Search - Korn :: Live & Rare

Good music, TERRIBLE compilation

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 05/11/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In 2003, Korn sixth studio album, "Take A Look In The Mirror," accumulated low record sales. Then Korn ditched Epic Records the following year, and their next album "See You On The Other Side" (which was released in 2005 on a different record label), had improved sales. So is it a coincidence that Epic released this "Live & Rare" compilation this year (after Korn started to get popular again)? No. If there ever was a C.D. released as a cash-in, this is it.



Just by looking at the track listing, one can't help but doubt that these songs are the best that Epic had. This is Korn's first live/rare album, and it already appears that the bottom of the barrel is being scraped. This disc offers absolutely nothing that the hardcore Korn fan hasn't already heard.



Out of the thirteen tracks on here, only two are rare studio songs. Korn have many other rarities which are inexplicably absent here (i.e. "Camel Song," "Xmas Song," "Jesus Was A Mexican," "Jingle Balls," "Kick The PA," and "Sean Olson"). Plus, the two rare songs aren't even all that rare. "Proud" (a stellar and very emotional "Life Is Peachy" b-side) already appeared on the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" soundtrack; and "Earache My Eye" is a Cheech and Chong cover which was the hidden track at the end of Korn's junior album, 1998's "Follow The Leader."



The selection of live songs isn't much better. The first seven songs (which were recorded at Korn's famous concert at CBGB club in New York) are perfectly executed, and are at times even louder (with more audible bass notes) than the original songs. But, we've already heard all of these songs, because this concert was recorded and released as a bonus DVD in Korn's "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" package. It's also curious that "Right Now" is represented in its edited form. (That's not necessarily a bad thing, just kind of odd.)



Next, the cover of "Another Brick In The Wall (Parts 1, 2, & 3)" is a great live performance (recorded on 2004's Projekt Revolution tour), but you already own this song if you own the "Word Up" C.D. single. Likewise, "One" (a Metallica cover) is lifted wholesale from the "Did My Time" single, and it is also the very last song on "Take A Look In The Mirror."



The last two live songs are from Woodstock `99. These two songs, "My Gift To You " and "A.D.I.D.A.S.," are probably the only two songs on here which you haven't heard (unless you've downloaded them). These songs also sound raw, loud, full of aggression, and all around very cool. But it's curious why more songs from this concert aren't included here.



All in all, this is an OK C.D., but it could have been A LOT better. You'd probably be better off making your own live and rare collection, but if you're a Korn fan who doesn't want to spend hours in front of the computer or spend money buying C.D. singles, this is a good, convenient grab. Otherwise, please don't reward Epic for this blatant cash-in. So, in short, if you're a diehard Korn fan, you've already heard all of these songs, so stay away from this disc. Far away."

Live And Not Really Rare

Andrew Estes | Maine | 05/16/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"You knew it was coming, sooner or later. With Korn's recent success with the "See You On The Other Side" album, it was pretty obvious that Korn's previous label, Immortal/Epic, was going to find a way to cash-in somehow. Enter "Live And Rare." A pretty pathetic "collection" of live cuts and rare tracks that spans Korn's pre-"Other Side" career. Maybe the novelty of having another CD where Brian "Head" Welch is still a member of the band will be enough for you. Maybe if you are really out of touch when it comes to Korn, you will be pleased with the tracklisting. However, if you are simply a loyal Korn fan, you'll feel ripped off from the get-go.



First off, we have seven songs from Korn's 2003 performance at the now defunct CBGB's in New York, to promote "Take A Look In The Mirror." If you bought the "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" 2-disc set, than you will notice this is just the audio from the DVD. Big whoop.



Next up, we have a couple of covers. First, a live performance of Pink Floyd's classic anthem "Another Brick In The Wall," as recorded on the Projekt Revolution Tour '04. A great live performance of course, but if you have the "Word Up" single, you already have it. However, if you can't be bothered with imports, than this is a good entry to this collection. I find this performance to be much better than the album version. Coming up next, we have the cover of Metallica's "One," as performed on MTV. We've heard this song before. In fact, it's been beaten into the ground. Not only was it a secret track on "Take A Look In The Mirror," but it also appeared on the single for "Did My Time." I really don't need to hear it again. A studio version would have been nice, but no such luck.



And to round out the live section, we have two songs from the infamous Woodstock 1999, "My Gift To You" and "A.D.I.D.A.S." Now, these are absolute killer performances. Why they didn't include more from this show (or just release the whole show instead of this collection) is beyond me. I have the whole show bootlegged, and it is stunning. "My Gift To You" is enough to send shivers up your spine. Top notch performance.



Finally, the rare tracks. All two of 'em. First, there is "Earache My Eye." Rare? I think not. Just fast-forward at the end of "Follow The Leader," and just like "One," there it is. The inclusion of this song was just a bonehead move. It's a fun cover, with the bandmembers switching instruments (Fieldy on vocals) but it's been done. "Proud," which is my personal favorite b-side of Korn's, however, is a nice inclusion. Although it already popped up on the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" soundtrack, it's still great to hear (especially with the extra little intro). I love this song, and why it didn't make it's way onto "Life Is Peachy" (the album it was recorded for) is beyond me.



So, really, most of this collection is kinda useless. It's so cheap and uninspired, with it's weak tracklisting and lamest of lame artwork (or lack thereof). It's pretty obvious that Korn had nothing to do with this (although they get their own "thank you" section in the liner notes). This collection is merely for those who want a complete Korn collection. If you don't have money to burn, I suggest avoiding it. You can get all these songs on just about any Korn fansite, and surely, there are tons of excellent live bootlegs to grab out there as well. Personally, I feel like my intelligence is being insulted with this collection. Immortal/Epic are simply taking advantage of Korn's fanbase, and not even trying to disguise it. When record labels moan and complain about slumping sales and illegal downloading, I hope they look at releases like this."

Sony's first posthumous KoRn "Cash-In"

Korn | USA | 05/13/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"First off, you have to understand that KoRn does not, as a group, endorse this release... nor did they choose what material would be on this "Live and Rare" album. You see, upon leaving Epic/Immortal for the Virgin label, KoRn lost all rights to EVERYTHING they recorded/produced under Sony's label. Therefore, Sony now has all control and can release JUNKY COMPILATIONS like this whenever/however they want now. The songs are excellent, DO NOT take this review as me bashing KoRn... I am criticizing Sony for releasing these readily available tunes for a quick buck. Nothing is "Rare" about this album. I cannot wait for the day Sony has to sell off the KoRn catalouge... Hopefully, KoRn and Virgin will be ready to deal the highest bid!"