Search - King's X :: Live All Over the Place

I have loved these guys since OOTSP, but...

G. Stewart | Chesapeake, VA USA | 08/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"well, this is kind of hard to say, because I have been a fan of King's X since I was a teenager, when they released Out of the Silent Planet back in the abysmal 80's (which I hated musically until these guys came along). Every album up to Dogman was absolutely fantastic, and that includes the transition from their original label and producer to the mainstream guys that released Dogman.



All of that being said, it is strange to listen to a CD with some of the greatest music I have ever heard, and not feel a lot of emotion. I have seen the boys several times and never did they sound like what this disc makes them sound like they sound (if that makes any sense).



Here's the deal, of course the songs are great, the musicianship is great, the harmonies are great, that is what Doug, Ty and Jerry do. But, the recording and mixing is B-A-D, bad. It sounds like they're playing inside a dumpster or a big tin can with one microphone and one amp.



Having seen them, I know that this is not what they sound like, so it is disappointing and I don't understand why the production is sub-par.



Regardless, King's X will always be in my top 3 bands and anything they produce is worth the money, if for no other reason than to show my support for 3 guys that were a big part of my life, even if they didn't know it. I would say that this is a good album to have for the die-hards or those of you that are aware of the King's X sound.



But, if you don't know King's X, and I mean really know King's X, like from Out of the Silent Planet and Gretchen Goes to Nebraska and Faith Hope Love and King's X and Dogman, I would recommend that you start there. At least get their Best of so you understand the talent, the sheer force behind what these 3 guys can do, because when they are on, they are off the hook. I recommend a listen to "Manic Depression LIVE" from "Dogman" and "Over My Head LIVE" from "Best of" for a true understanding of what these guys sound like live.



I left every one of their concerts with my chest hurting from the sound that was bouncing off of my body. I have memories of tears and laughs and smokes and drinks listening to King's X; and I have a very special memory of meeting and talking to Doug in Richmond, VA after a show back in 94. He is a truly kind man, a phenomenal bassist (I still try to emulate him but to no avail), and an exceptional singer (the blues of rock just drip from his lips like Jimi Hendrix or B.B. King; he got soul).



I LOVE KING'S X and I always will, but I really wish that this release would have better displayed the talent that I know that Doug, Ty and Jerry bring to the table as the most underrated, unrecognized and utterly talented band of all time (and there's only 3 of them, can anyone say Rush, because that is the only other band that I can think of that does what King's X does; as a 3 piece, and I think King's X does it better).



But, like I said, I can't put down King's X, even if the sound is a little off; I just love these guys too much. So, I give it a 2 for the technical, a 5 for musicianship, talent and all-around kick-A55 album making, and a bonus point because they ARE KING'S X! Which is how I arrive at a 3-4 star rating.



Hurts to say so, because I have never rated a King's X album lower than a 5. It just doesn't seem right."