Search - Happy Mondays :: Live

Fun, but rough

Eric M. Ruthig | Chicago, IL | 05/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After reading the negative reviews for this album, I went ahead and bought it anyway, being a huge Happy Mondays fan. I've listened to it a few times now and I'm not sure what these other reviewers are talking about. Shaun Ryder is undoubtedly wasted, but that's how the Happy Mondays performed their shows. The other reviews seem to suggest that he's just sloppily falling thru the songs, but this isn't the case. These songs are full of energy and atmosphere. Plus, Shaun says some humourous things between songs, like when he talks about turning into Elvis. On many of the songs he gives a different twist on the lyrics which either clarifies or intensifies the meaning. The disc has a good song selection, and the final track, Wrote For Luck, comes to a droning end after about 12 minutes of intensity.With that being said, there are a few negatives that should be pointed out. For example, at times the music almost drowns out Shaun Ryder's vocals. Also, there are some odd moments when the sound sort of cuts up. It's like the device it was recorded on couldn't handle the total volume of the speakers. This is most evident on WFL unfortunately. The songs are generally as good as or better than the studio versions. However, God's Cop is a sad exception. The part where the verse goes into the chorus is not nearly as exciting as the studio track, and ends up sounding a bit empty really.Overall I enjoy this disc because it's got some interesting renditions of songs, and it has energy. The best way to enjoy this is on a home stereo it seems. The sound quality of the production is rough, but for a live cd it really works. The audience is rarely audible, so it's easier to focus on what's actually going on. The airiness of the performance and the overall smoothness are strangely appealing. Some of the songs that don't have the punch of the studio versions are enjoyable on a new level. Still, if you're not familiar with the songs then don't get this first. However, if you are a Happy Mondays fan, you might be interested in this album as an extension of their studio work. It's an important document of the greatest band in the last 15 years."

Drugs are baaaaaad.....mmmmmkay

H3@+h | 06/20/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This would have been better (way better) if Shaun Ryder had stayed even remotely sober through past singing Kinky Afro then we might have been on to something, aside from muttering " errrr fookin 'ell" he doesnt make much sense through the later half of the gig. Still dont suppose any of the crown at Elland road even noticed.......Pills Thrills & Bellyaches this aint"

Almost Unlistenable

Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 08/08/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"There's no reason to get this mess. All of the tracks are inferior to the originals. Was probably a blast being an audience member on E at this show, but really, what isn't a blast on E? It's probably what posessed Shaun Rider to think it was a good idea to immortalize his pathetic, incessant whistling on a live album. In fact, the whistling kills whatever fun could've been derived from the party atmosphere and sinks my rating to a firm 1-star."