Crystal Balls Up – Doll By Doll, Venue, London

Disappointed live review of the same Venue concert of June 1981 that Record Business (15.06.1981) reviewed benevolently. Smith says that after so long underground he had expected an earthquake and got only a few tremors. Leven seemed irritable and played the shy, sensitive artist; the old manic style that pinned you to your seat had largely disappeared. Old pieces such as “Palace of Love” were missing, “Main Travelled Roads” was brutally cut short. Verdict: decent, but not inspired; 1981 and the new contract would decide the band's future. Tone: negative.