The long-awaited CD Digipak issue of the fabulously limited live album from emo's most beloved champions Jawbreaker released on drummer Adam Pfahler's own Blackball imprint. Recorded at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre o... more »n April 30th, 1996, it's a beautiful mess of melody, angst, power, discomfort and emotion that runs the gamut of the band's storied career. Includes three songs 'Gemini', 'For Esme', and one top-secret track that have never been released prior, as well a song that was not included on the LP version. The undisputed masters of the sound invite you to their regularly scheduled heartbreak. (Blackball Records)« less
The long-awaited CD Digipak issue of the fabulously limited live album from emo's most beloved champions Jawbreaker released on drummer Adam Pfahler's own Blackball imprint. Recorded at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre on April 30th, 1996, it's a beautiful mess of melody, angst, power, discomfort and emotion that runs the gamut of the band's storied career. Includes three songs 'Gemini', 'For Esme', and one top-secret track that have never been released prior, as well a song that was not included on the LP version. The undisputed masters of the sound invite you to their regularly scheduled heartbreak. (Blackball Records)
"when i initially heard about the lottery for the lp version of this record, i was bummed to find i'd missed its deadline by less than two weeks. i was excited to see the cd release, and am stricken with nostalgia after listening to it: the old favorites and the new songs (in particular "gemini," a bruiser of a rock tune) are done with the expected greatness, the performance is energetic, and the production is nearly squeaky-clean. i only wish that there was more on this disc - $ for a 9-song disc, while more economical than most of the other less-rocking major label dreck out there, is still a little steep. If the extra buck or so goes to putting out a b-sides/rarities compilation, though, I'll be pleased as punch. Buy this if you haven't already (and you probably have, right?)."
Finally the live CD we've been waiting for!
Peter Grassi | Santa Clara - a weird historic town | 11/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some three years after the breakup of perhaps one of the last post-Nirvana great punk hopes, this gem from the live Jawbreaker vaults is released - confirming with each blistering track something fans knew all along - that Blakes' vocals were always stronger live and toned down in comparison to their last studio release "Dear You." Some of Jawbreaker's best tracks are here, including "Jinx Removing" and "Boxcar" and they truly never sounded better, with the distortion of Blake's Gibson billowing and the vocals sounding like true "Bivouac" era-Jawbreaker - ruff, edgy and full of heart. Thank God this was released. It's beautiful. The few unreleased tracks included here resoundingly suggest Jawbreakers' finest moments weren't behind them - "Gemini" is just amazing. There's no point in wondering what if now. It's just so apparent they could have taken over whenever they wanted to."
Do you really need a review
pleasedontshootme | Philly, PA United States | 04/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've come this far, you don't need my to tell you why you should own this. just do yourself a favor and buy it."
What could have been
Matthew Mayer | College Park, Maryland | 12/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hearing 4/30/96 made me break out all my old Jawbreaker albums, and wonder what else Jawbreaker could have put out if they were still together. Especially after I listened to the radio and how many bad bands are out there now (i.e. Blink 182, stained, creed, etc). This is an excellent recording of the best live band I have ever seen. If you have no prior experience with Jawbreaker's music, this is an excellent place to start. Jawbreaker made great music, this album captures only some of it. I'm glad Blake is out there again making music with Jets to Brazil, its very good, but I dont think im alone when i say, miss yah Jawbreaker. Anyway, its useless to be angry about the break up of a great band, just enjoy what they have left, this album definately helps. Check out Jets to Brazil too!"
Live works for jawbreaker
Paul Taylor | UK | 07/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a really good tight set played by jawbreaker with a few new tracks on it aswell the only real let down is that they only played a small set and as good as the music is it would have been better to hear more from jawbreaker before they split having said that the cd is worth picking up it's just about half an hour long so you get a little bit of a listen out of it but it's not one of jawbreakers more pre-eminent releases. I would recommened etc or bivouac and Dear you to this but still you cant beat live shows in alot of ways i only own a few live cd's - willie and lobos - live one, no use for a name - live, face to face - live and bracket - live and all of those releases are pretty good to listen to. When you listen to this live cd you cant help but wonder why they could'nt have been more live recordings in the jawbreaker archive to put on this disc or a similar disc. When you see a band or hear a band live you get to find out whether they are a good band and whether the instruments complement each other like they do on the studio performances well in this case they do which clarifys jawbreakers quality as a band. It would have been a great show to be at and this is the closest your going to get."