Alice Cooper is a living Metal legend, whose iconic, garish theatricality may seem tame compared to some modern shock-rockers, but was once dangerous and frightening. He’s known for a number of things, notably for always having a top-notch band of hired guns.
“A Paranormal Evening” features 18 of his best-known hits performed live, which yes, unfortunately includes “Poison.” On the plus side, it also includes just about every song that he’s known for: “Billion Dollar Babies,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Only Women Bleed,” “Feed My Frankenstein,” “School’s Out,” and “I’m Eighteen.” There are also some newer and lesser known cuts that hold their own among the classics, including “Brutal Planet” and “Paranoiac Personality” from last year’s “Paranormal” studio album.
What you really need to know: The songs sound great. The live mix is meticulous; the result is perfect. Cooper doesn’t sound like a geezer trying to cash in on his past, he sounds like a Rock n’ Roll God in the prime of his career.
If you’re a superfan, you definitely want this for these vibrant, heavy, lively versions of the songs you love. If you’re a casual fan, you want this for the songs you know, and to maybe find a few new favorites. If you’ve somehow never heard his music, then this is a fine representation, and as good a place to start as any. And lastly, if you’re still feeling burned by his questionable late 80s foray into Glam Metal, then you should still give this a listen. It could win you back over to him.
