LIVE OUTSIDE

"Jadis" was not very prolific during the late nineties / early 2000's. Only a new studio album every three years. It was the occasion to release a compilation of "rare" tracks ("Medium Rare") as well as two live albums.

This one comes out their "Understand" tour and is almost a whole live version of this good album. Since "Jadis" is rather faithful to their studio work while playing on stage, there is no real added value in terms of music. The plus points being the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that can be felt while listening to this recording. My fave out of the "Understand" track is the energetic "Alive Inside". As usual, Garry is fantastic on the guitar ("Counting All The Seconds" being another emotional moment).

There are also two songs from their debut album "More Than Meets The Eye" which is their best one IMHHO and confirmed here not only because "Wonderful World" is my fave but if the at this stage of their career, the band decided to play two very old songs they must know that this feeling is wIdely spread in their fan database. Guitar work during this track is just somptuous. My highlight (but "Holding Your Breath" is only an inch behind, but still one of the best from this live offering).

This album features two songs already released live in "As Daylight Fades" ("Batstein", "Wonderful World"), two cover songs : the poppish "Weather With You" from a band coming from the Antipodes "Crowded House" from which two members came from the better known "Split Enz". The other one being "Comfortably Numb" from who you know (great guitar again of course). I also do not really appreciate that the version of "Hear Us" is cut by half in comparison to the studio version. A pity.

In terms of live releases, I would recommend more "As Daylight Fades". This one is more for a confirmed fan. And even if it is hardly essential, it provides about one hour of good music including great guitar soli. A good album. Three stars.