The Midnight Special

The original late-night rock 'n' roll show, The Midnight Special featured live performances from rock, pop, soul, country, and comedy acts in front of a studio audience, debuting in 1972 and running for nine seasons on NBC. This three-disc set features a sampling of acts, including Barry Manilow, Jim Croce, Steely Dan, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Glen Campbell, Heart, the Charlie Daniels Band, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, and Earth, Wind & Fire. None of the episodes presented on the first two discs of this three-disc set are complete, and some feature as few as three performances (a matter of licensing restrictions). The final disc is a compilation of standup routines from comedians including George Carlin, Flip Wilson, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Joan Rivers, Jimmie Walker, and Andy Kaufman. StarVista previously released versions of the show on various multi-disc collections, including one 20-disc boxed set. This one is the smallest and least-expensive option, serving up a representative cross-section of the ‘70s pop music scene, complete with a novelty hit: Rick Dees's "Disco Duck." Presented in Dolby Digital mono, extras include a featurette with show producer Burt Sugarman, and a bonus interview with George Benson. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)