Rough Edge: Live CD Reviews

LIVE

"Songs from Black Mountain" (Epic; 2006)

I've always liked Live. They have a few songs that rocked and I’m always looking to be impressed by them. I started with them when they released "Mental Jewelry" back in 1991 and I check in with Ed and the gang whenever they release something new. Their use of strings has a certain allure to me; they can rock in the background and make the strings sound forefront.

They have thought-provoking lyrics and, when they couple them with some sweet acoustics, I like their sound a lot. Sometimes I require a little more amp than I get from one of their albums. The guitar is alternative so it's not up in your face but it's still got a good sound. These guys have been playing for over twenty years so their maturity in music can be heard disc by disc.

If you haven't listened to Live in awhile because the noise of music has buried the sound give this disc a listen.

I've juiced out the songs I think you'll like: "Mystery," "Wings," "Sofia," and "Where Do We Go From Here?"

Live: Ed Kowalczyk, Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, Chad Gracey.

For more information, check out http://www.friendsoflive.com/.

"V" (Radioactive; 2001)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I know Live are a popular band and I can't blame anyone for liking them. Their music is well-written and played with great talent. However, this band is too mainstream and, in fact, almost too "mellow' for me. It is certainly rock'n'roll but I'm not sure it quite qualifies as "hard rock" at all.

The tunes are catchy, and a bit off-center. That strangeness is the part of what I liked about Live, including a nearly psychedelic flavor that really made this CD bearable. The high pitched vocals worked just fine on some songs; however, they tend to grate on the old nerves after a while.

Live: Ed Kowalczyk - vocals; Patrick Dahlheimer - bass; Chad Gracy - drums; Chad Taylor - guitars.

"The Distance to Here" (Radioactive; 1999)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I only know three things about Radioactive recording artists Live: 1) I saw a decent video they had on MTV (non-music/all-talk television); 2) the singer is bald and 3) I was assigned their new CD, "The Distance to Here" to review.

Live is good solid mainstream rock band that works very well together. The music is tight and strong and, when combined with thought-provoking lyrical content, Live is an enjoyable musical experience.

However the operative word in this review is "mainstream." I really did like Live, but their music was a little slow and without the hard edge required to grant them two or more chainsaw rating here at RoughEdge.com. I expect the current release will do very well for the band and I wish them continued success in their music endeavors. They're just not for me.

Live is Edward Kowalczyk, vocals; Patrick Dahlheimer, bass; Chad Gracy, drums and Chad Taylor, guitars.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home