Larry Norman - Bootleg

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Originally released in 1972, 'Bootleg' was a double vinyl album collecting together demos and underground recordings of songs from 1968 to 1972. A dozen of the songs here would reappear in rerecorded finished form on his proper record label releases so like the title suggests these 'Bootleg' recordings are effectively demos. For those starved of new material from Norman in the '70s, this became a significant release and if you once had this on vinyl you'll want to get hold of this. The rough demo quality of the recordings don't diminish some of the songs where these are the only versions ever released. So the piano songs "No Change Can Attend" with its Jaggeresque vocal and "I Think I Love You" still rock along nicely. Other highlights include the live version of "Blue Shoes White" which illustrate what an incredible live performer Larry was in his prime. The start of the second CD features some media interviews and speaking and one of the absolute highlights of the album is "Addressing The National Youth Workers Convention" where he sings "Sweet Song Of Salvation", working hard to get some audience participation from a bunch of youth leaders. It's hilarious! Other highlights include a rocking version of "Righteous Rocker", a beautiful, short sweet piano ballad "Even If You Don't Believe" and a raw version of "Why Don't You Look Into Jesus". All in all, these are classic early '70s Jesus music recordings and for an overview of Larry Norman's music, they are essential listening.