Search - Ted Nugent :: Sweden Rocks: Live 2006

Rocks Start To Finish & It's Not Ted's Vocals, It's The Mix

"The Woj" | Downers Grove, IL | 05/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A great live set from Ted and his backing band, Dokken members bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Mick Brown. Some reviews here have criticized Ted's vocals. Sure, Nugent is more of a "vocal stylist" than a singer; but I don't buy Ted's albums for his vocals. I get them for Nugent's ferocious and (still) gonzo guitar playing. There is plenty of killer ax work on this live set to keep even the most dedicated Nugent fan happy. The main issue I have is the mix and production (or lack of it). Ted's vocals are set up way too high in the mix. Ted's guitar should be set at "11" not his vocals. If the vocals are indeed at "11", Ted's guitar seems to be set at "8" and the rest of the band at "6" or "7". The album also seems very under-produced leaving the overall vibe of the album a bit subdued. "Sweden Rocks" could almost pass for one of the "Instant Live" soundboard recordings ("Instant Live" shows are taken direct off the soundboard, recorded immediately to cd-r, and sold right after the show). With Ted's vocals so prominent in the mix, it is easy to see why his detractors are crying for Derek St. Holmes. (As an aside, Cliff Davies had more to do with Ted's "sound" than Derek's ever did).

In short, a must have for any Uncle Ted fan. The Nuge shells out plenty of riffage and attitude to demand repeated listening. Newcomers, however, are best served adding "Double Live Gonzo" to their cart and taking a pass here."

The older you get, the better you get!

Live Album Review | USA | 05/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Ted Nugent, and if you have never seen him in concert, then you have never seen the inspiration for what is true Rock and Roll. This is Uncle Ted's fifth live album, and they each keep getting better and better. However, if I had to offer one criticism it would be this; Believe it or not Uncle Ted under sells himself. Yes, you read me correctly, Uncle Ted under sells himself. Four of his five live albums have basically the same set list. Granted there are at least six songs that must be included in any Nugent concert or live recording, however he has an untapped catalog of music that is gathering dust in cd collections across America. Uncle Ted if you are reading this, please include tracks like Weekend Warriors, Tied Up In Love, Kiss My A**, No No No, Good Friends and A Bottle Of Wine, Little Miss Dangerous on your next live recording.



As for pure energy this is a great Nugent recording, I cannot get enough of his live music, Ted performs each show as if it his last, and the passion is un equaled. Many of today's over complicated performers could take a lesson or two from Terrible Ted Nugent.



In addition, if the greatness of Ted Nugent ever runs for political office, please vote for him, I will.

"

I was there. It was the night of my 45-year life.

Viberga | Sweden | 05/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was there, 30 feet from TED. I have listened to TED since 1975 when I got hold of the Ted Nugent album. I still have Stranglehold as my cell phone signal. This was the first time I saw TED live on stage and I tell you, this was the night of my life. Sure the wedding night was great but my wife was also on this festival and we both loved TED. So, am I a good reviewer? No, I am too biased. I love being biased on TED. The only thing I have a little bit of problem with is his mixing of divine RnR with silly political comments like "I like to kill terrorists" (not included on the CD fortunately). And I agree, a rhythm guitarist/vocalist should not make things worse. Even so, I saluted TED at the concert and I will for the rest of my life."