November 24, 2000
PEAKIN' AT THE BEACON
By DARRYL STERDAN

PEAKIN' AT THE BEACON
Allman Brothers
(Epic / Sony)

We know that the Allman Brothers' live show has always been their strongest suit. And we get the fact that these days especially, the band pretty much supports itself by staying on the road permanently. But still, how many live albums can one band put out -- especially after they've already issued Live at Fillmore East, one of the finest concert discs ever recorded? Peakin' at the Beacon is the ABB's fifth live disc in the past decade by our count. And by any but the most forgiving fan's estimation, it shoulda been called Creakin' at the Beacon. Sure, the set list is heavy on classics (Don't Want You No More, It's Not My Cross to Bear), but the production is murkier than Gregg's short-term memory and the performances sound like they were phoned in from the tour bus. With the possible exception of one -- Dickey Betts, who was later sacked temporarily for alleged substance problems, has no trouble playing rings around most of his cohorts. Bottom line: If you don't own Fillmore, buy it instead. If you already have it, you sure don't need this.

Track Listing 1.Don't Want You No More
  02.It's Not My Cross To Bear
  03.Ain't Wastin' Time No More
  04.Every Hungry Woman
  05.Please Call Home
  06.Stand Back
  07.Black Hearted Woman
  08.Leave My Blues At Home
  09.Seven Turns
  10.High Falls