Birth Control - Live (1974)

Birth Control - Live (1974)

Tracklist front / back album covers

Birth Control – Live (1974)

Tracklist:

1. Stop Little Lady

2. Hoodoo Man

3. Just Before the Sun Will Rise

4. Flesh and Blood

5. Watch Out

6. Sam

7. Let Us Do It Now

Review:
Live (1974) captures Birth Control at their rawest and most electrifying, cementing their reputation as one of Germany’s premier live hard rock bands. Coming off the studio success of Rebirth, this live album delivers the energy, improvisation, and intensity that the band was renowned for on stage, with a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts.

From the opening riffs of “Stop Little Lady,” it’s clear that Birth Control’s live presence is heavier and more urgent than their studio recordings. Tracks like “Hoodoo Man” and “Just Before the Sun Will Rise” are stretched with extended solos and improvisational interplay, highlighting Bernd Noske’s explosive drumming and powerful vocals. The crowd interaction and raw sound quality give the album a genuine concert feel, making listeners feel like they are right in the front row.

Highlights include the dramatic delivery of “Flesh and Blood” and the dynamic version of “Watch Out,” which balances progressive structures with heavy riffing. The live arrangements often add extra weight and tension, demonstrating the band’s ability to elevate their songs beyond the studio versions. Closing tracks like “Sam” and “Let Us Do It Now” showcase the tight musicianship and synergy that defined Birth Control’s live shows, reinforcing why the band was a must-see act across Europe in the early 70s.

Overall, Live is a definitive capture of Birth Control in their element. For fans of German hard rock, Krautrock, and early progressive heavy music, this album is essential listening — it proves that Birth Control’s power wasn’t just in the studio, but on stage, where they truly thrived.

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Fun Facts & Trivia:

• The album was recorded during the band’s European tour in 1973–74, capturing the essence of their live performances.

• Several tracks feature extended organ and guitar solos not heard on studio versions.

• Birth Control’s live shows were known for being unpredictable and highly energetic, often lasting over two hours.

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Did You Know?

• The album showcases some of the earliest examples of Krautrock bands releasing full live albums, predating many contemporaries.

• “Hoodoo Man” in this live version includes an improvisational segment that lasts nearly five minutes longer than the studio recording.

• Many collectors consider this album a key piece of Birth Control’s legacy, capturing the raw power of 1970s European hard rock.

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Selling / Collector’s Info:

Original CBS German pressings of Live are highly collectible. Prices can range from €80–€180, depending on sleeve and vinyl condition. Later reissues are available at a fraction of the price, but for true Krautrock and early hard rock enthusiasts, the first pressing remains the preferred choice.

Keywords: Birth Control Live review, 1974 German hard rock, Krautrock live albums, Birth Control vinyl collector, 70s heavy prog live performance