By 1972, Nektar were raring to break out of their German home and take their music to the world, and a deal with United Artists would have finally given them the opportunity to do just that. Keen to capture the power of their live shows, the band set up their gear in a German studio, invited around a small group of friends, and proceeded to play their hearts out for over an hour. This mini-concert is featured in all its recorded glory on the second disc of this set. Listening back to the tapes, however, neither the group nor producer Peter Hauke were entirely happy. Bar "Wings," which was retained for the finished album, the group was determined to go back into the studio and have another go. By the time that happened, though, four months had passed, and some of the numbers had metamorphosed virtually beyond recognition. A riff from the live "Cast Your Fate," for instance, now was transferred to another number entirely -- the musical extravaganza "A Day in the Life of a Preacher." "Da Da Dum," meanwhile, was slotted into the epic jazzy jam meets metal monster "Odyssey." Sounds Like This thus sounded only in parts like the original live recording, with new songs created, old ones transformed, and re-recorded versions of both sides of their 1972 single "Do You Believe in Magic"/"1-2-3-4" included. With it, the band would establish its reputation in both Britain and the U.S., paving the way for its American breakthrough with the following year's Remember the Future. The new-look Sounds Like This was sensational and, paired with the previously unreleased prior run-through, showcases a band in the midst of inspired genius, creative juices flowing a-flood and a masterpiece in the making. Jo-Ann Greene.
Good Day New Day Dawning What Ya Gonna Do 1-2-3-4 Do You Believe In Magic Cast Your Fate Day In The Life Of A Preacher Medley A: Preacher/Squeez E/Mr Wings Rons On/Never Never Never/Da-Da-Dum (Odyssee Medley)