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Tesla - Alive In Europe 2009

Label: Frontiers
Format: CD download
Released: 2010
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 7 /10


Recorded on various dates throughout the ’09 continental trek (acoustic tinged "Modern Day Cowboy" acknowledges Barcelona, just the first of many), Tesla have recorded their first proper ‘electric’ live platter, 15 songs long, with all the requisite hits. What else would you play on the European festival circuit?

 

Starting the album with the titular selection from their last studio album is a little presumptuous. For the casual/80s fan (ie. those familiar with the initial pair of release and maybe "5 Man Acoustical Jam"), it’s three songs in before striking a chord, the aforementioned Spanish rendition, then ‘Heaven’s Trail’. Always nasal, Jeff Keith’s voice is a little rough in spots, such is the nature of truly live platters (and constant touring). A lot more twin leads noticeable (‘Shine Away’). The crowd sings along to the ‘Love Song’ ballad and there’s even a new song, the gritty, mid-tempo ‘Breakin’ Free’. Speaking of electricity-free guitars (the band sort of made a name for themselves utilizing the same), amongst the numerous inclusion, the best are their cover of ‘Signs’ backed by ‘Lil Suzie’, which are next to last in the running order. Sort of strange to not here ‘EZ Come, EZ Go’ or ‘Cumin At You Live’, but only so many of the debut’s stellar gems can be aired, especially to differentiate this from the ’01 double live outing. A trippy ‘Into The Now’ ends the evening.

Decent selection and presentation, even if not banter (foreign tongues vs. English). The label now has domestic distro, so if you can wait, can pick this up at a non-import price!

 
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