Another Dual Disc release - this time the DVD side only contains the album in Surround sound with just band photos as extra material. The album is manufactured under license since it originally was released in 2002 as part of
Tesla's comeback.
Tesla's setlist lacks any surprises except for
Freedom Slaves. Since
Tesla had quite a few hit songs their setlist gets restricted and limited within a CD playing time of around 80 minutes when you have to include all the crow pleasing hits. Personally I could live without
Litte Suzi and
Signs - not because they a bad songs, I love both, but they are getting a bit worn out after all those years of listening to
Tesla. Ironically both songs are cover songs and I feel
Tesla's own material stands much stronger.
The full recording of this show is found on "Replugged Live" which was a double disc and the songs left out from the original set are actually my favorites. On a positive and alternate note, it is good to hear
Hang Tough from "The Great Radio Controversy" performed live plus "Psychotic Supper's"
Freedom Slaves.
Jeff Keith sounds brilliant throughout the album and along with the brilliant axe work Jeff's voice really puts emotion to
Freedom Slaves and makes it my favorite off the album.
Song and Emotion always sounds fantastic, because it's so cleverly structured since it keeps building up with different moods only to explode in the various guitar solos from the potent duo
Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch. I love the repetitive use of a melody line throughout the solos.
Like with
Freedom Slaves it's nice to hear
Mama's Fool from the often overlooked "Bust a Nut". Even though it was
Tesla's least successful album it still rocked.
The concert ends with all the regulars. They do a cool electric jam that kicks directly into
Signs - performed
acoustically of course.
What U Give and especially
Modern Day Cowboy display
Tesla's unique and highly respected talent.
Tesla delivers their hit songs in an honest and probably not overdubbed performance. However, the mix makes the concert lose some intensity. The audience is quite low in the mix, the sound a bit muddy because the instruments could have been better placed in the mix.
I got a few
Tesla Bootlegs in my collection. And I don't think that this concert captures the same energy and devil-may-care as the ones I got from their first tour and from "Psychotic Supper" Tour.
Tesla isn't as straightforward now - just listen to album opener
Cumin' Atcha Live, which has long guitar intro, extended guitar solo with wah wah and a short drum solo. They are a bit looser now in their performances. However,
Tesla has written some fantastic songs and still those classic songs permeate the album.
Please note that this review is written from a
Tesla fan's perspective looking for the perfect live record. Don't get scared off - still this is a safe buy for all fans and fans of this style
Written by
Michael Tuesday, March 15, 2005
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