This 15-track, two-LP live compilation album, culled from shows between 1973 and 1975, seems intended to illuminate two particular aspects of Bruce Springsteen's live performances. First, Springsteen often took songs that had appeared as concise, uptempo numbers on his albums and stretched them out into ballads live, drastically changing the feel of the compositions. Second, Springsteen spiced his set lists, especially the encores, with a wide variety of rock & roll oldies, all lovingly performed; included here are Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell," Elvis Presley's "Wear Your Ring Around My Neck," the Animals' "It's My Life," "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" (a 1975 Long Island performance legitimately released years later which became a seasonal favorite), and the Drifters' "Up on the Roof." Hot Coals from the Fiery Furnace has only fair sound quality, its selections mostly taken from audience tapes, but the music it contains is priceless. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide