All good
j0e_x | Canopus | 12/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The studio disk is great, quite different versions of the songs you've heard 5,000,000 times, the live set from '77 can't be beat and the DVD rocks with a couple of very funny scenes and a wicked "Pipeline". Get it if you love rock and roll. Oh, as usual the world's most under-appreciated drummer, Jerry Nolan kicks it. There will never be another band like the Heartbreakers."
FANTASTIC
M. Flores | Hollywood | 02/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WOW.What can I say?It took too long.But finally some great Johhny that is not a bootleg or re-release with a different cover.For those of you cautious about buying new Johnny product,let me tell ya'.This IS so worth it.Good clean video footage.No lame overdubs.Much of it has never been seen.The Lyceum soundcheck and outtakes,Johnny's fantastic acoustic set as well as Both "D.T.K Live at the speak easy"sets.Did you know Johhny did two shows.I didn't.Both are here in perfect quality.No need to buy the version on the"Can't put your arms around a memory"box set when this is availible.If that's not enough,the rarities CD included is a total bonus.You CANNOT beat this for the quality and price.Whithout a doubt this IS essential Johnny.Do yourself a favour and purchase this exellent package.Rest in peace JT.You are NEVER forgotten and ALWAYS loved,...MARK at www.markfloresmusic.com"
A Review of Down to Kill
D. Wilhelm | Mid Missouri | 02/03/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In summary, this is an excellent value, but I was disappointed with the DVD.
Disc 1: Demos recorded in 1976 and 1977 in the States, with some Walter Lure solo thrown in as well. The Heartbreakers demos are basically recorded live in the studio. The most interesting of the batch are Born To Lose, It's Not Enough and Take A Chance. Born To Lose features some different lyrics. It's Not Enough is all electric, and features the vocals up front so it's really easy to understand the lyrics. Take A Chance is a previously unheard Lure/Nolan composition featuring Jerry Nolan on vocals. It wouldn't have sounded out of place on LAMF. It's an entertaining listen, but there's better versions of these songs on other discs.
Disc 2 is the best of the lot: The complete Live at the Speakeasy! Recorded 3/15/1977. The Heartbreakers are on fire this night, and these live recordings sounds a heck of a lot better than the original release of LAMF. This is essential listening in my opinion.
Disc 3: The DVD was all recorded in 1984, except for some of the extras. This is by far the biggest disappointment. The first part is outtakes from Dead Or Alive. On two of the songs the sound is bootleg quality. On the other two the sound is much better, but it's because it comes from the previous night. The singing and playing is clearly out of synch.
Next up is Johnny acoustic in the studio. I'm not particularily a big fan of Johnny's acoustic side, but I like to hear Sad Vacation anytime. Other than that I don't find it interesting. But if you like Johnny's acoustic music you'll like this set. Finally we get some songs recorded live at the Marquee. The Heartbreakers are a trio now, without Walter Lure. Johnny responds by playing some of his best guitar ever. IMO, they should just have shown this whole set and done away with everything else. Instead we get 6 songs, and the first 2 are edited. Here's to hoping that the whole show was filmed and a DVD will someday be released. The extras aren't worth more than one view, except for the french film clip which is worth no view. It's excruciating.
All in all, This is a good mix of material and deserves 4 stars. I'm bummed by the DVD portion, but considering the low cost of the package, and the lack of J.T. live recordings, I think 4 stars is appropriate."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1