "Semi Truck," "Lookin' at the World Through a Windshield," and "18 Wheels." Other numbers of note are "One of Those Nights," written by
Farlow,
Frayne, and
Kirchen, as well as
the Commander's send-ups of "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!," "Riot in Cell Block #9," and "Hot Rod Lincoln." Always extraordinary, the era of
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen was a special moment in time that created a place for hipsters, cosmic cowboys, rednecks, and the working class to all come together and enjoy some real American music. Never will there be another band like this one or recordings like the ones they made between 1971-1976. They ended this project with "Lost in the Ozone," bringing the band and its audience full circle. ~ Jana Pendragon