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August 07, 2008  |
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Park West Chicago, Illinois |
 Surprisingly rich and rewarding July 7, 2009
Written by kevred
I say "surprisingly" not because I expect these fellows to underachieve, but because I’ve seen track listings very similar to this for many years now. So, with some of the other mixed reviews in mind, I felt a little trepidation downloading this. Could they breathe new life into these tunes?
But I had nothing to worry about. Just when I thought I’d heard "Red" performed as many ways as it was going to be, here comes this monstrous new version that adds new layers of roar and lots of clever twists, largely courtesy of Mr. Levin. He shines from end to end of this recording, restlessly pushing and pulling and generally wringing these tunes dry (and standing out very well in the mix). Not being a particular fan of Porcupine Tree, I was also a little skeptical of the two-drummer lineup--often the 90s double trio felt less interesting to me from a drum standpoint than either Bruford or Mastelotto on their own. But while a handful of tracks here seem conservative in the drums, most are charged with a genuinely exciting new energy due to the tight racket these two make. "Level Five" comes to mind, and the post-Levin material here, which never grabbed me as viscerally as earlier work, here charges out with a renewed drive and Levin’s inimitable groove adding new muscle to the delightfully ornate twin guitar lines. I enjoy the (very) occasional rough edge or odd twist in the recording--there’s a very "alive" energy that made this very enjoyable for me to listen to. It doesn’t sound fussy or sterile, rather it sounds vibrant and fully in-the-moment, almost like an updated version of "Absent Lovers". Great stuff, thank you. Having finally come to this stage of the group very late, I’d love to hear more of this tour.
More Articles
Your search found 80 items (Viewing 71 to 80 of 80)
| Fan Review |
Fresh approach Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: gfaiers
On first listen, I am not only impressed with the impact that the twin drumming has on the performance, but it seems that Fripp, Belew and Levin have really approached this material from a new Read more
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| Fan Review |
Review: The Beast - August 7, 2008 - Chicago Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: DanAnderson
Just downloaded the show. Interesting. For the third time the Beast is defined by its rhythm section. The first was the live Lark’s Tongues band. If not defined by it, definitely driven by John & Read more
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| Fan Review |
Most Rockworthy! Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: cuicawrangler
Having been fortunate enough to experience this show, I can attest to the energy and excitement levels. Thanks for loading this so quickly!
Read more
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| Fan Review |
Chicago, Illinois August 07, 2008
Posted by: tmarciniak
Excellent show. Lots of energy and a spark of inspiration and humour in every note/pause played or missed (there are quite a few in here).
Warning: powerful rhythm section. Prepare to be blasted.
Read more
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| Fan Review |
it kCarries over Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: davidly
The crowd was too restless to sit and listen to the Introductory Soundscape that night, so it’s nice to have a undisturbed piece of it here for Read more
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| Fan Review |
Phenomenal Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: Andrew72287
I was also at the 8/17 show and am desperately hoping that one is released as well. But this show sounds phenomenal as well. I will also be buying this one as Read more
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| Fan Review |
Intriguing Lineup Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: JonathanLane
I was at the 8/17 show in NYC. It was an intriguing lineup, with interesting takes on some old favorites. Gavin complemented several of the tunes nicely, while only a handful seemed to not really gain much from Read more
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| Fan Review |
Excellent Sound! Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: jfortier
Thank you for making this available!! I was at this show, and now I get to re-live some truly memorable performances! The beast was unleashed this night!
Read more
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| Fan Review |
Sounds great! Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: Wilcox660
Listening to these samples, I’m struck by the depth of the "soundfield" for lack of a better word. An excellent sounding recording that reveals many fine pings and bangs. Ah, if only DGM accepted checks or money orders, so I Read more
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| Fan Review |
FINALLY HERE Wed., Aug 20, 2008
Posted by: AcousticPhenomena
To anyone who was not at any of the shows: YOU MUST HAVE THIS. To anyone who was at any of the shows: A MUST HAVE!
This lineup of crim is out of this Read more
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