The Parliament Live Earth Tour Album was special for several reasons:
Inclusions and Artwork: It came as a double LP (1:16:57) with an elaborate package, including a 22x33 inch full-color poster and an iron-on t-shirt transfer (7:32). The album cover itself was noted for its unique printing, not just a sticker (14:24).
Recording Quality and Speed: The album was recorded live in Los Angeles and Oakland in January 1977 and released on May 5, 1977, meaning it took only 106 days from recording the funk opera to its release in a "great package" (1:11:47). It features excellent sonic quality due to the mixing and mastering process (39:07).
Unique Tracklist and Performances:
It included three studio tracks: "This Is The Way We Funk With You," "The Landing," and "Fantasy Is Reality," recorded at Hollywood Sound Los Angeles and United Sound Detroit (13:22).
The live versions of songs often vamped and flipped the original arrangements, like "P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)" where Maceo's horn part came before George's rap (18:54).
"Dr. Funkenstein's Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication Medley" included two Funkadelic songs, explicitly linking Parliament and Funkadelic on the same label, which was considered "magical" (25:13).
"Do That Stuff" featured an iconic drum solo that made up for the 45 version and showcased tight harmonies and horns at the band's peak (28:41).
"Children of Production" was presented in a unique, stripped-down version without drums, focusing on horns and Bernie Worrell's keyboards, creating a distinct mood (40:46).
Fan Connection and Recognition: The album included direct audience interaction, most notably George Clinton's "What's happening Oakland?" (43:46), which made Oakland fans feel "vindicated" and excited to hear their city on the record (44:07). George Clinton picked Oakland and LA versions for the album as they were the "best versions" of that tour (37:37).
