ALIVE AND KICKIN' ASS

I've been a fan of Crack the Sky for many years. They are one of those bands that deserved more success than they got, but to their credit kept playing in one form or another for many, many years. Alive and Kicking A#@ is an excellent live album featuring most of the original band line up: John Palumbo (guitar/lead vocals), Rick Witkowski (lead guitar/vocals), Joey D'Amico (drums/vocals), Joe Macre (bass/vocals), and Jim Griffiths (guitar/vocals). The show is made up of most of Crack the Sky's most recognizable material and captures their live energy and near-virtuoso playing.

The show starts with the classic intro-"These guys came down from and acid trip to play for you tonight.." The set starts with live staple Hold On and proceeds through a fine set including "classic" songs like She's a Dancer, Lighten Up McGraw, Nuclear Apathy, Ice and their fine cover of The Beatles I Am the Walrus. The playing is great and the band stretches out many of the songs with some intricate multiple guitar solo's and extended versions of the songs. The vocals are not always consistent, but they don't detract much from the songs as John Palumbo's lyrics are interesting, sarcastic, and entertaining.

I've always thought these guys were better live than in the studio and this cd confirms that. Even 30 years later they still can kick a*# live. A solid 4 stars and recommended.