Frampton’S ‘Alive’ Harmonious Artistry

Mon., Oct. 30, 2000

Brian Thorpe, Ferris

What is it about Peter Frampton’s 1976 double live album, “Frampton Comes Alive!”, that has pleased generations of rock fans?

Is it the history? “Frampton Comes Alive!” was the first live rock album that succeeded wildly in record sales, with more than six million copies being sold. The cultural icon of the live rock album was born with Peter Frampton’s masterpiece.

Is it the music? Baby-faced British guitarist Peter Frampton was already an established rock musician with a number of successful albums released before “Frampton Comes Alive!”.

While wildly popular bands like Led Zeppelin were relying on their blues roots for the basis of most of their songs, Frampton had created a niche with his own signature rock sound. What his guitar work lacked in speed and finesse, Frampton made up for in his curious and captivating guitar solo structure.

Is it the atmosphere? The popularity of “Frampton Comes Alive!” is in part due to the atmosphere created by the live audience. Every squeal and squawk is captured in full digital audio.

The magnitude of chills I get up my spine whenever I hear Frampton’s talk-box bleat out the chorus lyrics to the accompanying roar of the approving crowd is unmatched by any other song, except maybe Van Halen’s “Eruption.”

Whatever it is that makes “Frampton Comes Alive!” such a breathtaking example of musical artistry has yet to be overcome by any other live album. Do whatever you can to lay your hands on a copy of this masterpiece, whether on original vinyl or compact disc. You have not lived until you have heard “Alive!”.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.