Extreme - A Great Live Band
Darren F. Parker | Central Illinois | 05/08/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Extreme often get lumped in with hair bands who were fading as Extreme came into their own musically. One listen to "Take Us Alive" will quickly help you distinguish Extreme from their fallen brethren, bands who simply can't cut it live anymore or in the studio for that matter. This new CD/DVD (yes, go get the DVD, it's amazing) is a great representation of where the band is in 2010 and what a great live show they put on. I was lucky enough to finally see Extreme in Chicago on the "East Meets West" tour in July 2009. They opened up the show for Ratt, which had to make Ratt feel bad, since Extreme simply wiped the floor with them on that and probably every night, although I was only there to witness it once in person. But this review isn't about how Extreme are far superior to those bands, it's about how great this live CD/DVD is.
The DVD looks and sounds amazing, what a great job they did with the production on this! I have a few minor gripes, wish it was available in Blu-Ray format and that they played a different setlist more to my liking, but they can't please every fan, although they do their best to try and do just that. I'm no dummy, I realize this isn't the page for the DVD, just the CD, but I am too lazy to go there and write a review as well, so I am just giving my opinion here, deal with it people.
The bottom line is that the band sounds better than ever here and even the older material has new life breathed into it. It's rare to find a band that get better with age, but I think that Extreme are better than ever in 2010 and if you want evidence of that, get "Take Us Alive" and witness one of the best live bands in the world in their natural element.
If you are so inclined, go check out some of the music that Nuno Bettencourt was involved in while Extreme was on hiatus. Start with Nuno's solo album "Schizophonic", then check out the two albums from his band Mourning Widows, get "Population 1" from Nuno, then "Sessions From Room 4", the EP he did with the band Population 1, who later became DramaGods, whose album "Love" is fantastic. The other members did some stuff worth checking out, but Nuno's solo music is what made me a fan of Extreme, so that is what I feel comfortable promoting here. It's hard to come by, but if you do, grab it!"
Flew me to the Moon and Back once again.
Shelley A. Klukiewicz | 05/19/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is an incredible piece of music that marks an amazing night of wild, raw talent I will never forget. I and my hubby were at attendance at this show, and were crazy for the entirety of it and then some. I have seen so many bands in my day, all of them well-known and at the top of their game, but Extreme is right at the top as number one, equalled only by Paul Rodgers, as he is God. The energy they all exert for at almost two hours is mind-boggling. Gary sounds as good as I have heard him, Nuno, well, he is my second God, he has no peers when it comes to his ability to draw life out of the guitar..he makes it breath and have a soul. Pat and Kevin Fig are also amazing and complete Extreme to make them a true musical force to be reckoned with. My hands down fav recording of theirs is Waiting for the Punchline, I fell instantly in love with it's raw, garage band sound and was delighted to read in recent interview where Nuno said that album is the most indicative of what Extreme sounds like live...no wonder I love it so much. I would tell anyone who loves intense, soulful, REAL rock and roll to run out and buy this cd without hesitation. For those who were in attendance that night, it will bring back great memories and make you go crazy all over again, for those who were not, it will take you on a musical journey of intensity, passion, and listening to Nuno totally wail his heart out, will blow your every gasket from head to toe! Buy it, play it, share it, live it, and you will forever be hooked. These guys really are amazing..and a MUST SEE live. Until then this cd will be the next best thing. Indulge in this rock and roll masterpiece....you won't regret it.
Michelle"
FINALLY!
William Bierwerth | NY, NY | 05/14/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Extreme is the best live band out there! There is no live like Nuno, and Nuno is as Nuno always was :) and we get to hear this on a wonderfully engineered album,
the band is in excellent form, and Gary never sounded better,
..as far as the material,
The Name of the Band is Extreme. so...
"If you don't like what you see here....."
6 stars"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
