Excellent performance...useless copy protection.
Mark Morton | Boyertown, PA USA | 07/16/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Rock 'n' Rolf Kasparek-the man's an absolute institution. Disregarding trend, the man has made a career spanning over 14 releases in 19 years...every release a variation of a style he developed from day one-potent, bombastic, fist-banging metal anthems. `Live' is a fine representation of Rolf's dedication to Teutonic Metal, and, while obviously studio cleansed, is still a fantastic initiation for the untried and a fond addition for the diehards. These two CDs culminate material from many of Running Wild's most notable releases (however obscure they've been on American shores): `The Brotherhood,' `Death Or Glory,' `Pile of Skulls,' `Victory,' `Black Hand Inn,' `Blazon Stone,' `The Rivalry,' `Port Royal,' `Gates To Purgatory,' `Ready For Boarding,' and the immortal `Under Jolly Roger.' While there is arguably no live album in existence that pleases fans 100 per cent, `Live,' as exhibited above, represents an interesting cross-section of Running Wild's work, including some surprising classics, like "Prisoner of Our Time" (from the band's debut), "Uaschitschun," "Riding the Storm", and the rare "Purgatory." This is not to say that Running Wild's absolute best work lives on in their '80s releases, as the band has been known to knock in some shockers here and there, making the listener say "Whoa, where'd that come from?" `Live' was recorded on the German tour for 2002's `The Brotherhood' release, and while the fans were not properly miked for this recording, the energy of said live performance is still intact. One of the hallmarks of a Running Wild performance is Rolf's lack of inter-song banter, letting the music breathe and speak for itself. Obviously designed for the fans, `Live' is also an intriguing release in that it is formatted so it cannot be played on a computer drive. I can understand why a band or record company wouldn't want studio albums available for computer assimilation, but this is just a live album. As a fan, I would want the opportunity to be present for anyone willing to give Running Wild a listen, and from a business standpoint, wouldn't leaking a couple tracks bring in new fans? I don't think I'll ever understand the German business ethic, but you take what you can get, I guess."
BEWARE !!! Useless copy protected CD !!!
A. E. | NY United States | 06/06/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"If I could I'd give this CD -100 stars. The music on it is not bad if you can listen to it. The CD is so good copy protected that you cannot listen to it. It won't play in the computer and even in some CD players. The software player enclosed on the CD, which suppose to play this CD on the computer is useless. Was skipping and made funny noises in all 5 computers I tried to play this CD. It is impossible to make MP3 files, to listen to it on a MP3 player.
It is THE MOST useless CD I own. I would not pay for it 10 cents if I was to buy it again.Stay away from this junk !"
LIVE at last!...
torquemada | beirut, lebanon | 12/28/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"what can i say about Running wild that hasnt been said thousands of times before. so now , ladies and gents, comes the latest offering from our dearest pirats from Hamburg, and it's a Live album! forget "Ready for Boarding", this is a set of 100+ minutes of crushing speed metal the way it should be played.
why does it miss a star? cos nothing from "Masquerade" was played in this album! whatta shame really. however, dont let that detail hinder you from buying this if you love music with crunchy guitars rythmics and ultra precise drum playing. this album is for ya!"
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1